Lucho Pre-2025 Juarez Conversation
Tucson, AZ, WPH Press, 2/21/25
Lucho Cordova is the “Pride of Juarez,” proudly continuing the six-decade Juarez handball dynasty that has included legendary players Johnny Benitez, Naty Alvarado, Elias Carrillo, Poncho Monreal, Salvador Santa Ana, Luis Clarke and the current Juarez stars. Lucho is the youngest player to finish a Race 4 Eight season inside the Elite 8 at nineteen-years-old in 2012 and has steadily became of the tour’s greatest players. Lucho has amassed a spectacular eleventh Race titles, including his most recent title at the February 2025 Race 4 Eight Red in Montana, tying him with Martin Mulkerrins with the third-most titles in Race 4 Eight history, behind only Paul Brady (15) and Killian Carroll (23).
The WPH had a chance to talk to Lucho in advance of the 2025 Juarez Race 4 Eight, discussing his win at the 2025 Red, what the Juarez Race 4 Eight means to him, what his dad has meant to the Juarez Race 4 Eight, his uncanny ability to win tiebreakers, and more.
As the 2025 Race 4 Eight Juarez approaches, Race 4 Eight #2 Lucho is keen to add his twelfth Race title and second title of the season on his home court at Campestre. “Winning the Juarez Race title in 2023 was one of my most memorable titles, alongside the 2023 Memorial and my first Race win,” stated Lucho.
After a thirteen-month winless stretch that ended at the 2025 Race 4 Eight Red three weeks ago, Lucho feels ready to return to the dominance that saw him win five events during the 2022/23 Race 4 Eight season and the 2023 Race 4 Eight Player’s Cup for finishing the year at number one. “I think I am more motivated for Juarez this year, but not necessarily because of losing early in Juarez last year (quarterfinal loss to Esser),” stated Lucho. “More because I just feel a lot better and feel I can win again this year. I wasn’t feeling or playing great (last season), that’s for sure, but I’ve always felt that I still have it in me to win. I’m in a better mental place for sure after winning Montana.”
Lucho can never be counted out of any match, as evidenced by winning three consecutive grueling tiebreakers to win the 2025 Red, needing dramatic and seemingly improbable comebacks to win all three. “I don’t know what it is (about winning tiebreakers),” stated Lucho, who has won a Race record thirty-four tiebreakers. “I think it’s that I am more used to playing tired than others. So, when we go deep into games, I can sort of manage when others start skipping or start struggling more. I anticipate shots a lot, so I’m not moving around as much as others, specially the older I get. Some of my paddle shots or shooting without bending the knees also helps when you are very tired. That plus the Mexican in me that never gives up. Kind of like Mexican boxers are known for that sort of warrior mentality. I think that helps me a lot when it comes down to not missing at the end or getting lists of shots back.”
Lucho is a massive celebrity and hero in Juarez, regularly signing autographs and taking pictures with his fans. As early as 2012, Lucho could be seen entering Race facilities with several dozen Juarez supporters. Lucho will be emboldened by a fervent crowd at the 2025 Juarez Race 4 Eight, all of whom pour their hearts and cheers into each of their hero’s shots. “Playing in my hometown I front of friends and family is an awesome feeling,” stated Lucho, who will also play host to a number of pro players in his home during the event. “I know even players that aren’t from here like playing in front of this crowd, so it’s like that but times ten for me. Just awesome to have so many cheer you on and support you.”
The Juarez Race 4 Eight was the brainchild of Lucho’s dad, Luis Cordova, Sr., who is not only the Juarez tournament founder and director, but also one of handball’s greatest all-time coaches. Luis, Sr. has coached his three sons to a combined sixteen Race titles and numerous national junior championships, while also coaching a number of the promising young players in Juarez. Luis, Sr. has worked tirelessly to make the Juarez Race 4 Eight come to fruition and one of the best stops on the tour. “My dad is pretty much the main guy (putting on the event),” stated Lucho. “He has a lot of help from locals but it was his idea. He put the idea forward, he’s always wanted to have one in Juarez and with the help of the locals and with Daniel and I to recruit players, I think he was able to have an awesome tournament that many look forward to each year. This year I think will be the most fun out of all. Every year they get more sponsors and more interest from the locals and even from the city.”
Lucho will be aiming to win the 2025 Race 4 Eight Juarez, as will the game’s top player players from across the U.S., Mexico, and Ireland, while appreciating the event that is so special to him and the tour. “I think the atmosphere, the fans, the club, the city, and the tournament directors play a part in making the Juarez event the best tournament of the year.”
2025 Juarez R2 page HERE
2025 Juarez Race 4 Eight Press Release HERE
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2024/25 Race 4 Eight schedule HERE
WPH RACE 4 EIGHT: The World Players of Handball’s 2024/25 Race 4 Eight XIV Powered by ESPN features Race 4 Eight stops from California to Mexico, all culminating with The Player’s Championship. Similar to NASCAR’s Nextel Cup and the FedEx PGA Playoffs, players earn points in the Race 4 Eight’s regular season stops to qualify for the season-ending Player’s Championship and bonus prizes.
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David Fink
WPH Senior Writer