CONTESTS
June 21, 2026
by X3 Padel
7 min read
What is Americano in padel: the perfect format for fun and community
Heard players talking about "Americano" and want to know exactly how it works? We explain the community's favourite playing format: how the scoring works, why it's perfect for every level, and how to join the next X3 Padel event.
READ MOREHeard players talking about "Americano" and not sure exactly what it means? It's probably the most fun and social format in padel, and exactly the kind of event we want to run regularly at X3 Padel.
If you're tired of always playing with the same 3 people, or you want to meet more players from the community, Americano is the answer. It's not a classic knockout tournament, it's a format designed specifically for fun, socialising and balanced play, regardless of level.
What is the Americano format
Americano is a padel tournament format where you don't have a fixed partner. Instead, you play a short match with every other participant, switching partners after each round. In an Americano event with 8 players, for example, you'll end up playing alongside each of the other 7 participants, one by one, throughout the event.
That means less pressure, more variety, and the chance to meet new players in every match. It's exactly why the format has become so popular in padel clubs around the world, Timișoara included.
How the scoring works
You play in teams, but score individually
Even though each match is played as doubles (2 against 2), the points are individual. At the end of each short match, every player gets the number of points their team scored in that match. Then new teams are formed for the next round.
A concrete example
Americano matches aren't played in sets, but up to a fixed number of points, usually 24 or 32. Here's what a match finishing 20-12 looks like:
Winning team (player A + player B)
20 points each
Opposing team (player C + player D)
12 points each
After this match, players A and B each log 20 points to their individual tally, while C and D each log 12 points. For the next round, all 4 players are paired with new partners.
Who wins
At the end of the event, once all rounds have been played, each player's individual points from every match are added up. Whoever has the most points wins the Americano. Simple, fair, and no ambiguity.
Why Americano is so loved
Social by design
You play with and against every participant. A great way to meet new players from the community.
Fair across all levels
Because partners keep changing, differences in skill level naturally even out over the course of the event.
No knockout pressure
There's no elimination. Every match counts towards your final score, but one bad round doesn't put you out of the competition.
Fast-paced and fun
Matches are short, so the action stays constant. You won't be sitting on the sidelines for long between games.
Americano at X3 Padel
At X3 Padel we will be organising Americano events regularly, designed as a relaxed but competitive way to play within the community. We want it to become a steady weekly event, so anyone can count on it as a fun, reliable part of their routine.
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01
Level 5
Americano dedicated to players just starting out. Relaxed atmosphere, ideal for those who want to have fun and meet new people, without the pressure of a fast pace.
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02
Level 4
For players with some recreational experience who want a slightly more engaging game, while staying relaxed and friendly.
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03
Level 3, based on demand
For intermediate players who want a faster pace and a bit more serious competition, we'll organise a dedicated Americano if there's enough demand from the community.
Not sure exactly what level you are? We've written a complete guide to padel levels in Romania to help you figure out where you fit.
The best way to find out when the next Americano event is happening is to join our WhatsApp community, where we announce all events and where you can sign up directly.
How to sign up
Sign-ups for Americano events happen through our WhatsApp community, where we announce the date, time and level of each event in advance. It's also the fastest way to find out about upcoming events and reserve your spot.
Join the next Americano
Come and play, have fun and meet new players from the X3 Padel community. Join the WhatsApp group to find out when the next event is.
Find out more in the X3 Padel communityTrack your progress on the ranking
Every match played at an Americano event will be logged in the Racket ID app. Download the app and create an account, so you can see your results, keep them in your history and benefit from the ranking system.
Questions about Americano events or how they work? Write to us at contact@x3padel.ro.
