Table Tennis Kingdom: WTT will change table tennis. "There's no turning back now."

[zeio]

WTTが卓球を変える。「もはや後戻りできない」 (WTT will change table tennis. "There's no turning back now.")
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/34976fa0db1686d2dec55bef0824b3763b67f38d

この大会を見たらかつての国際オープンの大会に戻ることはもはや不可能だろう

まるでライブ会場のような空気感を放ったBUNTAI

世界卓球の新しい形を目指して発足した WTT（World Table Tennis）。創設当初は日程の不透明さや運営面で批判が集中し、選手やクラブが混乱する場面も多かった。しかし、発足から5年が経ち、ようやく安定の兆しを見せている。

従来の国際大会との違い
かつてのジャパンオープンでは、観客席が空いているのが日常で、配信もテレビ放送もなかった。そんな状況から一転、WTTの大会は照明や音響を駆使した演出で「アイドルのライブのよう」と観客を驚かせる。卓球は競技からエンターテイメントへと進化した。

批判から安定へ
コロナ禍でスタートしたWTTは、各国協会との連携不足やエントリー手続きの混乱などで「世界の卓球を壊す」と厳しい声を浴びた。それでもランキング制度や賞金システムにより、選手は出場を続けざるを得なかった。
現在は大会カレンダーの早期発表や運営の安定化で、不満は大きく減少。スポンサーや観客も増加傾向にある。

今後の課題と展望
スティーブ・デイントンCEOは「売上は約5000万ドル（約75億円）、賞金総額は1500万ドル（約22.5億円）。ここから倍増させることが課題」と語る。
横浜で開催されたWTTチャンピオンズでは後半3日間のチケットがほぼ完売し、中国からも多くのファンが来場。1万人規模の会場開催を検討する声も出ている。

「良い意味でWTTは世界卓球を破壊し、再創造した」――。その言葉どおり、卓球はかつての姿には戻れない。
（卓球王国PLUS独占記事「今野の眼」より抜粋）

After seeing this tournament, it's impossible to go back to the old international open tournaments

BUNTAI had an atmosphere that felt like a live concert

WTT (World Table Tennis) was established with the aim of creating a new form of World Table Tennis Championships. Initially, the tournament faced criticism for its uncertain schedule and operational issues, causing confusion among players and clubs. However, 5 years after its launch, it is finally showing signs of stability.

Differences from Traditional International Tournaments
At the previous Japan Open, empty seats were commonplace, and there was no live streaming or television coverage. In stark contrast to this, WTT tournaments amaze audiences with their dramatic lighting and sound effects, making them feel like "an idol concert." Table tennis has evolved from a competitive sport to entertainment.

From Criticism to Stability
Starting amid the COVID-19 pandemic, WTT faced harsh criticism for "destroying the world of table tennis" due to a lack of coordination with national associations and confusion over entry procedures. Nevertheless, the ranking system and prize money system forced players to continue competing. Now, with the tournament calendar announced early and operations stabilized, dissatisfaction has significantly decreased. Sponsorship and spectator numbers are also on the rise.

Future Challenges and Outlook
CEO Steve Dainton stated, "Revenues are approximately $50 million (approximately ¥7.5 billion), and total prize money is $15 million (approximately ¥2.25 billion). Our challenge is to double this." Tickets for the last three days of the WTT Champions held in Yokohama were nearly sold out, with many fans from China attending. Some are even considering holding the event in a venue with a capacity of 10,000.

"In a good way, WTT has disrupted and reinvented world table tennis." True to those words, table tennis will never be the same again.

---

WTTは「卓球のイメージを変える」。創設当初は批判も多かったが、もはや後戻りできない。 (WTT aims to "change the image of table tennis." Although there was a lot of criticism when it was first established, there is no turning back now.)
https://plus.world-tt.com/2025/08/17/wttは「卓球のイメージを変える」。創設当初は批/

卓球王国PLUS独占記事「今野の眼」

まるでライブ会場のような空気感を放ったBUNTAI

開場を待つ観客。BUNTAI横浜には日本全国と中国から大勢のファンが詰めかけた

WTTは創設時に、選手やクラブは混乱し、運営も輸送や宿泊、大会エントリーなどでも不満が噴出した

WTTチャンピオンズ横浜4日目、フランスチームのコーチのジャンロネ・モウニー氏と話をした。
「このあとWTTのスティーブ・デイントン（CEO）にインタビューするんだけど、コーチや選手から見た今のWTTってどう映る？ 問題はないのかな」と聞くと、モウニーは即答した。
「昔のジャパンオープンを覚えているだろ？ 今回の横浜と比べてみてくれ。もちろん改善点はあるが、もう戻れないよ」。

