Meet Chigz
Chigz’s padel journey began relatively recently, just last year. It all started with regular conversations about playing at Club De Padel in Manchester with a friend, although the games never quite materialised. Even though that padel club was just round the corner, it wasn’t until a trip to Southeast Asia – and a spontaneous first match in Bali – that everything changed.
With zero racket sport background but with an active lifestyle, Chigz immediately enjoyed the sport and played twice while abroad. When he returned to the UK, he decided to take padel more seriously. His first recorded match back home became the very first post for Chigz Plays Padel, marking the beginning of a new chapter on TikTok and Instagram, documenting his padel journey.
Community Origins
Content creation has always been part of who he is. What truly excites him is documenting the journey – not just the highlights, but the real progression from a total beginner to someone improving week after week.
“I’ve realised is that people are more interested in somebody’s journey from being awful at something to gradually improving. But I also find that recording myself allows me to spot mistakes and areas that need improvement.” Chigz told us.
He edits all his videos himself to maintain a style and vision that feels authentic to him. His goals are clear: grow his platforms, return to long-form YouTube content, secure sponsorship when the time is right, and eventually turn Chigz Plays Padel into a full-time pursuit when the time is right.
Getting Involved
You can follow his progress across social media at @chigzplayspadel, where he shares matches, improvements, and behind-the-scenes content. It’s really refreshing seeing Chigz document his journey from a beginner, and his content also provides insight into clubs in the UK and further afield too.
For collaborations or business enquiries, Chigz recommends reaching out to him via email.
Community Reflections
Meeting people who follow his content, forming new friendships, playing more challenging matches, travelling to new clubs, and constantly experimenting with fresh ways to make videos engaging have been Chigz’s favourite parts of the journey.
The most difficult part has been the balance – managing work, padel, gym/Hyrox training, family time, social life, and content creation all at once. That is a lot.
Looking Ahead
Chigz is excited for what’s next: improving his game, taking on tougher matches, meeting more people in the padel community, partnering with brands, and seeing just how far this project can go.
Wishing Chigz all the best, and hoping to get a padel game in with him before too long!
