History was written in Helsingborg today as virtual table tennis crowned its first world champion, marking a watershed moment in the sport’s digital evolution. Through the innovative Eleven Table Tennis platform, table tennis skills merged seamlessly with virtual reality technology, creating a spectacle that points towards an exciting future for the sport.
In a day filled with spectacular virtual rallies and nail-biting drama, Antonin “Anto” Landreau emerged victorious from an exceptional field to claim his place in table tennis history.
The final, a clash between current and former world No.1s, lived up to its billing as a battle for the ages. Aiphaton’s early dominance secured the opening game, but Anto’s youthful energy and adaptability turned the tide. In a performance that embodied the perfect fusion of traditional table tennis knowledge and virtual mastery, the Frenchman claimed his place as the inaugural ITTF World Esports Champion.
This means everything,” shared an elated Anto after his victory. “To become the first-ever ITTF World Esports champion is a dream come true. The level of competition was incredible, and to win here after the Olympic Esports Week success shows how far virtual table tennis has come.”
The day’s action began with an electrifying all-French semifinal between Anto and Nathan “Natping” Denéchère. In a match that had the Helsingborg crowd on the edge of their seats, both players demonstrated why virtual table tennis has captured the imagination of a new generation. The virtual arena crackled with energy as Natping mounted a spirited comeback to level at 1-1, producing moments of brilliance that drew gasps from spectators. Despite establishing a promising 5-3 lead in the fourth game, Natping found Anto’s experience and composure under pressure insurmountable, as the top seed secured a 3-1 victory.
The second semifinal elevated the championship to new heights, as Maik “Aiphaton” Reusner and Nicolas “Swiss11Rally” Champod produced what many considered the day’s finest display of virtual skill. Each point showcased the remarkable accuracy and physics of virtual table tennis, with Swiss11Rally striking first blood. However, former world No.1 Aiphaton’s experience shone through as he orchestrated a masterful comeback to secure his final spot with a hard-fought 3-1 win.
The bronze medal match saw Swiss11Rally’s technical mastery prove too strong for Natping in a best-of-three encounter. Whilst the young Frenchman’s remarkable run from qualifiers to semifinals ended here, his journey exemplified how virtual table tennis can create new pathways to elite competition.
The championship’s impact extends beyond the competition itself, as quarterfinalist Wladmir “Wlad” Pimentel reflected: “What we’re seeing here is just the beginning. When I started virtual table tennis less than two years ago, I was just looking to play some table tennis when I couldn’t access a real table. Now I’m coaching players from Alaska to Sweden, spending hours teaching in the virtual space, and now playing in a World Championship. What’s most impressive is seeing players who’ve never played traditional table tennis develop perfect timing and technique in VR. It shows the potential of this format to grow our sport globally.”
As table tennis positions itself for inclusion in the Olympic Esports Games 2025, this championship has set a compelling precedent. It demonstrated how virtual sports can maintain the essence of their traditional counterparts whilst opening new avenues for global participation and engagement. The success of this inaugural championship, from its 212-strong qualification field to today’s dramatic conclusion, suggests that virtual table tennis will play a vital role in the sport’s future.
“This World Esports Championships represents a pivotal moment in table tennis history. As we align with the IOC’s vision for digital sport and look towards the Olympic Esports Games 2025, today’s success demonstrates how virtual reality can enhance and expand our beloved sport whilst maintaining its core values. The level of competition and engagement we’ve witnessed here in Helsingborg shows that virtual table tennis has a bright future in the Olympic movement.” – ” remarked Petra Sörling, ITTF President. “
