The virtual arena has spoken. After an intense month-long qualification battle that saw 212 participants chase their dreams, Nicolas “Swiss11Rally” Champod from Switzerland and Nathan “11FR-Natping” Denéchère from France have emerged triumphant. They secured their spots for the final stage of the inaugural ITTF World Esports Championships on 27-28 November in Helsingborg, Sweden.
The groundbreaking qualification stage, open to all players, which began on 14 October and concluded on 14 November, showcased table tennis’s remarkable ability to captivate and challenge players across different formats. Players demonstrated how the sport’s fundamental skills translate seamlessly from traditional tables to the virtual realm.
These additions to the championship field bring fascinating narratives to the pioneering event which will elevate table tennis on the global competitive gaming stage.
Nicolas “Swiss11Rally” Champod’s journey epitomises the sport’s versatility. A formidable presence in traditional table tennis – with appearances at three consecutive ITTF World Championships (2014-2016) – he has successfully transferred his real-world expertise to the virtual arena. His qualification demonstrates how players can adapt and excel across different formats, maintaining their competitive edge whether wielding a physical paddle or a VR controller.
Meanwhile, Nathan “11FR-Natping” Denéchère’s qualification adds another exciting chapter to his table tennis story. The 24-year-old French talent, who first turned heads at age 11 by competing in adult regional competitions, has embraced both traditional and virtual formats with equal passion. His qualification highlights how the next generation of players is seamlessly bridging the gap between physical and digital sport.
“The qualification stage has showcased the extraordinary talent emerging in virtual table tennis,” remarked Petra Sörling, ITTF President. “These qualifiers bring exactly the kind of competitive spirit and skill that will make our inaugural World Esports Championships truly special. This groundbreaking event marks a pivotal step forward in the federation’s digital transformation, bringing a fresh dynamic to the sport and expanding its reach to new audiences. It’s inspiring to see table tennis continue to evolve and attract players across different platforms while maintaining its core essence.”
The qualification journey was no casual affair. Both players navigated through six intense rounds of VR competition, demonstrating the blend of tactical prowess and virtual adaptability needed to succeed in this innovative format. From an initial field of 212 hopefuls, they emerged as worthy representatives of this new chapter in table tennis history.
In Helsingborg, the qualified pair will join six wildcards – currently being unveiled in the lead-up to the event – to complete an elite eight-player field, all vying for the distinction of becoming the first-ever ITTF World Esports champion. The championships mark a special moment for table tennis, as traditional expertise and digital innovation converge in unprecedented fashion.
