Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will host the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals 2029, marking the first time this premier event will take place in South America. The decision was announced during the ITTF Annual General Meeting in Doha, Qatar, where Brazil’s strategic approach to securing the hosting rights proved successful.
Brazil’s selection represents a landmark moment for table tennis in South America, bringing the sport’s flagship event to a continent with immense sporting passion and growing table tennis development. Rio de Janeiro’s successful bid opens new frontiers for the sport while tapping into Brazil’s rich sporting culture and proven ability to host world-class events.
The choice of Rio de Janeiro demonstrates the ITTF’s commitment to truly global championship hosting, ensuring that table tennis reaches new audiences while providing South American players with the opportunity to compete at the highest level on home soil.
Brazil’s journey to hosting the 2029 championships showcased smart tournament bidding strategy. Initially competing for the 2027 edition, Brazil made the decision to withdraw its bid during the summit to support Kazakhstan’s candidacy, allowing the federation to focus resources and support on securing the 2029 hosting rights.
This collaborative approach within the international table tennis community demonstrated Brazil’s long-term vision and commitment to the sport’s global development, while building valuable relationships that contributed to their eventual success.
During the bid presentation, Brazilian representatives highlighted Rio de Janeiro’s unique combination of world-class sporting infrastructure, vibrant cultural atmosphere, and experience hosting major international events. The city’s proven track record, including the 2016 Olympic Games, positions it perfectly to deliver an unforgettable championship experience.
Rio’s infectious energy and passion for sport promise to create an atmosphere unlike any previous World Championships, introducing South American flair to table tennis’s premier event while maintaining the high standards expected of a world championship.
The 2029 championships in Rio de Janeiro represent more than just a sporting event – they offer a catalyst for table tennis development across South America. Hosting the world’s best players and teams provides inspiration for local athletes while raising the sport’s profile throughout the continent.
Brazil’s hosting rights complete a remarkable global journey for the World Championships, moving from Central Asia (Kazakhstan 2027) to East Asia (Japan 2028) to South America (Brazil 2029), truly embodying table tennis’s international character.
Rio 2029 promises to blend Brazil’s celebrated sporting culture with table tennis excellence. The combination of Rio’s natural beauty, passionate sporting atmosphere, and Brazil’s commitment to table tennis development positions the ITTF World Championships Finals 2029 to be a transformative event for the sport in Americas and beyond.