Halloween, trumpets, and drums, in Doha the padel celebration goes beyond the court

A headband with bat wings, red or black, makes no difference: for the American teams, Halloween is Halloween, and it falls today, so somehow it has to be celebrated, even far from home. And so, at the FIP World Padel Championships in Doha, here are the U.S. players walking around the venue before their match with Denmark, wearing that little winged accessory on their heads — a party within the padel celebration itself. The atmosphere is highly competitive  — it’s a World Championship, after all — but the players’ smiles are the most recognizable ‘brand’ at the magnificent Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. Courtside, the athletes don’t hold back in showcasing their creativity, becoming ‘stylists’ of fandom. Flags of all shapes and materials abound: from the German team’s paper flags — who even do a few dance moves to celebrate a point — to the Portuguese team’s huge banner, complemented by their musical flair. Equipped with drumsticks and a snare drum to rival any percussionist, they accompany each point with a performance reminiscent of Will Champion, the drummer from Coldplay, adding chants and inevitable dance moves. A true show.

The Egyptian team is just as enthusiastic. In their corner, a large percussion drum stands out, played rhythmically by a teammate, and each point rings out with a ‘boom boom’ that resonates throughout the Khalifa venue. And the Japanese? Anyone who’s experienced a sporting event in Tokyo and surrounding areas will remember the little horns, similar to South African “vuvuzelas.” The Japanese players didn’t hesitate to bring a few along, using them mostly as percussion instruments on makeshift drums — the armrests of chairs — that turned their match with Chile into an event within an event, fueled by the cheering and enthusiasm of the Chilean supporters. Speaking of which: both the Chilean and Dutch teams deserve credit for their taste in music — the Chileans with Latin-American rhythms, the Dutch with more pop vibes —broadcast through their portable Bluetooth speakers during practice sessions or while strolling through the venue. Meanwhile, in the player lounge, billiards matches offer their own kind of entertainment. Among the most passionate players are the Spanish and Argentine teams, sharing laughter, teasing, masterful shots, and a touch of competitive spirit that professional athletes just can’t leave behind. The Dutch men’s team, especially, seem to favor the PlayStation controllers, as pre- and post-match relaxation becomes a way to socialize with teams from other countries.

Above all, there’s a magical sense of camaraderie and great willingness to engage. The players make themselves available for selfies with fans, autographs on giant balls and shirts. For example, on Wednesday, after their victory against Germany, the Spanish team headed to the media center, just a few steps from the court. A walk that should have taken only seconds stretched to nearly 15 minutes due to fan affection and polite selfie requests. Among the most photographed were Triay, Ortega, Fernandez, and especially Paula Josemaria, who today adds her birthday celebration to the festivities already in full swing for the World Championships.