まさにその通りだ。
最後に取材したジャパンオープン（2019年・北海道）は、最終日こそ観客が入っていたが、初日はガラガラ。20台近い卓球台が並び、誰がどこで試合をしているのか判別さえ難しかった。配信もなく、テレビ放映もなかった。それが当たり前の光景だった。

新型コロナの拡大と2021年のWTT本格始動が重なり、スタート時期は最悪だった。
もともと国際ツアーは1990年代に国際卓球連盟（ITTF）の荻村伊智朗会長が構想したものだ。選手のプロ化を進めるため、賞金付き国際大会をツアー形式で実施しようとしたのが始まりである。各国の「国際オープン」を点ではなく線で結び、ツアーとして体系化する狙いだった。

Table Tennis Kingdom PLUS Exclusive Article "Konno's Eyes"

BUNTAI had an atmosphere that felt like a live concert

The crowds waiting for the doors to open. BUNTAI Yokohama was packed with fans from all over Japan and China

When WTT was founded, players and clubs were in disarray, and dissatisfaction arose over management issues such as transportation, accommodation, and tournament entries.

On the 4th day of the WTT Champions Yokohama, I spoke with Jean-Rene Mounie, coach of the French team.
"I'm going to interview Steve Dainton (CEO) of WTT later, but what do you think of WTT today from the perspective of coaches and players? Are there any problems?" I asked. Mounie answered immediately.
"You remember the old Japan Open, right? Compare it to this year's Yokohama event. Of course, there are areas for improvement, but there's no going back."

And that's absolutely true.
The last Japan Open I covered (Hokkaido, 2019) had spectators on the final day, but the first day was completely empty. With nearly 20 tables lined up, it was difficult to tell who was playing where. There was no streaming, and no television coverage. That was the norm.

The spread of COVID-19 coincided with the full launch of the WTT in 2021, so the timing couldn't have been worse.

The international tour was originally conceived by Ogimura Ichiro, president of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), in the 1990s. It began as a tour-style system of international tournaments with prize money in order to encourage players to become more professional. The aim was to connect each country's "international opens" with a line, rather than just dots, and systematize them into a tour...

 

[NextLevel]

WTTが卓球を変える。「もはや後戻りできない」 (WTT will change table tennis. "There's no turning back now.")
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/34976fa0db1686d2dec55bef0824b3763b67f38d

After seeing this tournament, it's impossible to go back to the old international open tournaments.

BUNTAI had an atmosphere that felt like a live concert

WTT (World Table Tennis) was established with the aim of creating a new form of World Table Tennis Championships. Initially, the tournament faced criticism for its uncertain schedule and operational issues, causing confusion among players and clubs. However, 5 years after its launch, it is finally showing signs of stability.

Differences from Traditional International Tournaments
At the previous Japan Open, empty seats were commonplace, and there was no live streaming or television coverage. In stark contrast to this, WTT tournaments amaze audiences with their dramatic lighting and sound effects, making them feel like "an idol concert." Table tennis has evolved from a competitive sport to entertainment.

From Criticism to Stability
Starting amid the COVID-19 pandemic, WTT faced harsh criticism for "destroying the world of table tennis" due to a lack of coordination with national associations and confusion over entry procedures. Nevertheless, the ranking system and prize money system forced players to continue competing. Now, with the tournament calendar announced early and operations stabilized, dissatisfaction has significantly decreased. Sponsorship and spectator numbers are also on the rise.

Future Challenges and Outlook
CEO Steve Dainton stated, "Revenues are approximately $50 million (approximately ¥7.5 billion), and total prize money is $15 million (approximately ¥2.25 billion). Our challenge is to double this." Tickets for the last three days of the WTT Champions held in Yokohama were nearly sold out, with many fans from China attending.[/size] Some are even considering holding the event in a venue with a capacity of 10,000.

"In a good way, WTT has disrupted and reinvented world table tennis." True to those words, table tennis will never be the same again.

