Star Point 2026: Everything About Padel's New Scoring System
The official Star Point system explained. Learn exactly how it works, why FIP changed professional padel scoring, and what it means for Premier Padel matches.
Star Point: Everything You Need to Know About Padel’s New Scoring System
The padel world is about to witness one of its most significant rule changes in years. Starting in 2026, the Star Point (or “Punto Estrella” in Spanish) will become the official scoring system across all major professional circuits. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the Star Point?
The Star Point is a hybrid scoring system that activates when a game reaches deuce (40-40). It sits between the traditional advantage system and the more aggressive golden point, offering a balanced approach that limits endless deuce battles while preserving the essence of padel.
The International Padel Federation (FIP) unanimously approved this new system on November 28, 2025, following extensive consultations with players, coaches, promoters, broadcasters, and commercial partners throughout the 2025 season.
How Does the Star Point Work?
The system only kicks in at deuce. Here’s the three-stage process:
Stage 1: First Advantage
- If the team with advantage wins the next point → they win the game
- If they lose the point → score returns to deuce (40-40)
Stage 2: Second Advantage
- If the team with advantage wins the next point → they win the game
- If they lose the point → the game advances to the Star Point
Stage 3: The Star Point
A single decisive point determines the game winner. No more advantages—whoever wins this point takes the game.
Star Point vs. Golden Point vs. Traditional Advantage
| System | At Deuce | Maximum Points to Decide |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Unlimited advantages | Unlimited |
| Golden Point | One point decides | 1 |
| Star Point | Up to 2 advantages, then decisive point | 5 |
The Star Point strikes a middle ground: it maintains the strategic depth of the advantage system while capping the maximum length of any game.
Why the Change?
The FIP identified several key benefits:
- Player welfare – Limits physically demanding extended deuce battles
- Match predictability – Broadcasters and venues can plan more accurately
- Spectator engagement – Reduces prolonged, repetitive deuce situations
- Strategic balance – Preserves tactical play while adding decisive moments
FIP President Luigi Carraro explained: “We believe it improves the spectacle without losing the identity of padel. It is an option that protects the quality of the sport and the health of the players.”
When Does It Start?
The Star Point will debut in early 2026:
- January 5-11, 2026 – FIP Bronze Melbourne (first official implementation)
- February 9-14, 2026 – Riyadh P1 (Premier Padel debut)
Which Circuits Will Use the Star Point?
Starting in 2026, the Star Point applies across:
- Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour
- CUPRA FIP Tour
- FIP Promises (junior circuit)
- FIP Beyond (amateur circuit)
This means the system will affect players at every level, from aspiring juniors to world-class professionals.
What Do Players Think?
The new system echoes positions expressed by several top players. Argentine star Franco Stupaczuk had publicly supported an intermediate system that would preserve padel’s spirit while avoiding endless games. His idea of limiting advantages before a decisive point aligns closely with the Star Point format.
The 2025 season saw considerable debate among players, with opinions divided between the traditional advantage system and the golden point. The Star Point represents a consensus solution.
The Bottom Line
The Star Point is padel’s answer to a long-standing debate. It respects tradition by keeping the advantage format intact for the first two opportunities while ensuring games don’t drag on indefinitely. For players, it means every point at deuce matters even more. For fans, it promises more decisive, exciting moments.
Whether you’re playing at your local club or watching Premier Padel, get ready for the Star Point era.
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