Mexico Waves to Defend Pro Padel League Title in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — The Pro Padel League (PPL) will bring its international tournament to Poliforum Playa del Carmen from Sept. 24 to 27, with the hometown Mexico Waves defending the league title in front of its fans.

The event will feature teams from multiple countries competing for a purse of more than $150,000. Organizers expect more than 8,000 spectators over the four days and said the broadcast will reach more than 100 countries, including U.S. coverage on CNBC and Telemundo.

At a presentation announcing the event, Mayor Estefanía Mercado said the tournament reinforces Playa del Carmen’s standing as a destination for international sports events.

“Today Playa del Carmen takes a step that fills us with pride,” Mercado said. “We are welcoming the most important padel teams in the world, which allows us to compete with New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Guadalajara, which are also part of the circuit.”

Mercado stressed that Mexico Waves is the only Mexican team in the PPL. The club captured the league title in Los Angeles and will now try to defend it before its fans.

“It’s not a visiting club; it’s a team from here that competes with the top stars of international padel and is bringing the most important team-format league in the world home,” she said.

She described the event as “high-impact sports tourism,” saying it would bring economic benefits to hotels, restaurants, transport and other services while boosting the destination’s global profile.

“This is high-impact sports tourism — occupancy, jobs, international promotion and local pride,” Mercado added.

César and Leonel Fernández del Campo, the PPL promoters, said playing at home should give Mexico Waves an extra lift.

“In Los Angeles we felt a little alone,” César Fernández del Campo said. “Here we are at home, and I am sure this stadium will be enjoyed.”

The tournament field includes Maxi Arce, David Gala, Alex Ruiz, Arroyo, Jofre and Libar, all ranked among the top 30 players in the world, according to organizers.

Former NBA player Eduardo Nájera, municipal sports director Alberto López, and Wilberth González, a delegate of the Quintana Roo Sports Commission, attended the presentation.