The stage is set for what promises to be one of the most exciting weekends in American padel history. From June 27 to 29, the US National Team will face off against Brazil in the inaugural America Padel Cup, which will take place in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro.
Eight nations from North, Central, and South America will battle it out in an elimination-style format that’s never been seen before. Think Davis Cup, but for padel, and with the added excitement of featuring both absolute and under-18 junior players competing across male, female, and mixed doubles.
Meet the Players Representing the USA
Leading the charge in the men’s absolute division are Nico Agritelley and Vinny Di Francesco. These two are seasoned competitors with a first-round victory together in the Premier Padel P1 Miami earlier this year.
The women’s absolute category features Daniela Ruiz Alvarez and Sofia Adamowich. Both players represented the USA at the FIP World Championships in Doha last year, and Adamovich also played in Premier Padel P1 Miami earlier this year.
But what makes this competition truly special is the inclusion of the next generation of talent. In the male under-18 division, Camilo Velasco Franco and Pablo Avina are poised to leave a lasting impression. Meanwhile, the female junior category features standout players Emma Avina and Delfina Inza. These promising young athletes may become the future stars of American padel and have represented the USA in previous international competitions. The FIP Promises Chicago tournament earlier this year provided an excellent training opportunity for these players, with Delfina Inza winning the U18 category.
Coaches Jose Pablo Arizpe and Luis Fernando Ramirez guide this diverse squad. Their combined expertise and leadership will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead.
Tough Task in First Match
Brazil enters as the second seed in the tournament, playing on home soil with the passionate Brazilian crowd behind them. The pressure is real, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The winner advances to the semi-finals later this summer.
For the American squad, this represents the ultimate test of character. Traveling to Rio de Janeiro to take on a seeded team in their backyard is the kind of challenge that forges champions.
Coach Luis Ramirez isn’t backing down from the moment. “This is the first-ever edition of the America Padel Cup, and being part of this historic moment in the sport’s growth is truly an honor,” he said. “We know we’re the underdogs, but we’re coming with a young team that’s fearless, motivated, and ready to make a statement. Representing the USA on this stage means everything, and we’re ready to give it our all in Rio.”
More Than Just a Match
What makes this tournament special isn’t just the competitive format but the vision behind it. The America Padel Cup represents the sport’s explosive growth across the American continents, bringing together nations all experiencing their padel boom. Every team, from the established powerhouses to the emerging programs, has something to prove.
The multi-generational format adds another layer of intrigue. Watching seasoned veterans like Agritelley and Di Francesco compete alongside teenage prodigies like the Avina siblings creates a unique dynamic that showcases the present and future of American padel. These young players aren’t just gaining experience but helping write the first chapter of what will become a legendary tournament tradition.
The Road Ahead
Win or lose, the US National Team is already making history simply by being there. The underdog label might fit on paper, but padel has a beautiful way of rewarding heart, hustle, and tactical brilliance over seeding and expectations.
The semi-finals await the victor, and you can bet every player on the American roster is visualizing themselves celebrating in Rio and booking their tickets for the next round. This is their shot to announce that American padel has arrived on the international stage.
As the team prepares for this historic weekend, they carry the support of the entire American padel community. From coast to coast, players and fans will be watching, cheering, and believing that anything is possible when you step onto the court with the USA on your chest.
The America Padel Cup begins June 27th. Let’s make some history.
Bullpadel, Chosen Foods, Padel Haus, and Van Eck proudly support the US National Team’s journey to the America Padel Cup. Their commitment to growing padel in America helps make moments like these possible.
