The Grimaldi Forum in Monaco has hosted many memorable events — but this weekend, it swapped art, haute couture and conferences for fast-paced rallies and some seriously stylish sport.
Padel Best Village 2025 returned in full force, bigger than ever, introducing pickleball alongside two action-packed days of matches, celebrity guests, spirited business panels, and a charitable gala — all under the patronage of the Italian Embassy in Monaco and organized by the Italian company BSG SRL.
Once again, Monte Carlo confirmed its place as a dynamic crossroads of innovation, culture, and sport.
A Grand Opening
Festivities kicked off on Friday, April 25th, with an official press presentation. Media and VIPs gathered as the expanded programme for this third edition of Padel Best Village was unveiled.By Saturday morning, the action truly began:
An elegant opening ceremony welcomed players and spectators, followed by a lively cocktail reception. Monaco’s Deputy Mayor Marjorie Crovetto and Sports Councillor Jacques Pastor were among the distinguished guests greeting participants inside the newly transformed Grimaldi Forum.
Inside and outside courts provided a fresh, open layout this year, making the matches more accessible for players and fans eager to soak up the Riviera sunshine.
More Than Matches: A New Frontier for Padel and Pickleball
This year, Padel Best Village wasn’t content to stick to tradition — it officially added pickleball to the roster after organizers observed its skyrocketing popularity both in the U.S. and Europe.
Organizer Gianmarco Nardi, inspired by last year’s success, collaborated to expand the offering, ensuring the third edition reflected the latest trends in sport.
Pickleball, the fast-growing blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, proved an immediate hit — with one court perched dramatically on the Grimaldi Forum’s Mediterranean-facing terrace.
Meanwhile, the GIVOVA Five Padel Cup stormed forward, capturing the attention of hundreds of fans and international media. Saturday’s matches delivered thrilling showdowns like Gómez–Signori vs. Frossard–Dutto and Brocchi–Dida vs. Di Biagio–Pacifico across VIP, Women’s, Sponsor, and Inclusive categories.
Legends such as Christian Vieri, Vincent Candela, Cristian Zaccardo, and Frankie Mezzancella joined the rotations, proving that a Champions League spirit translates just fine onto a padel court.
Sport Meets Business: B2B Power Plays
Padel Best Village is more than just a celebration of athletic prowess — it’s also a flourishing marketplace for sport and business innovation.
Throughout the weekend, dedicated B2B networking meetings and panel discussions addressed the future of padel, focusing on topics like:
• Innovation and sponsorship strategies
• Digital marketing in sport
• Investment opportunities in the booming padel sector
Entrepreneurs, athletes, and executives from across Europe and beyond took advantage of the opportunity to forge new partnerships in a vibrant, sport-fuelled environment.
Star Power and Spirited Discussions
Beyond the courts, the Padel Forum panels delivered food for thought. Saturday’s sessions explored themes like:
• Luxury and sport: How padel is becoming the new frontier of exclusive lifestyles
• Injury prevention and osteopathy: Crucial for an aging but ambitious VIP roster
• Smart gear and coaching inspiration: How tech is changing the way we play
Speakers like Christian Vieri, Nelson Dida, and Dario Marcolin offered insider perspectives with a healthy dose of locker-room humour.
Sunday’s discussions shifted toward digital opportunities in sports and the artistic influences on competition, with memorable contributions from Frank De Boer, Fabio Quagliarella, Papu Gómez, and Aron Winter.
Sunday Finals Fever and Charity Spirit
Sunday, April 27th, saw the event build toward a thrilling climax:
• Italy-France semi-finals and finals lit up Campo 1
• Sponsor and Inclusive category finals energized Campos 2 and 3
• An exclusive clinic session let lucky attendees train alongside the legends
On the courts, the VIP Man Tournament was clinched by Vincent Candela and Gigi Di Biagio, two icons of Italian football whose teamwork and passion electrified the crowd.
Off the courts, a night of glamour and generosity unfolded at Twiga Monte Carlo. The gala evening, led onstage by Dario Marcolin and media personality Jimmy Ghione, blended celebration with heartfelt purpose.
A charity raffle, supported by HRH Princess Stephanie of Monaco and sponsored by generous partners, raised funds for Fight Aids Monaco. Meanwhile, renowned flame-artist Dicó wowed guests with a special exhibition of fiery portraits, including one auctioned for the cause.
A Winning Combination
With courts bustling, cocktails flowing, panels buzzing, and charity causes shining through, Padel Best Village 2025 demonstrated once again why Monte Carlo remains a world capital of luxury lifestyle innovation.
“It was a moment of enthusiasm, passion and solidarity that encourages us to continue promoting sport as a tool for unity and growth. See you at the next event!” enthused Roberta Ceccarelli, CEO of Padel Best, summing up the spirit of the weekend.
And there’s a reason padel — and now pickleball — have such staying power: Beyond the thrill of competition, these sports offer a new gathering point for former football stars. Less demanding on aging joints than tennis, rich with teamwork, and perfectly aligned with the Mediterranean spirit of camaraderie and celebration, padel and pickleball have found their Riviera home.
If this spectacular third edition was any hint, 2026 promises to serve up an even bigger and better game.
