Eight teams. Sixteen players. A field strong enough to punish the smallest mistake.
Azizi Riviera’s GOAT Tournament delivered an evening of relentless rallies, unexpected challenges and partnerships pushed to their limits.
Hassan and Arman arrived among the favourites. Their partnership already had a reputation around Riviera: natural movement, instinctive court coverage and an understanding of when to stay patient and when to attack.
Arman also brought a record of success. He had won the first Azizi Advanced Level tournament alongside Fahima, then added an Americano title with 57 points.
But reputation offered little protection here. An early defeat forced Hassan and Arman to regroup, and their route to the final would demand considerably more than their usual rhythm.
Two Battles for a Place in the Final
Both semifinals delivered some of the evening’s strongest padel.
Chico and Hui faced Ali Zayat and Saif, who attacked with confidence and kept the pressure high. Ali and Saif made them work for their opportunities, seriously testing a partnership that had looked formidable throughout the group stage.
Chico and Hui eventually came through, having earned their place in the final.
On the other side, Alexandru Cadar and Alex Kostner were making life equally difficult for Hassan and Arman.
They disrupted the favourites’ rhythm and kept the result in doubt until the closing games. Hassan and Arman eventually survived 6–4.
Alexandru and Alex finished third, leaving with considerable credit after pushing the eventual champions so close.
Both finalists had been tested. One of them had also introduced the tournament to a player Riviera would remember.
Hui, a Menace to the Padel Society
At 7 p.m. the previous evening, Hui was playing a friendly game at the Riviera court. Those watching quickly recognised the threat he could pose the next day.
With Islam sidelined by a leg injury, Hui stepped in alongside Chico—and immediately justified the attention.
In their opening match, they beat Hassan and Arman 6–3, taking down one of the tournament’s strongest and most popular partnerships. It was the result that set the tone for the evening.
Chico and Hui went through their group unbeaten. Within 24 hours, the man who had caught everyone’s eye in a friendly had become a finalist.
Consider Riviera officially warned.
Then Came the Final
The expectation around the court was straightforward: this should be close.
Chico and Hui had already won the first meeting. Both teams had survived difficult semifinals. There was every reason to anticipate a contest that would remain balanced deep into the set.
Instead, Hassan and Arman found another level.
Their movement became sharper and their positioning cleaner. They stayed patient without surrendering control, then attacked when the openings appeared. Whenever one moved forward, the other covered the space behind.
That understanding gave their padel its familiar musical quality—two players moving to the same rhythm.
Chico and Hui could not establish the control they had enjoyed earlier. The games kept slipping away.
Hassan and Arman won 6–0.
From losing 3–6 to the same opponents in the group stage to winning the final without conceding a game, it was the most decisive statement of the tournament.
A First-Class Tournament
The organisation matched the quality on court. With players and spectators bringing the gathering to around 50 people, the evening marked another milestone for Riviera’s padel community.
One of its highlights came courtesy of Host and Toast and our good friend Rami, who sponsored food for the tournament. Shawarmas and energy sweets were shared around, while Good Bites provided snacks for everyone at the court.
On a personal note, I would wholeheartedly recommend Host and Toast. Everything we ate was a 10 out of 10, and the quality deserves recognition. Rami’s generosity helped make the evening special for around 50 people.
Thank you, Rami, for looking after our community so generously.
You can find Host and Toast at Azizi Riviera 15, Nad Al Sheba 1, Dubai. There is also something for the community to enjoy beyond tournament night: visitors from Azizi Riviera who mention that they are part of the padel community receive 20% off.
The champions earned another memorable reward: a Mercedes-AMG G63 G-Wagon to enjoy for a day, sponsored by Xcar Rental https://www.instagram.com/xcarrental?stkn=MTByZWxlOTFhZnY1dQ==
From the competition to the food and prizes, the organisers and sponsors gave everyone an occasion to remember—and the next edition something to live up to.
The Territory Stayed With Them
Hui announced himself. Ali and Saif delivered a serious challenge. Alexandru and Alex pushed the eventual winners close.
But Hassan and Arman absorbed an early defeat, survived their semifinal and produced their most complete performance with the championship on the line.
Until the next one, remember whose court you are stepping onto.
For now, this is Arman and Hassan’s territory.
The gangsters have claimed it.
Champions: Hassan & Arman
Runners-up: Chico & Hui
Third: Alexandru Cadar & Alex Kostner
Join the conversation.