Dublin brothers get home wildcard for Ireland’s biggest padel event

Oscar and Oli Jacobson entered Ireland’s biggest padel event with a main-draw wildcard, giving Dublin-born brothers a home-court stage at Star Padel in Templeogue. With local support expected to build through the week, a deep run would do more than lift one pair: it would sharpen the case for an Irish pathway that can produce players capable of competing in FIP events. For a sport still finding its footing here, their presence turns the draw into a live referendum on progress.

The FIP Silver Hiscox Padel Irish Open runs from 15 July to 19 July and carries €18,000 in prize money. Qualifying began on 14 July, prequalification runs from 13 to 18 July, and registration is closed. The venue at St Mary’s College Rugby Club is being used for the first time by the event, and the site describes Star Padel as a brand-new padel facility and one of the most exciting additions to the Irish padel scene in recent years.

The upgrade from Ireland’s first FIP tournament in 2025 is significant. That debut event was only Bronze level; this week’s Silver status has pulled in a noticeably stronger field, including Antonio Fernández, Francisco Cabeza Teres and Facundo Domínguez, all ranked inside the world top 100. The women’s draw features Catherine Rose, world No. 103 on the 13 July FIP ranking list, and Aimee Gibson at No. 108. On the men’s side, Louie Harris and Alexander Loughlan arrive ranked No. 278 and No. 296, alongside Theo Garton and Cameron Dollimore.

The Jacobsons’ story gives the tournament its most local edge. Born in Dublin, they moved away as children, later took Irish passports and represented Ireland in last year’s FIP Euro Padel Cup. The Padel Federation of Ireland says its national team pathway covers Open, Seniors and Juniors, with selections made for FIP-sanctioned European and World Championship competition. A chance encounter helped bring the brothers into that setup, and they have already played together in the Euro event.

Oscar Jacobson’s FIP profile, dated 6 July 2026, lists him as born on 18 August 2002 and ranked No. 1,864, a reminder of how much this Dublin week can matter to his international profile. Oscar has said strong performances at the Irish Open could help his case for a place in Ireland’s World Cup squad. Hiscox is the title sponsor, Yoplait SKYR is the premium partner, and ForeFront Group says it is aiming to deliver a bigger and more engaging experience for players, fans and the wider community. The federation says more than 50 courts are now operating across Ireland, while Openplay says Padel 100 raised €5 million in September 2025 to install 300 courts by December 2027.