Oier Zuazua’s unconventional path to professional padel
The channel introduces Oier Zuazua as a unique figure in the world of professional padel. Unlike many of his peers, Oier began his padel journey at the age of 25, a late start by any standard in elite sport. Now, at 30 years old and ranked #33 on the A1 Pádel circuit, his story stands out as one of resilience, rapid progression, and personal transformation.
Born in Vitoria, Oier’s entry into padel was not driven by early ambition or family tradition. Instead, it emerged from a period of personal difficulty. Following advice from a psychologist, he sought refuge in two passions: padel and nutrition. What began as a therapeutic outlet quickly evolved into a life-changing pursuit, with the court becoming his sanctuary and a place of focus and meditation.
Turning adversity into competitive strength
Oier openly discusses how padel helped him manage negative emotions and pressure, particularly during a time when he worked as a sports betting broker—a job he describes as highly stressful. The reviewer highlights Oier’s ability to channel adversity into improved mental strength on the court. He notes that the unique pressures of professional sport, especially after deciding to compete seriously, are often misunderstood by those outside the circuit.
Oier’s worst sporting moment came during a qualifying round in Budapest, where a string of defeats and personal setbacks culminated in a difficult loss. He recalls the frustration of unmet expectations and the financial and emotional toll of repeated early exits. However, he emphasizes that these experiences were ultimately instructive, teaching him to manage disappointment and view defeat as an opportunity for growth.
- Key lesson from defeat: “Enseñanza” (teaching/lesson)
- Emotional recovery: Typically rebounds within hours, using setbacks as motivation to return to training
Breakthrough moments and the transition to professionalism
The creator highlights Oier’s breakthrough at a Master’s event in South Africa, where reaching the quarterfinals marked a turning point. This achievement validated his belief in his own potential and shifted his mindset from hopeful amateur to true professional. Oier describes this as the moment when his efforts and sacrifices began to make sense, providing a mental blueprint for future success.
His late start in padel is particularly noteworthy. While many professional players transition from tennis or start training in adolescence, Oier’s rapid ascent from novice to main draw competitor in just five years is described as “a true feat.” The reviewer notes that Oier’s style is unorthodox—often called “ugly” or “different”—but highly effective and difficult to counter, making him a formidable opponent on court.
Daily routines and the importance of healthy habits
Oier’s typical day reflects the discipline required at the professional level. He wakes up early, usually around 6:30 am, and incorporates a mix of physical preparation, technical training, and work in the cryptocurrency sector. His routine includes:
- Early rising and stretching
- Work (2–3 hours in cryptocurrency and investments)
- Physical training with a coach
- Padel practice (often double sessions to improve technique)
- Social time with friends and family
- Evening reading and stretching before bed
This structured approach, combined with a focus on continuous improvement, has been central to his progress. The creator underscores Oier’s belief that perseverance and good habits are more important than innate talent, a message he reiterates for aspiring players.
Advice for aspiring and professional padel players
Oier offers clear guidance for those starting out in padel: believe in yourself, work hard, and develop strong habits. He insists that success is possible even without natural talent, provided there is dedication and a willingness to learn. For those aiming to turn professional, he recommends relocating to where the best players and coaches are—Madrid, in his case—so that one can absorb the culture, routines, and standards of elite competition.
- For beginners: Focus on perseverance, self-belief, and daily effort
- For aspiring pros: Train where the top players are and learn from their habits
Personal inspirations and on-court preferences
Music and inspiration play a role in Oier’s preparation. Before matches, he prefers songs in Euskera, such as “Alda pangora,” and sometimes energetic remixes to get motivated. He also draws inspiration from sports documentaries, particularly one about Kobe Bryant and the transformation of the US basketball team, highlighting the impact of leadership and discipline on collective success.
When asked which shot he would “steal” from another player outside the top 20, Oier praises the víbora of Marcos Córdoba, noting its effectiveness and his own efforts to emulate it during training. He also mentions working on his own backhand volley to further diversify his game.
Key takeaways from Oier Zuazua’s journey in padel
- Late start, rapid rise: Began padel at 25, now ranked #33 in A1 Pádel at 30
- Padel as refuge: Used the sport to overcome personal challenges and find focus
- Mental strength: Transformed adversity into resilience and competitive edge
- Daily discipline: Structured routines and healthy habits underpin his progress
- Advice for others: Hard work, belief, and learning from the best are essential
- Unique playing style: Unorthodox but highly competitive and difficult to play against
Oier Zuazua’s story, as presented by the channel, serves as a powerful example of how dedication, adaptability, and a willingness to learn can overcome late starts and initial setbacks in the world of professional padel.
