How to enter an official padel tournament
Want to play your first padel tournament? Licence, partner, category, entry: here are the steps, in order.
1. Get an FFT licence
Official tournaments are reserved for players licensed with the French Tennis Federation, which runs padel. The licence is taken in an affiliated club, for the season (September to August). Your club will also tell you which health formalities are required.
2. Find a partner
You enter as a team of two. Your partner must also be licensed, and your level must fit the category. On EsoPadel, you can post an ad on a tournament page to find a compatible partner.
3. Choose the tournament
For a first tournament, aim for a P25 or P50 near you. On EsoPadel, filter by category, draw (Men, Women, Mixed) and department; each page shows the date, club, price and entry deadline.
4. Enter before the deadline
Entry is made with the organiser, usually through the official Ten’Up platform or directly with the club. The entry link is on the tournament page when known. Popular tournaments fill up fast: enter early.
5. On the day
Arrive early to check in, with your racket, balls and water. Matches often follow one another all day. Afterwards, log the tournament on EsoPadel with your partner: it appears in your tournaments played and can earn you badges.