---

WTTは「卓球のイメージを変える」。創設当初は批判も多かったが、もはや後戻りできない。 (WTT aims to "change the image of table tennis." Although there was a lot of criticism when it was first established, there is no turning back now.)
https://plus.world-tt.com/2025/08/17/wttは「卓球のイメージを変える」。創設当初は批/

Table Tennis Kingdom PLUS Exclusive Article "Konno's Eyes"

BUNTAI had an atmosphere that felt like a live concert

The crowds waiting for the doors to open. BUNTAI Yokohama was packed with fans from all over Japan and China

When WTT was founded, players and clubs were in disarray, and dissatisfaction arose over management issues such as transportation, accommodation, and tournament entries.

On the 4th day of the WTT Champions Yokohama, I spoke with Jean-Rene Mounie, coach of the French team.
"I'm going to interview Steve Dainton (CEO) of WTT later, but what do you think of WTT today from the perspective of coaches and players? Are there any problems?" I asked. Mouney answered immediately.
"You remember the old Japan Open, right? Compare it to this year's Yokohama event. Of course, there are areas for improvement, but there's no going back."

And that's absolutely true.
The last Japan Open I covered (Hokkaido, 2019) had spectators on the final day, but the first day was completely empty. With nearly 20 tables lined up, it was difficult to tell who was playing where. There was no streaming, and no television coverage. That was the norm.

The spread of COVID-19 coincided with the full launch of the WTT in 2021, so the timing couldn't have been worse.

The international tour was originally conceived by Ogimura Ichiro, president of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), in the 1990s. It began as a tour-style system of international tournaments with prize money in order to encourage players to become more professional. The aim was to connect each country's "international opens" with a line, rather than just dots, and systematize them into a tour...

zeio: "After seeing this tournament, it is impossible to go back to the old international open tournaments."
WTT: "Hold my beer...":

 

[mikeytt]

as someone who joined the sport quite late (just after tokyo olympics) what was it like for a viewer of table tennis before wtt era?

you had all of the open tournaments and things like that which looked awesome as an outsider looking back (maybe good camera angle helps) , but how was it at the time? where did you watch these tournaments and how frequent were they? this has always intrigued me and it seems like this thread is my time to ask lol

 

[NextLevel]

as someone who joined the sport quite late (just after tokyo olympics) what was it like for a viewer of table tennis before wtt era?

you had all of the open tournaments and things like that which looked awesome as an outsider looking back (maybe good camera angle helps) , but how was it at the time? where did you watch these tournaments and how frequent were they? this has always intrigued me and it seems like this thread is my time to ask lol

It depemds on the event. The one thing that I think WTT does now better than before from the viewer's perspective is maintain a consistent aesthetic for the Table 1/Infinity Arena/Main Sponsored Table. While it does still vary a bit by event, it is definitely more consistent in feel and quality now. You can have some minimum expectations around what you are going to see in SCT events above.

Events were quite frequent before, but they didn't mandate participation so you never were sure who would play. Plenty of stuff on the Chinese side was built around preparing for major tournaments because the old ranking system rewarded strength of play not participation and tournament achievement. The WTT structure does seem to have the best players consistently playing together at more events as well.

 

[zeio]

zeio: "After seeing this tournament, it is impossible to go back to the old international open tournaments."
WTT: "Hold my beer...":

WTT India: "Try me..."

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

as someone who joined the sport quite late (just after tokyo olympics) what was it like for a viewer of table tennis before wtt era?

you had all of the open tournaments and things like that which looked awesome as an outsider looking back (maybe good camera angle helps) , but how was it at the time? where did you watch these tournaments and how frequent were they? this has always intrigued me and it seems like this thread is my time to ask lol

It depemds on the event. The one thing that I think WTT does now better than before from the viewer's perspective is maintain a consistent aesthetic for the Table 1/Infinity Arena/Main Sponsored Table. While it does still vary a bit by event, it is definitely more consistent in feel and quality now. You can have some minimum expectations around what you are going to see in SCT events above.

Events were quite frequent before, but they didn't mandate participation so you never were sure who would play. Plenty of stuff on the Chinese side was built around preparing for major tournaments because the old ranking system rewarded strength of play not participation and tournament achievement. The WTT structure does seem to have the best players consistently playing together at more events as well.

WTT went with a dark theme
focus on center stage table.

the older days, it was 1 or 2 main tables and the other tables - all placed next to each other.
so you can watch many games in the same time.

today - this is like Tennis - you buy ticket for certain tables ahead of time - and you don't know who you will be watching.

