Table tennis virtual reality world event to debut in 2024

Table tennis is due to add a new world championship event to its calendar in 2024, following on a successful exhibition event for virtual reality table tennis earlier this year.

The International Table Tennis Federation announced earlier this month that its executive board has approved the creation of a VR Table Tennis World-Title Event next year.

VR table tennis was part of the inaugural Olympic Esports Week in June 2023 in Singapore, when it was held as an exhibition event.

"VR Table Tennis represents an integral part of the ITTF’s mission to elevate the profile of table tennis worldwide," ITTF president Petra Sörling said. "By embracing esports and constant innovation, we are shaping the future of table tennis, taking it to new heights."

Part of the consideration for approving such an event was the announcement from the International Olympic Committee that it would explore the potential creation of an Olympic Esports Games, according to Sörling.

"The success of the Olympic Esports [Week] and the perspective of Olympic Esports Games inspired us to expedite our efforts, ensuring that we are well-prepared and experienced to contribute significantly to future esports events," she said.

VR table tennis allows players of different ages to play together at a good level. The exhibition event in Singapore earlier this year even featured a semi-final match between 17-year-old and a 50-year-old.

France's Antonin Landreau claimed the victory in the exhibition show final.