By Kevin Rademeyer.
Next month the DP World Wanderers Stadium transforms into the epicentre of one of the most significant padel events ever hosted on African soil.
The 360 Padel | Gayle – South African Invitational, taking place from 15 to 17 August, will bring together the sport’s global superstars for a first-of-its-kind team-based tournament, combining elite international action with a vibrant local showcase.
The event marks a pivotal moment in South Africa’s fast-growing relationship with padel. Once a niche pastime, the sport has seen exponential growth nationwide in just three years, gaining momentum across all communities.
Now, the arrival of international legends such as Arturo Coello, Agustín Tapia, Ale Galán, Juan Lebron, and Fernando Belasteguín signals a major step towards South Africa becoming a serious contender on the global padel stage.
In a bold twist on traditional tournament structures, the Invitational will feature a unique team-based format. The world’s top twelve players, primarily from Spain and Argentina, will be split into Team Lebron and Team Galán, captained by the stars themselves.
Across three days, players will be reshuffled in rotating pairings—resulting in surprise alliances, unpredictable rivalries, and relentless intensity.
Key match-ups include:
Friday: Lebron vs Galán in the opening night’s headline clash
Saturday: Coello and Tapia reignite one of padel’s fiercest rivalries
Sunday: A blockbuster finale with Galán and Coello facing Tapia and Lebron
Preceding the international fixtures, each day will open with a local competition showcasing South Africa’s top 12 teams, battling for their own trophy and prize pool. This curtain-raiser not only highlights homegrown talent but reflects a growing desire to formalise the sport nationally.
According to organising committee member Mohammed Saloojee, the Invitational is laying the foundation for more structured development. “We’re putting the blocks in place—elite pathways, youth leagues, credible rankings. The ultimate vision is for South Africa to be recognised on the world circuit, perhaps even joining the FIP’s P1 tour.”
They believe a strong turnout will open doors for South Africa to become a regular stop on the padel circuit. “It sets us up for real conversations with the FIP about having Johannesburg as a destination. We do love to see this become a P1 event in future, not just an invitational,” said fellow committee member Mohammed Majam.
“If we draw 8,000 fans a day, that opens real conversations with the FIP about Johannesburg as a permanent stop,” says Majam. “We want to prove this is more than an invitational—it’s the beginning of something much bigger.”
The stadium itself has been meticulously prepared to meet international court standards, with attention to every detail from sightlines to run-off space. “We have marked every possible seat to make sure fans get the best exposure to the action,” adds Bismilla.
While the action on court will be fierce, the experience off it promises to be just as dynamic. Visitors can expect: Meet & Greets with legends, DJs, giveaways and activations from brands like Adidas, NOX, Babolat, Siux and Lok.
Day passes offer full access to both tournaments, entertainment and fan zones from 8am until late, with Sunday’s schedule adjusted for the local final between international matches.
Tickets are available at www.ticketpro.co.za.
Event Details:
Dates: 15–17 August 2025
Venue: DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Times: Gates open 8am daily; SA matches from 9am–2pm; international matches from 4pm–10pm.