I disagree with NL, since there was less than half the amount of events, with the players focusing on the higher tiers only - very similar to what has happened now - so chinese focusing on high tier events has not changed.
With WTT silly rules during Olympic buildup, you had top 20 players taking part in WTT feeders, all to get points - that was the first time I saw something like that and it was due to WTT allowing it.

But there is now so many tiers, with too many events. It is easily over 20 events a year if you are committed to yourself, and your country. Of the dozen or so Top 50 players I am friends with (both mens and womens), all of them say they are sick with the amount of matches since WTT has taken over.

I think one biggest part of the changes from the players side is the old ways had groups, and now it is knock-out qualification rounds, meaning many players will play 1 match and end up done (unless they playing in other events - like doubles too).
I actually informed my WTT mates that they need to bring back groups - and I'm glad that 2025, groups is back, some what.

also note, WTT came in a more digital era, but it is heavily chinese corporate backed.
in ITTF days, while there was also they own unique problems at the top around the president of ittf's side company was taking in all the contracts (not like it isn't happening now in the chinese space), there was many big international brands sponsoring table tennis.

I still remember VW, and the winner of the open will get a car.

WTT has raise the prize money today, but TT cost a lot more money to play today than ITTF days.
ITTF days, you just have entry fee and optional rest
WTT days, you are forced to by the package - entry fee, hotel, 3 meals, shuttle.

Many players can't afford the inflated pricing - many players would find cheaper accomodations for example.
the WTT package is nice for some, but it is also terrible/burden for some.

so to answer your first sentence.
The main table feels better today (coping club/league table tennis with just 1 table), but I don't like the dark theme.
but during earlier rounds, where all the tables are on, it is very difficult for you to hop around tables - the older days
are better where you can match all the tables in the same time.

Digital side.
WTT can't get the camera angle right - this is probably the biggest mistery.
Some events they have it right, but most times, we have the camera on top of the umpires side.....

and with WTT foricing players - this was a big setback.
some players came for the sake of rules to pitch
they loss first round, so they can move on with they life
this was terrible for table tennis

 

[mikeytt]

WTT went with a dark theme
focus on center stage table.

the older days, it was 1 or 2 main tables and the other tables - all placed next to each other.
so you can watch many games in the same time.

today - this is like Tennis - you buy ticket for certain tables ahead of time - and you don't know who you will be watching.

I disagree with NL, since there was less than half the amount of events, with the players focusing on the higher tiers only - very similar to what has happened now - so chinese focusing on high tier events has not changed.
With WTT silly rules during Olympic buildup, you had top 20 players taking part in WTT feeders, all to get points - that was the first time I saw something like that and it was due to WTT allowing it.

But there is now so many tiers, with too many events. It is easily over 20 events a year if you are committed to yourself, and your country. Of the dozen or so Top 50 players I am friends with (both mens and womens), all of them say they are sick with the amount of matches since WTT has taken over.

I think one biggest part of the changes from the players side is the old ways had groups, and now it is knock-out qualification rounds, meaning many players will play 1 match and end up done (unless they playing in other events - like doubles too).
I actually informed my WTT mates that they need to bring back groups - and I'm glad that 2025, groups is back, some what.

also note, WTT came in a more digital era, but it is heavily chinese corporate backed.
in ITTF days, while there was also they own unique problems at the top around the president of ittf's side company was taking in all the contracts (not like it isn't happening now in the chinese space), there was many big international brands sponsoring table tennis.

I still remember VW, and the winner of the open will get a car.

WTT has raise the prize money today, but TT cost a lot more money to play today than ITTF days.
ITTF days, you just have entry fee and optional rest
WTT days, you are forced to by the package - entry fee, hotel, 3 meals, shuttle.

Many players can't afford the inflated pricing - many players would find cheaper accomodations for example.
the WTT package is nice for some, but it is also terrible/burden for some.

so to answer your first sentence.
The main table feels better today (coping club/league table tennis with just 1 table), but I don't like the dark theme.
but during earlier rounds, where all the tables are on, it is very difficult for you to hop around tables - the older days
are better where you can match all the tables in the same time.

