The first-ever Padel Best Expo in Monaco has come to an end. The event brought together padel enthusiasts, celebrities from across the world of sport, VIP visitors and the public for three fantastic days of play and discussions on key themes such as diversity and inclusivity.
Between 7th and 9th April, the Grimaldi Forum hosted the inaugural edition of the Padel Best Expo, an event concept from Italy’s BSG that championed the increasingly popular sport as well as a number of important charitable causes.
Padel courts were set up inside and outside of the venue, which served as both an exhibition space for the many companies in attendance and a competitive arena.
Inclusivity and diversity in sport were among the main themes of the event, and an array of tournaments took place over the course of the three days, with special categories for clubs, young players, women, wheelchair users and even sports celebrities.
The VIP Sports tournament attracted participation from football icons such as Andriy Shevchenko and Fabio Cannavaro, but it was a pair of players from the local Barbagiuans team, Manuel Vallaurio and Jordan Klein, who won the tournament. The duo also won last year’s Five Padel Cup title.
See more: The first ever Padel Best Expo is underway in Monaco
The FIP Rise Monaco professional tournament, a part of the 2024 CUPRA FIP Tour, was another of the event’s highlights. After a series of increasingly intense on-court battles, Daniel Santigosa and Guillermo Collado clinched the victory.
“Their victory here at the Grimaldi Forum marks a significant milestone as they continue their winning streak this season,” said Cécilia d’Ambrosio, President of the Monegasque Padel Federation.
Among those who attended the event in a professional capacity were: Secretary of State Yvette Lambin-Berti; Mathilde Le Clerc, President of the National Council’s Education, Youth and Sport Committee; and Louis Ducruet, nephew to Prince Albert II of Monaco and President of the Barbagiuans team.
A portion of the proceeds of the event was donated to Fights AIDS Monaco, the Principality-based charity founded by Ducruet’s mother, Princess Stéphanie. A special gala evening at Twiga Monte-Carlo took place during the evening of 9th April, and guests were encouraged to dig deep to support the charity as well as Shevchenko’s Football for Ukraine initiative.
Roberta Ceccarelli, CEO of BSG, has expressed her satisfaction with the event’s success, saying, “We’ve established a dynamic forum that not only highlights padel as a sport, but also embraces its potential to foster community and support notable causes.”
Check out our Padel Best Expo reel below:
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Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger / Monaco Communications Department