The 2025 World Table Tennis Championships

The World Table Tennis Championships will return in 2025, with Doha, Qatar, set to host the sport’s single-most prestigious event. Held inside the state-of-the-art Lusail Sports Arena, the tournament brings together the top players from around the globe to compete for world titles across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. With its fast-paced rallies and fierce national rivalries, this is where the sport’s biggest names make history.
Subject Table Tennis
Start Date May 17, 2025
End Date May 25, 2025
Status Coming Soon
Location Lusail Sports Arena, Doha, Qatar
Prize Pool TBD (Recent comparable ITTF events have offered up to $1m)
Participants 128 Men's & Women's Singles Players, 64 pairs in Doubles and Mixed Doubles
Type World Championship (Indoor – Hard Court)
Tournament Champion
Format Knockout: Best-of-seven games for singles, best-of-five for doubles
Organizer International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF)

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What Is the World Table Tennis Championships 2025?

The World Table Tennis Championships is the biggest event in the sport, where the fastest hands and sharpest minds compete to become the best. Run by the ITTF and held every two years, it features singles and doubles players battling it out for individual glory. Here, there are no teams and no second chances – just straight knockout matches from start to finish.

In 2025, the tournament returns to Doha for the first time in over twenty years, and it will take place inside the impressive Lusail Sports Arena. On the schedule are five major events: men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. No matter who matches up, though, the matches are always lightning fast and intense.

With a rich history stretching back nearly a century and a reputation for producing moments that live long in the mind, the World Championships is where stars are made and rivalries come to life. If you’re into table tennis, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Where and When Will the World Table Tennis Championships 2025 Be Held?

Anyone planning to catch the World Table Tennis Championships 2025 live will need to head to Qatar’s Lusail Sports Arena between May 17 and May 25. Located just north of central Doha, this high-tech indoor venue is one of the country’s premier sporting arenas, regularly hosting international events thanks to its smart design and impressive 15,300-seat capacity.

For this tournament, the arena will be transformed into a fast-paced showcase of elite-level table tennis, with a setup created to give fans the best possible view of every rally. Venue highlights include:

  • A climate-controlled playing environment to ensure consistency across all matches, regardless of Qatar’s desert heat
  • Tiered seating with excellent sightlines from every angle (plus dedicated areas for media, VIPs, and coaching staff)
  • Interactive fan zones with digital history walls, live stat displays, and official ITTF gear
  • LED screen displays around the main arena to capture key moments and offer viewers slow-motion replays
  • Easy access to public transport and nearby hospitality zones, making it ideal for travelling fans

No matter whether you’re sitting courtside or watching from home, the Lusail Sports Arena is set to deliver a championship atmosphere worthy of the event’s name and standing.

Prize Pool Breakdown

The total prize pool for the 2025 World Table Tennis Championships is yet to be confirmed, but based on other recent ITTF events and World Cup figures, it’s expected to fall between $1m and $2m. Once officially announced, the estimated breakdown will look something like this:

Singles (Men & Women)
• Winners — $300,000 (per event)
• Runners-up — $150,000
• Semifinalists — $75,000
• Quarterfinalists — $40,000
• Round of 16 — $20,000
• Round of 32 — $10,000

Mixed Doubles & Team Bonuses
• Winning pair — $150,000
• Runners-up — $75,000
• Semifinalists — $40,000

In addition to the prize money and prestige that comes from going deep into this table tennis championship, players can also earn ITTF ranking points that can influence where they qualify for future events and get Olympic seeding.

Which Players Will Compete in the World Table Tennis Championships 2025?

Unsurprisingly, the 2025 World Table Tennis Championships in Doha will welcome a stellar lineup of talent, with top players from coming around the globe to compete for glory. Here’s a look at some of the standout contenders.

Men’s Singles Contenders

  • Fan Zhendong (China) – Fan is a dominant force in table tennis and has consistently held top positions in world rankings. This is no accident, as he’s known for his powerful play and strategic prowess.​
  • Wang Chuqin (China) – Emerging as a formidable competitor, Wang Chuqin has recently achieved major victories, including a win at this year’s WTT Champions in Chongqing.
  • Tomokazu Harimoto (Japan) – Known for his aggressive style, Harimoto continues to be a strong contender on the international stage, with recent performances keeping him in the spotlight.​
  • Hugo Calderano (Brazil) – As one of the top non-Asian players, Calderano brings a unique flair to the game, combining agility with top-level tactical play.​
  • Alexis Lebrun (France) – As a rising star, Lebrun has made significant strides in European competitions, showcasing his potential to challenge.