Digital side.
WTT can't get the camera angle right - this is probably the biggest mistery.
Some events they have it right, but most times, we have the camera on top of the umpires side.....

and with WTT foricing players - this was a big setback.
some players came for the sake of rules to pitch
they loss first round, so they can move on with they life
this was terrible for table tennis

the group format sounds a lot better... must be horrible for players to lose one best of 5 and go home like they do nowadays....

and i agree with you preferring the light theme, wtt is so dark. old events felt a lot more alive when not covered in darkness

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

the group format sounds a lot better... must be horrible for players to lose one best of 5 and go home like they do nowadays....

and i agree with you preferring the light theme, wtt is so dark. old events felt a lot more alive when not covered in darkness

yeah,
with so little prize money and the cost of flights and travel + forced package deal by WTT, a 20 to 30 mins match and go home... then you question why players want to play league and not WTT - This is very unfair.

PS. to make it worse, you might have a beginner umpire officiating the match too.... lol
very expensive trip and very little quality.

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

WTT India: "Try me..."

its funny how zeio laughs and bullies other culture and has a thing with India and now WTT India.

the fact is, WTT and ITTF has taken a lot of ideas from UTT India. So all that zeio is happy about, has the aid of the Indians. Funny, isn't it?

on another note, Smash China is not hosted by WTT team.
CTTA has they own "friends" that is running the show.

 

[TTTT]

The "dark theme" is necessary to hide all the empty seats on most days. The "consistent" and standardized presentation is good for television (and now TTR) but only works for center court, and also takes away from the specificity of each location. "Infinity Arena" can now be anywhere (except in Sweden, it seems). And there's a huge drop-off between table 1 and the rest, as we saw in Las Vegas (lots of complaints from players about the differences between venues).

Tournaments before WTT (world championships, world cup, ProTour etc.) were not bad at all for spectators and players. There was less hype but definitely more bang for the buck (more matches to watch/play).

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

The "dark theme" is necessary to hide all the empty seats on most days. The "consistent" and standardized presentation is good for television (and now TTR) but only works for center court, and also takes away from the specificity of each location. "Infinity Arena" can now be anywhere (except in Sweden, it seems). And there's a huge drop-off between table 1 and the rest, as we saw in Las Vegas (lots of complaints from players about the differences between venues).

Tournaments before WTT (world championships, world cup, ProTour etc.) were not bad at all for spectators and players. There was less hype but definitely more bang for the buck (more matches to watch/play).

yep
1 table is just copying club table tennis
T2 tried it, UTT did it successfully, so as all the other leagues.
UTT probably started with the dark theme and T2 followed - do I have my history correct?

but main table venue + other venue is a bit problmatic - for the players and fans.
I know players have free shuttle
I actually do not know if fans have free shuttle to commute between different venues - like in Doha, it was 20+mins drive away

 

[NextLevel]

The "dark theme" is necessary to hide all the empty seats on most days. The "consistent" and standardized presentation is good for television (and now TTR) but only works for center court, and also takes away from the specificity of each location. "Infinity Arena" can now be anywhere (except in Sweden, it seems). And there's a huge drop-off between table 1 and the rest, as we saw in Las Vegas (lots of complaints from players about the differences between venues).

Tournaments before WTT (world championships, world cup, ProTour etc.) were not bad at all for spectators and players. There was less hype but definitely more bang for the buck (more matches to watch/play).

Whether hiding seats is an actual consideration is not clear. In many sports I am not sure the specificity of the stadium/location adds much and to the degree it does, that can be facilitated. And the idea of selling sponsorship rights to venues makes sense.

Were there more matches to watch/play? I don't think streaming was as common and the current elimination formats arent mandatory, some events still do group rounds. Not sure whar drives the choices.

 

[igorponger]

https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/a-skeleton-in-the-cupboard#:~:text=If%20you%20say%20that%20someone,no%20skeletons%20in%20the%20cupboard.

A DEAD BODY IN THE CLOSET.

Yes, WTT still allows the many cheaters inside. All Chinese known to boost in plenty, Indians WT still using substandard pimples. So good so far, -- WTT goes on telling fairy tales right in the face of the public media. Smart liars, indeed.

 

[TTTT]

Were there more matches to watch/play? I don't think streaming was as common and the current elimination formats arent mandatory, some events still do group rounds. Not sure whar drives the choices.

Definitely more matches to watch for actual spectators in the arena - there's absolutely no comparison between an "Open" as part of ProTour and, say, a WTT Champions with 32 players singles only best of 5. Of course streaming has increased and improved, but that's a general trend. And how many parallel live streams can you watch?

Remind us which senior events still have groups?

 

[NextLevel]

Definitely more matches to watch for actual spectators in the arena - there's absolutely no comparison between an "Open" as part of ProTour and, say, a WTT Champions with 32 players singles only best of 5. Of course streaming has increased and improved, but that's a general trend. And how many parallel live streams can you watch?

