The inaugural Growthpoint SA National Padel Championship will bring the country’s leading players together at Padel 365’s Century City and Richmond Park clubs.
Cape Town, South Africa (17 September 2026) – South African padel is about to have a pretty big moment.
The country’s top players will head to Cape Town this October for the first-ever Growthpoint SA National Padel Championship, where they will battle it out for the first official national titles in the sport’s history and a share of R125 000 in prize money.
The tournament will take place across two weekends at Padel 365’s Century City and Richmond Park clubs, with the age-group divisions getting things started from 9 to 11 October before the Open Division takes centre stage from 16 to 18 October.
It is another major milestone for a sport that has grown rapidly in South Africa over the past few years. Padel has attracted players of all ages and experience levels, thanks in part to its fast pace, social atmosphere and the fact that it is just as much fun to watch as it is to play.
Now, players will have something new to chase: the title of South African national champion.
Paul Atkinson, co-owner of Padel 365, says the introduction of an official national championship is an important step for the sport.
“Padel has exploded in South Africa over the past four years. We already have a well-established national tour, overseen by the South African Padel Association, with major tournaments taking place across the country and increasing support from corporate South Africa.”
He says the national titles could also open more doors for the country’s top players as they look towards professional careers, sponsorship and international competition.
“To be able to establish the SA Nationals while padel is still such a young sport in this country is incredibly exciting, and the support of Growthpoint Properties and our other blue chip sponsors shows just how far the sport has already come. We look forward to welcoming the best of the best to Cape Town this October.”
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The championship is backed by title sponsor Growthpoint Properties, alongside many more, including the South African Padel Association.
With national titles up for grabs, R125 000 on the line and the country’s best players heading to Cape Town, the first SA Padel Nationals promises to be a big weekend and an important new chapter for the sport.
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