The UK’s biggest padel event lands in Stockport with an all-star cast of top professionals

On Monday, 10 August, what was billed as the UK’s ‘biggest and best’ padel event got underway in Stockport, as the Sci-Mx Padel Series came to Manchester Padel Club (MPC). Safe to say it didn’t disappoint one bit.

Hosted at the impressive Heald Green facility in Gatley, the Summer 2026 tournament, which saw everyone from total beginners to the cream of the crop turn up in force and fine form, drew a sold-out crowd of over 400 – and that was just the first day.

Running until 5pm this following Tuesday (11 Aug), the competition saw four all-weather and one outdoor courts taken over by padel’s hottest prospects and plenty of plucky underdogs.

More importantly, however, chatting with those not only right at the heart of this particular sporting showcase but the game as a whole gave us a wider appreciation for the craze than ever.

First off, props must be given to Sci-Mx and the MPC, which put on a super slick opening afternoon, with plenty of live music, refreshments, bleacher seating, not to mention merch to grab for those who really want to look the part.

Besides the usual trickle of famous faces you regularly see at pro-am events across the country, they even had sports commentator Sam Matterface on the mic to add that extra bit of live flair to the action.

We expect no less for day two tomorrow.

We were lucky enough to catch everyone from last-minute sign-ups and people who have never picked up a racket before to the literal number ones, including UK no.1 Christian Medina Murphy, and even Agustín Tapia, currently ranked the best player in the world.

The men’s exhibition to round off day one at Manchester Padel Club – which saw these two come face to face with separated partners – showed just how fast the best of the best play, demonstrating a frightening level of talent (you can watch the full livestream HERE).

But, to be honest, we were pretty blown away by the high standards from the off, even among the so-called ‘amateurs’ the sports nutrition brand assembled. They certainly didn’t look it to us…

Sarah Horrocks, who heads up the Padel Foundation and partnered sports apparel brand, Palair Sport, was made up with the “family-friendly atmosphere” they’ve managed to deliver on opening day, too.

“It’s very much been a ‘bring anyone along’ approach”, she told The Manc, “and that’s exactly what communities need when it comes to sport. The turnout’s been amazing, especially on Monday.

“You can always fill a padel court these days, but lots of people will have never seen this level before, so having everyone here is special, and hopefully, it’ll inspire the kids and adults here to keep playing and influence that next generation.”

We also got to chat with Team GB padel player, Nikhil Mohindra, who spoke about how impressed he was with the calibre of talent on show even before the pros stepped out.

“It’s such a privilege to be involved with Sci-Mx and the Manchester Padel Club. It’s a very professional put-together event. It’s also exciting to see Sarah and the Foundation continuing to give people who’ve never had the chance to play sport full stop, let alone just padel, in underprivileged areas.

“Getting to not only play and film some content with the best players in the world, but also teach and instruct some of these younger players how to actually hit these shots – it’s a really unique opportunity to do that, so it’s an honour to be involved.”

As absolutely useless beginners ourselves, we also asked him for some useful tips to help us get started.

“I think in tennis you try and hit through the ball, whereas here, the softer you play, the better, as it’s a much more tactical sport; it’s about positioning, and because the courts are only 20×10, it’s about finding those gaps. The lob is the main shot here, so get used to using that and the glass as early as possible.”

Asking the pair what it is that they think has inspired this ongoing padel phenomenon and boom in courts opening across the North West, they believe it has a hugely “wide appeal”, with everyone from youngsters, ex-pros and even current athletes looking for something to mix up their schedule.

They also think a key part of its rapid growth here in the UK also comes down to how quickly people can improve, with Nikhil quipping that once people go online and check out the points, they’re often easily “tempted to come and give it a go for themselves.”

As for Sci-Mx, locally-born owner Sandy Chadha made it clear how key that element of access and the aim of making it for everyone was a core pillar of the event. Speaking ahead of the first ball, he said: “This is a massive coup for the Manchester Padel Community.

“We are bringing top-class talent to the region and throwing the doors open for two unforgettable days of world-class talent. It was important to me that accessible to all fans, whether you’re a first-timer or play every week; the aim is to bring everyone together in this state-of-the-art facility to watch the best players on the globe face off in my hometown.

After seeing the rapturous applause from the intimate but packed-out crowd at Manchester Padel Club on a random Monday evening, we can confidently say we’re more keen to try our hand at it than ever.

Last but not least, if you fancy doing your bit for a good cause, you can donate to the Padel Foundation’s ‘Sport For Everyone’ fundraiser right HERE.

Can’t wait to do it all over again tomorrow.

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Featured Images — The Manc Group