Women’s Singles Contenders

  • Sun Yingsha (China) – Currently ranked among the top female players in the world, Yingsha’s consistent performance and skill make her a favourite for the title.​
  • Chen Meng (China) – Possessing a wealth of experience and previous championship victories, Chen Meng remains a formidable presence in the women’s game.
  • Mima Ito (Japan) – Ito’s innovative playing style and quick reflexes have earned her numerous accolades and position her as a serious contender.​
  • Kuai Man (China) – This is a young talent making waves, having recently clinched titles at events like the WTT Star Contender Doha 2025.
  • Hina Hayata (Japan) – Hayata’s aggressive approach and recent successes in international tournaments have solidified her status as a key player to watch.​

These athletes sit at the very pinnacle of table tennis, and they’re expected to be involved in some thrilling matches over the 8 days in Doha.

Tournament Format & Structure

The 2025 World Table Tennis Championships will follow a straight knockout format across all five events. That means once a player or pair loses a match, they’re out of the tournament. No second chances and no group stages – just high-pressure action from start to finish.

Singles matches will be played as best-of-seven games, while doubles and mixed doubles will follow a best-of-five format. Every game is played to 11 points, with players needing to win by two. There’s no time to ease into form, as early rounds often feature big-name upsets.

Matches will be spread across several competition tables inside the Lusail Sports Arena, with a rotating schedule that includes morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. The main show court will host the highest-profile matches, complete with big-screen replays, live commentary, and a packed crowd. You really can expect fast-paced excitement during every round.

Who Will Win the World Table Tennis Championships in 2025?

That’s a very tricky question to answer with so much talent working hard for victory. Here’s what we know about the biggest contenders going into the competition.

Men’s Singles Contenders

PlayerFan ZhendongWang ChuqinTomokazu HarimotoHugo CalderanoAlexis Lebrun
Why They Might Win
  • Reigning world champion.
  • Most consistent force in men’s table tennis.
  • Fresh off major WTT titles.
  • Rapidly becoming China’s next dominant figure.
  • Aggressive and fearless.
  • Big wins over top Chinese players.
  • Technically gifted and tactically sharp.
  • Can beat anyone on his day.
  • Young and unpredictable.
  • Backed by a strong European campaign.
Why They Might Not
  • Recent lapses under pressure in finals.
  • Questions about his closing edge.
  • Lacks long-term experience in deep championship runs.
  • Struggles with consistency.
  • Prone to emotional dips mid-match.
  • Faltered against high-tempo Asian styles.
  • Yet to reach a Worlds semifinal.
  • May struggle with pace and intensity of top-tier knockout matches.

Women’s Singles Contenders

PlayerSun YingshaChen MengMima ItoHina HayataKuai Man
Why They Might Win
  • Technically flawless and lightning fast.
  • Currently the top-ranked woman in the world.
  • Former World Champion.
  • Serious big-match experience.
  • Unique style and spin variation.
  • Unsettles even the best opponents.
  • Strong upward trajectory.
  • Recent tour titles under her belt.
  • Breakout talent with momentum.
  • Nothing to lose going in.
Why They Might Not
  • High expectations.
  • Pressure of defending her title could weigh heavily.
  • Slight drops in form during recent major events.
  • Historically struggles against China’s top players in late-stage matches.
  • Still untested at the sharp end of a World Championship bracket.
  • Youth and inexperience may prove costly in pressure moments.
What’s Your Bold Prediction For the World Table Tennis Championships in 2025 Men’s Singles?
What’s Your Bold Prediction For the World Table Tennis Championships in 2025 Women’s Singles?
Milos Vasiljevic
He is the mastermind behind our captivating content, leveraging his extensive journalism experience to craft compelling sports news and insightful betting predictions. His passion for the game and knack for storytelling ensure our readers are always engaged and informed, bringing a unique and expert perspective to every piece he writes.
Publication date : 16.04.2025
Last modified date: 16.04.2025

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