Eight exceptional players, each bringing their own compelling narrative to this pioneering event, will compete to become the first-ever ITTF World Esports champion. The field combines accomplished traditional table tennis athletes and virtual reality specialists, highlighting the sport’s evolution across different platforms.

André “L4mbo” Bylund

A former Swedish youth elite player whose journey in virtual table tennis dates back to the game’s beta phase. The 31-year-old Swede, a former world #1 in the virtual format and winner of the first major prize pool tournament, brings valuable experience to this historic event. His continued involvement in local and regional leagues, coupled with his role mentoring the next generation, showcases his enduring passion for the sport.

Wladmir “11BRA_Wlad” Pimentel

The Brazilian’s impressive table tennis career spans over three decades. Starting at age 12, the 46-year-old South Brazilian champion has accumulated multiple state championships in youth categories and several Brazil Cup victories throughout his career. Having discovered virtual reality table tennis just two years ago, he has seamlessly translated his skills to the virtual realm, reaching world #5 and maintaining a top-10 world ranking for over a year, while also coaching champion athletes in both traditional and virtual settings.

Eva “emart_11” Martínez

The Spanish competitor brings a decade of table tennis experience to the virtual arena. Competing in Spain’s third division for CTT Ateneu 1882, she has claimed podium finishes in senior state tournaments and the Catalan championships in both doubles and mixed doubles. Since discovering virtual table tennis during the pandemic, Martínez has dominated the women’s virtual rankings while consistently maintaining her position among the overall top 50 players globally.

Sha “CHN_shayne115” Wenhao

The Chinese expert brings professional coaching expertise and competitive success to the tournament. The 29-year-old, fresh from winning the 2024 Suzhou City competition, represents the bridge between traditional coaching and virtual innovation. His unique perspective as both coach and competitor adds another fascinating dimension to this groundbreaking championship.

Antonin “11FR_Anto” Landreau

The French phenomenon enters as the regular season champion. The 20-year-old, who began his table tennis journey at age six, has achieved a French regional silver medal and has claimed two French Championships and recently adding the European Championships in Düsseldorf to his growing trophy cabinet. He was the winner at the Olympic Esports Week 2023 exhibition where Virtual Table Tennis put on a show as a demonstration sport at the event.

Maik “Aiphaton” Reusner

The German brings the experience of being world #1 for over 18 months, having dominated the early seasonal championships. Since joining the virtual competition in June 2020, the 36-year-old has showcased the skills developed from his traditional table tennis background, which began at age eight. His victories in Season 1 and 2 Championships, coupled with his extended reign at world #1, make him a formidable contender.

Nicolas “Swiss11Rally” Champod

The first qualifier from the online qualifying stage, this Swiss former national team member brings elite credentials to the virtual arena, with three World Championships appearances (Tokyo 2014, Suzhou 2015, and Kuala Lumpur 2016) and multiple Swiss national titles to his name. Having only started virtual table tennis in January 2024, his rapid ascent to the global top 3 and victory in September’s monthly tournament showcases how elite traditional skills transfer to the virtual format. Beyond competing, the 34-year-old continues to share his expertise as a trainer, including working with Paralympic medallists.

Nathan “11FR-Natping” Denéchère

The French youth doubles champion and former Eurominichamps finalist exemplifies the new generation of table tennis talent. Having competed at the highest national level in youth categories and National 1 in men’s team, his rapid rise in virtual table tennis saw him reach world #2 and claim European vice-champion status. At just 20 years old, Denéchère who qualified after a qualifying stage campaign,  demonstrates the next generation’s natural adaptability in this evolving sport.

This diverse field, representing multiple generations and playing styles, sets the stage for an extraordinary inaugural championship. As traditional expertise meets digital innovation in Helsingborg, a new milestone in table tennis history awaits.