With just days remaining until the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Doha 2025, anticipation builds as the global table tennis community prepares for an exceptional display of skill and determination. From 17-25 May, the world’s elite players will compete at the state-of-the-art Lusail Multipurpose Hall and Qatar University Sports Complex across five prestigious events: Men’s and Women’s Singles, Men’s and Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.
Beyond the thrilling action and spectacular performances that await fans, the championship’s historic trophies stand as enduring symbols of excellence in our sport. These magnificent pieces of silverware represent not just victory, but the rich heritage of table tennis at its highest level.
The tournament features five iconic trophies, each carrying remarkable provenance. The prestigious St. Bride Vase, introduced in 1929, remains the ultimate prize for Men’s Singles champions.
Its counterpart, the distinguished Geist Prize—named after table tennis pioneer Dr. Gaspar Geist of Germany—has honoured Women’s Singles champions since 1931.
The doubles competitions feature equally significant awards: the elegant Iran Cup, graciously presented by the Shah of Iran in 1947 for Men’s Doubles excellence; the prestigious W.J. Pope Trophy, established in 1948 for the Women’s Doubles champions; and the coveted Heydusek Cup for Mixed Doubles victors, donated that same year by Czechoslovakia’s Zdenek Heydusek.
These treasured trophies embody the spirit of the World Championships. They represent more than competitive achievement—they symbolise the global unity, technical brilliance, and sporting excellence that define table tennis at its finest. For competitors arriving in Doha, the opportunity to add their names to these storied prizes represents the pinnacle of the sport and a place among its legendary champions.
