In a major move to boost the popularity of table tennis in the U.S., World Table Tennis (WTT) is launching the first-ever United States Smash, which will take place in Las Vegas from July 3-13, 2025, at the Orleans Arena. This event promises to deliver 11 days of world-class competition, unique fan experiences, and engaging entertainment, solidifying table tennis as a top spectator sport in the heart of America.
The United States Smash marks a monumental step for WTT, following the success of China Smash 2024, as it debuts the WTT Series in the United States. WTT CEO Steve Dainton expressed his excitement: “Bringing the United States Smash to Las Vegas is a game-changer for our sport, now ensuring a top tier table tennis event enters the most professional sports market in the world. The US Smash will bring table tennis into the spotlight as one of the most electrifying, fast-paced sports, guaranteed to captivate and energise American audiences. We’re excited to bring our most prestigious event to Las Vegas and continue our journey to elevate the sport’s global growth.”
Virginia Sung, CEO of USA Table Tennis, also shared her enthusiasm: “We’re excited to bring a WTT Grand Smash to the US, the world’s most influential sports market, and showcase our sport on a stage as dynamic as Las Vegas. This premier event will attract new fans, energise our community, and inspire future generations of athletes and enthusiasts.”
Scheduled over the Independence Day weekend, the tournament will feature renowned talents, including U.S. stars like Lily Zhang and Kanak Jha, top competitors from the Americas such as Brazil’s Hugo Calderano and Puerto Rico’s Adriana Diaz, and international icons led by Chinese World No. 1 players Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha.
For World No. 29 Lily Zhang, the opportunity to compete at a premier table tennis event in the U.S. is thrilling: “I’m beyond excited to play the United States Smash in Las Vegas. The energy there is unmatched and it’s amazing to have such a prestigious event in the United States. It’s a great opportunity to showcase our sport in a city known for big moments and world class events.”
The US Smash will celebrate Nevada, the “Silver State,” with distinctive silver-themed awards, including the first-ever silver trophies for event champions. Held at WTT’s iconic Infinity ∞ Arena, the tournament will feature an impressive lineup:
- Men’s Singles: 64 players (including 50 World Ranking players, 4 Host Wildcards, 2 WTT Nominated players, and 8 Qualifiers)
- Women’s Singles: 64 players (50 World Ranking, 4 Host Wildcards, 2 WTT Nominated, 8 Qualifiers)
- Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles: Each category will feature 24 pairs (20 by Combined Ranking and 4 Host Wildcard pairs)
Qualifying rounds will also host a competitive field, with 64 players each in Men’s and Women’s Singles Qualifying (58 by World Ranking, with 6 Host Wildcards).
The United States Smash is expected to have a lasting impact on table tennis’s presence in the U.S., building on the momentum of the 2021 World Table Tennis Championships Finals in Houston and setting the stage for greater visibility as the sport heads toward the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
Fans can look forward to a full WTT Series schedule release soon, as the excitement for table tennis in America continues to build.
