After the success of the very first Virtual World Table Tennis Championships In Sweden in 2024, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is preparing the second edition. The ITTF announced that it has entered an exclusive dialogue with the Saudi Federation (STTF) for the organization of the event. A memorandum of understanding was signed in Las Vegas by ITTF President Petra Sörling, STTF President Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, and ITTF Executive Director Steve Dainton.
« As Riyadh prepares to host the first eSports Olympic Games in 2027, this partnership illustrates the ITTF's commitment to embracing the future and playing a significant role in shapinga new chapter in Olympic commitmentWe believe in the unique power of digital innovation to broaden the appeal and impact of table tennis " says Petra Sörling. The date of the championships is unknown but May, the ITTF president assured that the competition would be held " by the end of the year ».
« Saudi Arabia has already shown leadership in the field of virtual sports by hosting the 2025 World Cup and soon the 2027 Olympic Games, underlines Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Saud. In collaboration with the ITTF, we wish to leverage this experience to create a tournament that generates fan interest, raises the level of competition and brings together communities around the world. (…) We look forward to inviting all ITTF member countries, eSports athletes and fans to join us for an unforgettable experience. »
