Co-founders of the Anglo American Padel Cup say it’s “absolutely the right moment” to launch their exciting Ryder Cup-style format, which debuts in London on 10-11 October.
The inaugural tournament pits Great Britain against the United States across Open and age group divisions (40+/50+/60+) for men and women at The Padel Hub in Whetstone — and its format draws on 175 years of sporting history between the two nations.
Headliners in the British team will be men’s captain and former LTA no.1 Rafa Vega, plus GB international Alfonso Patacho and GB no.6 Cameron Dollimore. LTA no.1 Ellie Tait will be skippering the women’s side.
Both teams will consist of four players (two teams) per category in both men’s and women’s competitions, with a total of 64 players participating. Both teams will play each other in each category, followed by mixed doubles.
Winning points accrued within each category will contribute to an overall team total over the two days to decide which country is the overall winner.
The Anglo American Padel Cup is the brainchild of co-founders Joelle Quinn (strategic marketing and sponsorship), Bill Ullman (President of the US Padel Association, from a finance background) and Ben Nichols (familiar to a British padel audience as founder and CEO of communications agency Padel 22).
Joelle told The Padel Paper: “We’re tapping into the fun rivalry and long history of competition between the two countries, who are both just grasping how amazing this sport is for fun, exercise and community.
“It’s absolutely the right moment to get involved in this sport. You can feel the groundswell in the States and in the UK. Our tournament is going to be a part of that and do something different. We’re anticipating some serious padel played in a fun atmosphere.”
Ben concedes that organising a new competition concept is a “huge undertaking” but hopes that proof of concept in year one will attract even more sponsors, high-calibre players and endorsement from padel governing bodies in future years.
“It’s our ambition for the Anglo American Padel Cup to become a sanctioned event with ranking points on offer. Until that point, we will be trying to find the best ranked players in the UK and US, and asking them to commit to an interesting project which will raise their profile.
“After being part of the first one, they will hopefully be able to look back on it in years to come as a moment of pride.”
The event is endorsed by the USPA and the LTA will be providing qualified officials. After the initial event, it is anticipated that the Anglo American Padel cup will become annual, with the host nation alternating between the UK and the States each year. A venue for 2026 in America is currently being sought.
Playtomic and Babolat are on board as title partners, in addition to Bero (Tom Holland’s non-alcoholic beer brand), apparel brand Pulco and Virgin Holidays, and there are a host of activations and activities planned for spectators.
Joelle added: “There’s going to be a festival atmosphere and hopefully the start of many new trans-Atlantic friendships.”
