In this episode of Padel Smash Academy, Cesc and Julian sit down with Mike Dorfman, the CEO of the Pro Padel League (PPL), to talk about the explosive growth of Padel and the league’s mission to bring the sport into the American spotlight. Mike shares how his background in tech and insurance shaped his vision for the PPL, why he believes padel is at the tipping point in the U.S., and what it takes to turn eyeballs into diehard fans.

They dive into the league’s luxury brand partnerships with Adidas, Equinox, and Eataly, the media strategy behind deals with Tennis Channel and DAZN, and how the PPL is creating a blueprint for what a modern sports league should look like. From converting casual fans to building a lifestyle around padel, this conversation is packed with insight for players, investors, and entrepreneurs alike.

Check out the Pro Padel League in person this weekend.
PPL Miami @ Wayfair Arena
Buy Tickets: https://www.tixr.com/groups/propadelleague

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Kari Gunnarsson, the visionary CEO and former top-100 badminton pro behind Clutch, the most innovative AI camera system built specifically for Padel. Kari shares the incredible journey from building AI tools for elite badminton coaching during the COVID lockdowns to launching Clutch across 15+ countries.

Discover how Clutch is revolutionizing padel with:

• Instant match highlights and performance insights
• Real-time AI analytics for coaches and players
• Seamless QR code court activation and mobile access
• Affordable pricing for clubs and players
• Built-in tools for training, social media sharing, and even automated ratings

Kari breaks down how the tech works, what sets Clutch apart from other smart cameras, and why AI-powered video is becoming as essential as floodlights in the modern padel club.

Whether you’re a player, coach, club owner, or just obsessed with innovation in padel, this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and a glimpse into the future of the sport.

🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms.
📲 Brought to you by Padel Smash Academy.

In this inspiring episode of the Padel Smash Academy Podcast, Cesc & Julian sit down with a true Padel pioneer and rising star: Adrian Reino and his daughter Ornella Beltramino, the current #1 ranked female junior player in the United States.

Adrian shares the remarkable journey of opening the first-ever padel club in the U.S. back in 2009, building a community before anyone knew what Padel was. From putting up nets on empty courts and advertising in newspapers to shaping the roots of the sport in Florida—his story is one of passion, sacrifice, and vision.

Then, we meet 11-year-old Ornella Beltramino, who is quickly making waves in the international Padel scene. Training in Spain with one of the world’s top academies and mentored by none other than Paula Josemaría, Ornella opens up about:

• Her transition from tennis to padel
• Competing in tournaments with 800+ teams
• Representing the U.S. in the upcoming Junior World Cup
• Her daily routine, sacrifices, and big dream: becoming #1 in the world

It’s a powerful conversation about family, legacy, and chasing greatness—this is a must-listen for every padel fan.

🎧 Tune in now and remember the name: Ornella Beltramino.