The overwhelming response to this inaugural event showcases the rapidly growing interest in the digital version of the beloved sport. With more than 200 players vying for a spot in the championships, it’s clear that the fusion of traditional table tennis skills and digital gameplay has struck a chord with both seasoned players and newcomers alike. This ongoing open, mixed-gender competition promotes equality and diversity, encouraging participation from all over the world.
Players are currently battling it out in intense virtual matches, vying for a chance to advance. The qualification rounds are conducted in a progressive knockout format, ensuring a thrilling and competitive journey for all participants. On the final day of qualification, 17 November, the top two qualifiers will join six other players in the onsite finals, including two top-ranked Eleven Table Tennis players and four wild card entries.
The qualification event features a unique and engaging playing system designed to test players’ skills and endurance:
Competitors face off in meetings, each consisting of multiple matches for an extended competitive encounter.
Within each meeting:
- Players compete in a best-of-5 matches format.
- Each individual match is played as best-of-3 games/sets.
- To claim victory in the entire meeting, a player must win 3 matches.
- All matches are conducted in ranked mode on the Eleven Table Tennis platform, ensuring competitive integrity.
This system provides an immersive and challenging experience for participants, allowing for strategic depth and multiple opportunities for comebacks within each meeting. Competitors are utilising cutting-edge VR technology, with matches played on either Meta Quest 2 or Pico 4 headsets. This advanced hardware allows for an immersive and realistic table tennis experience, bridging the gap between physical and digital play.
Building on the success of Esports Table Tennis as an exhibition sport at the 2023 Olympic Esports Week in Singapore, the ITTF has once again partnered with For Fun Labs, Inc. and their renowned VR game, Eleven Table Tennis, to take Esports Table Tennis to the next level. This event is set to elevate the sport on the global competitive gaming stage, solidifying its place as a key player in the esports community.
As the qualification rounds progress, anticipation builds for the main event in Helsingborg, scheduled for 27-28 November 2024. The finals in Helsingborg will showcase eight elite players competing for the prestigious title of ITTF World Esports Table Tennis Champion. This culminating event will not only determine the champion but also solidify the position of esports table tennis on the global competitive gaming stage. The future of esports table tennis looks brighter than ever, and the ITTF is at the forefront of this exciting new frontier.
