A Historic Championships
Through the innovative Eleven Table Tennis platform, traditional table tennis skills merged seamlessly with virtual reality technology, creating a spectacle that pointed towards an exciting future for the sport. The ITTF leveraged its deep expertise in event management to deliver a Finals experience worthy of a World Title event, featuring cutting-edge production that elevated the players’ performances and captivated viewers globally.
In a thrilling conclusion to this groundbreaking event, France’s Antonin “Anto” Landreau emerged victorious, defeating German contender Maik “Aiphaton” Reusner in an intense 3-1 final to claim his place in table tennis history. The 20-year-old sensation added the Esports World Champion title to an already impressive trophy cabinet that includes two French Championships and the European Championship.
Innovation Meets Inclusivity
The Championships’ unique format embodied the ITTF’s commitment to accessibility and innovation. Beginning with an open, mixed-gender Online Qualifying Stage that attracted over 200 players worldwide, the competition demonstrated how virtual platforms can break down geographical barriers and create new pathways to elite competition.
Summit Sets Future Direction
The ITTF Esports Summit, held alongside the Finals, brought together key industry players, including the International Olympic Committee, game publishers, and Esports associations. This gathering of minds, which also featured insights from the UN Environment Programme and academic institutions, helped chart a course for the future of Esports table tennis.
Looking Ahead
“This event demonstrates that Esports is no longer the future—it is here, and it’s exciting,” reflected ITTF President Petra Sörling. “With this inaugural World Esports Championships, we have fast-tracked our journey into esports. The potential is limitless, and the level of competition and engagement we’ve witnessed here in Helsingborg shows that virtual table tennis can enhance and expand our beloved sport whilst maintaining its core values.”
As table tennis positions itself in the in the competitive gaming landscape and for inclusion in the Olympic Esports Games 2025, this championship has set a compelling precedent. It demonstrated how Esports can maintain the essence of their traditional counterparts whilst opening new avenues for global participation and engagement.
