The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has initiated discussions with the Saudi Table Tennis Federation (STTF) regarding the possibility of hosting the upcoming World Esports Table Tennis Championships. This collaborative effort stems from the successful inaugural event held in 2024 in Sweden, which showcased table tennis as a prominent player in the competitive gaming world, attracting a new and younger audience.
The formal talks were symbolized by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ITTF President Petra Sörling, STTF President HRH Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, and ITTF Group CEO Steve Dainton during the US Smash event in Las Vegas. The MoU signifies a joint commitment to explore the potential hosting of the Championships in Saudi Arabia, aligning with ITTF’s strategy to enhance Esports table tennis within its digital evolution.
Looking ahead, the first Olympic Esports Games are scheduled for 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a significant event in both the Esports and Olympic realms. While the detailed program awaits announcement, ITTF reaffirms its dedication to actively engage and collaborate to ensure the continued growth and success of Esports, particularly in table tennis, on a global scale.
President Sörling emphasized the ITTF’s alignment with the International Olympic Committee’s vision, praising the collaborative approach of the Saudi Table Tennis Federation and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This partnership signifies ITTF’s commitment to advancing Olympic engagement through digital innovation, expanding the reach and influence of table tennis.
HRH Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Saud expressed eagerness to explore hosting the Table Tennis Esports World Championships in Saudi Arabia, building on the country’s Esports leadership showcased by hosting the 2025 Esports World Cup and the upcoming 2027 Esports Olympics. The collaboration aims to elevate fan engagement, competition standards, and global unity while supporting the nation’s Vision 2030 objectives.
Steve Dainton highlighted the shared ambition with STTF to innovate, attract diverse audiences, and enhance the global table tennis experience. The collaboration aims to create an event that seamlessly integrates physical and digital elements, offering a visionary platform that transcends traditional boundaries.
The exclusive dialogue between ITTF and STTF signals a joint commitment to a future where physical and digital dimensions of table tennis harmoniously coexist, presenting new avenues for global involvement, player development, and technological advancement. This strategic partnership not only paves the way for an immersive Esports experience but also underlines the evolving landscape of sports engagement in the digital age.
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