Gabe Tardio Leaves PIKKL for Facolos Paddles

In a significant shift within the professional pickleball landscape, 20-year-old star Gabriel "Gabe" Tardio has departed PIKKL to sign a multi-year paddle sponsorship deal with Facolos, a rapidly emerging Vietnamese brand making its mark on the U.S. market in 2026.

Source : Sneaker Daily

World No. 2 Player Makes Strategic Move

The announcement marks a pivotal moment for both Tardio and the Asian paddle manufacturer. Currently ranked No. 1 in PPA Tour Men's Doubles and No. 6 in Mixed Doubles, Tardio secured the partnership with Facolos through a deal running through 2027. The Bolivian-born athlete will now compete exclusively with the brand's flagship EliteX paddle from their Pro Series line.

Previously, Tardio was the official paddle athlete for PIKKL, using their Vantage Pro paddle. His departure signals a strategic realignment as he looks toward international competition, particularly in Asia where Facolos has established a strong presence.

Why Facolos?

For Tardio, the decision went beyond simple sponsorship. The player emphasized that Facolos aligned with his playing style, which prioritizes control and spin over pure power. In an era where many paddle manufacturers focus on maximizing power, Tardio's game relies on placement, angles, and finesse.

The partnership also aligns with Tardio's 2026 ambitions. He plans to compete in approximately 25 tournaments this year and has expressed strong interest in participating in PPA Tour Asia events, making a Vietnamese paddle sponsor a natural fit for his international aspirations.

A Bridge Between Continents

Facolos Vice General Director Võ Trần Quỳnh Trang described the partnership as strategic, noting that the 20-year-old Bolivian athlete could serve as a connection between Asian pickleball and the global game. The collaboration extends beyond simple sponsorship, with plans for a co-branded collection including paddles, accessories, and pickleball apparel.

The brand itself has experienced meteoric growth. Founded in June 2024, Facolos became the first Vietnamese pickleball brand to gain official recognition in the U.S. market and has since delivered nearly 50,000 products to customers. The company now operates in 13 countries and recently became an official Paddle Partner of both PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball.

Impact on the Paddle Market

Industry observers, including pro player Zane Navratil, suggest Tardio's move could represent a broader shift in the pickleball equipment landscape. Asian brands are entering the U.S. market with UPA-approved products that offer high quality at competitive prices, potentially challenging established American manufacturers.

This trend isn't isolated to Facolos. Around the same time as Tardio's announcement, Chinese brand Luzz signed top-ranked singles player Chris Haworth, suggesting a wave of Asian manufacturers are targeting American professional players to establish credibility in the lucrative U.S. market.

Tardio's Impressive Resume

The young phenom brings significant star power to Facolos. In 2025, Tardio partnered with World No. 1 Ben Johns to win 9 gold medals on the PPA Tour and captured a gold medal with Tyson McGuffin at the Australia Pickleball Open. His partnership with Johns is expected to continue throughout 2026.

Originally introduced to pickleball by his grandfather in Bolivia during the pandemic, Tardio turned professional in 2022 at just 17 years old. He's since accumulated over 40 PPA gold medals and maintains a career win rate exceeding 67% across 628 professional matches.

What This Means for Players

For recreational and competitive players, Tardio's switch highlights the increasing diversity in the paddle market. With major Asian manufacturers entering the U.S. space backed by professional endorsements, consumers can expect more options across various price points without sacrificing quality or performance.

As Facolos expands its U.S. distribution and Tardio competes at the highest levels with their equipment, the coming months will reveal whether this partnership represents a one-off deal or the beginning of a fundamental shift in how professional pickleball players select their sponsors.

For now, fans can expect to see Tardio wielding the EliteX paddle as he chases his goal of becoming the best right-side player in the world, this time with Vietnamese innovation backing his every shot.