The 2026 Pro Am Padel Tour concluded in spectacular fashion at Padium, Canary Wharf, where Team Goode claimed the title of National Champions. Led by former England rugby star Alex Goode, the winning team secured a £12,000 donation for the Matt Hampson Foundation, marking the end of a high-profile season dedicated to expanding the sport's reach across the UK.
Tournament Highlights and Award Winners
The Grand Final featured a unique format that paired celebrities from the worlds of sport and entertainment with elite British padel professionals. While Team Goode took the top spot, Team Manford finished as runners-up, followed by Team James in third place. Beyond the team standings, several individuals were recognized for their standout performances and contributions to the event:
- Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards: Presented to Natasha Dowie and Chris Stark for their exceptional play throughout the day. They were each awarded a Certina DS-7 timepiece by Certina CEO Dieter Pachner.
- Skechers Perfect Pair Award: Awarded to Luca Bish and Kem Cetinay, who were honored for their high-quality court performance and the infectious energy they brought to Team Manford.
The event also served as a vital stage for the next generation of British talent. Emerging players, including U18 GB representative Stan Hunt, U14 players Flynn Hogarth and Charlie Palling, and other rising stars like Harry Tolman, Elsie Washbourne, Aisling Condren, and Jasper Smallwood, competed alongside established professionals to earn points for their respective teams.
A core mission of the 2026 Tour was to foster inclusivity and community growth. The Grand Final program featured several initiatives supported by the LTA to ensure the sport remains accessible to all:
- Community Sessions: Outreach programs welcomed groups such as Padel Prams and the Black Heart Foundation to introduce new participants to the sport.
- Adaptive Padel Session: A dedicated session featured Louis Telford, the UK’s No. 1 wheelchair padel player, showcasing the accessibility of the game for athletes of all physical abilities.
The tour's success was amplified by strategic media partnerships, most notably a live broadcast on talkSPORT’s YouTube channel, which reached a massive audience. Additionally, Pro Creator Partners Frankie Langan (Into Padel) and Nikhil Mohindra (Behind The Glass) provided exclusive behind-the-scenes content that helped bridge the gap between professional competition and the wider public. As the season concludes, the Pro Am Padel Tour continues to solidify its role in moving padel from a niche activity into the mainstream of British sports culture.
