The inaugural PADEL BEST EXPO, organized by the Italian company BSG, recently held at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco from April 7-9, 2024, has been a resounding success, bringing together enthusiasts of the rapidly growing sport of padel. This international event was graced by the attendance of notable figures including Secretary of State Yvette Lambin-Berti, Louis Ducruet, President of the Barbagiuans of Monaco, and Mathilde Le Clerc, President of the National Council's Education, Youth, and Sport Committee.
Highlighting the event's charitable aspect, representatives from FIGHT AIDS MONACO, founded and chaired by H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie, were present to support the cause, with a portion of the proceeds being pledged to this significant HIV charity.
The expo wasn't just about showcasing the sport but also about actively engaging visitors through several ephemeral padel courts, including an outdoor one prominently located at the Grimaldi Forum's main entrance. These courts hosted the exhibition and various tournaments, adding competitive excitement to the event.
A key feature was the "PADEL FORUM" area, designed for conferences and interactive sessions with padel personalities and participants, providing a platform for sharing experiences and knowledge about the sport's accessibility and benefits.
The event was packed with activities, from the exhibition featuring international brands and suppliers to several tournaments that underscored padel's universal appeal. The FIP RISE MONACO professional tournament, a part of the CUPRA FIP TOUR 2024, saw Spaniards Daniel Santigosa and Guillermo Collado clinching the title, emphasizing the high competitive standards at the event.
The FIVE PADEL CUP highlighted the diversity within padel, featuring tournaments for clubs, youth, women, wheelchair padel, and sports VIPs, demonstrating the sport's inclusivity. Football legends like Andriy Shevchenko and Fabio Cannavaro participated, showcasing their competitive spirit and passion for padel.
The event concluded with a gala evening at TWIGA, Monaco, celebrating the sport, its players, and contributing to charitable causes, including FIGHT AIDS MONACO and FOOTBALL FOR UKRAINE, with ambassador Andriy Shevchenko. This celebration also marked the anticipation for the next edition of the PADEL BEST EXPO in 2025, promising to continue the momentum of padel's growing popularity and its positive impact.
Roberta Ceccarelli, CEO of BSG/Padel Best Expo, and Dario Marcolin, the event's Networking Manager, reflected on the success of the event and its role in strengthening the bond with the Principality of Monaco, while looking forward to future editions that promise to bring even more excitement and community engagement to the world of padel.
