The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has entered into an exclusive targeted dialogue with the Saudi Table Tennis Federation (STTF) to explore the hosting of the next edition of the World Esports Table Tennis Championships.
This milestone follows the resounding success of the inaugural ITTF World Esports Table Tennis Championships in 2024, which culminated in a spectacular Final Stage in Helsingborg, Sweden. The groundbreaking event firmly established table tennis as a rising force in the competitive gaming arena, engaging new and younger audiences while reaffirming the sport’s relevance in today’s digital-first world.
The formalisation of discussions was marked 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 Chief Executive Officer Steve Dainton. The signing took place on 11 July 2025 in Las Vegas, on the sidelines of the inaugural US Smash.
The MoU signals a joint commitment to enter in-depth discussions with a view to awarding the next edition of the Championships to Saudi Arabia. This initiative also reflects ITTF’s wider ambition to strengthen Esports table tennis as a core part of the Federation’s digital evolution.
The first edition of the Olympic Esports Games, a landmark event both in the world of esports and within the Olympic Movement, will be held in 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. While the full programme has yet to be announced, the ITTF reiterates its intention to serve as a proactive and collaborative partner. By sharing knowledge and engaging with all relevant stakeholders, the ITTF aims to ensure Esports in general – and Esports table tennis in particular – continues to flourish on the global stage.
President Sörling commented, “The continuation of ITTF’s involvement in Esports table tennis aligns seamlessly with the vision of the International Olympic Committee. This dialogue with Saudi Table Tennis Federation represents an exciting next step for us, and I would like to thank Prince Mohamed Al Saud and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their collaborative approach. As Riyadh prepares to host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2027, this partnership illustrates ITTF’s readiness to embrace the future and play a meaningful role in shaping a new chapter of Olympic engagement. We believe in the unique power of digital innovation to broaden table tennis’s appeal and impact.”
HRH Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Saud said, “Through this memorandum of understanding, we look forward to exploring the possibility of hosting the Table Tennis Esports World Championships in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has already shown leadership in Esports by hosting the 2025 Esports World Cup and soon the 2027 Esports Olympics. Together with the ITTF, we aim to leverage that experience to create a tournament that engages fans, raises the level of competition, and unites communities worldwide. Saudi Arabia is proud to contribute to this mission as part of Vision 2030, a national roadmap in which sport plays a central role in fostering global connection, youth empowerment, and cultural exchange. We look forward to inviting every ITTF member nation, esports athlete, and fan to join us for an unforgettable Table Tennis Esports experience.”
Dainton added, “Our collaboration with the Saudi Table Tennis Federation and Prince Mohamed Al Saud is built on a shared ambition to push boundaries, attract younger audiences, and diversify the experience of table tennis globally. We look forward to shaping a visionary event together that bridges the physical and digital worlds.”
The exclusive discussions between ITTF and STTF underscore a growing commitment to building a future where physical and digital experiences in table tennis coexist and complement each other, offering fresh pathways for global engagement, players’ development, and innovation.