Remind us which senior events still have groups?

I know a player (Taiwo Mati) who played in two very recently. Not sure whether it was a Feeder or Contender.

Spectators in the arena, yes but whether spectators can follow all those matches is also debatable. And whether it is a better experience is open to debate.

I can usually follow up to 4 parallel streams on my setups. But one available is more than good enough. In the past it eas hard to put many tables on TV. Sometimes resource related but sometimes related to how the venue was setup to habdle so many tables in one space. Not everything about the WTT era is bad.

 

[zeio]

【卓球】日本選手、なぜ自己負担でWTTに挑むのか。1大会60万円の遠征費と「自己証明」の舞台 ([Table Tennis] Why do Japanese players pay for the WTT at their own expense? 600,000 yen travel expenses per tournament and the stage for "self-proof")
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/5620c10b6c81d50b5f1465a5127bd31719bb46e0

多くの中堅選手はTリーグの報酬やスポンサー契約を遠征費に充てている

卓球の国際大会「WTT（ワールド・テーブルテニス）」シリーズに、日本選手はほぼすべての大会へ出場している。だが、その多くは所属や協会の全面的な支援があるわけではなく、自己負担での参戦が少なくない。1大会の渡航費・宿泊費は約60万円にのぼり、専任コーチや練習相手を帯同すれば倍以上の出費になる。

それでも選手が参戦を続けるのは、世界ランキングを上げるためだ。日本は層が厚く、たとえ五輪メダリストの平野美宇であっても、2025年8月時点で国内9番手の位置。ランキングを上げなければ、WTTスマッシュやチャンピオンズといった上位大会には出場できない。結果的に、フィーダーやコンテンダーといった下位大会でポイントを積み重ねるしかない状況にある。

大会ごとに賞金やランキングポイントは格付けされ、2025年シーズンはスマッシュ（賞金総額約2～3億円）からコンテンダー（約1500万円）まで幅広く設定されている。だが、日本卓球協会が費用を負担するのは男子の上位数名が出場する大会に限られ、多くの選手はTリーグの報酬やスポンサー契約を遠征費に充てている。
宿泊も負担の一つだ。上位大会では四つ星以上の指定ホテルに泊まらなければならず、1泊数万円。安価なホテルに宿泊すれば送迎バスや会場アクセスが制限されるため、実質的に選択肢はない。

それでも日本選手がWTTに挑む理由は明確だ。トップ選手は五輪や世界選手権への布石として、若手はランキング上昇を目指して。そして中堅選手もまた「上位に食い込めば代表選出の可能性がある」と信じて挑む。
橋本帆乃香（デンソーポラリス）のようにフィーダーやコンテンダーで結果を残し、世界上位に近づいた例もある。ランキング上昇が五輪や世界大会の扉を開くからだ。

たとえ将来の代表入りが難しくても、参戦を続ける選手が口にする言葉がある。――「自分を証明するため」。
WTTは、彼らにとってその舞台でもある。

Many mid-level players use their T.League salaries and sponsorship contracts to cover travel expenses.

Japanese players compete in almost every tournament in the international table tennis tournaments, the "World Table Tennis (WTT)" series. However, many do not receive full support from their affiliates or associations, and many compete at their own expense. Travel and accommodation costs for one tournament amount to approximately 600,000 yen, and bringing a dedicated coach and practice partner more than doubles the cost.

Still, players continue to compete in order to improve their world rankings. Japan has a deep talent pool, and even Olympic medalist Hirano Miu was ranked 9th in the country as of August 2025. Without improving their rankings, they would not be able to compete in top tournaments like the WTT Smash and Champions. As a result, they have no choice but to accumulate points in lower-level tournaments such as Feeder and Contender tournaments.

Prize money and ranking points are graded for each tournament, with the 2025 season offering a wide range of prize money, from Smash (total prize money of approximately 200-300 million yen) to Contender (approximately 15 million yen). However, the Japan Table Tennis Association only covers expenses for tournaments featuring the top men's players, with many players relying on their T.League salaries or sponsorship contracts to cover travel expenses.
Accommodation is another cost. At top tournaments, players are required to stay in designated four-star or higher hotels, costing several tens of thousands of yen per night. Staying at cheaper hotels limits shuttle buses and venue access, leaving players with virtually no choice.

Still, the reasons why Japanese players compete in the WTT are clear: top players see it as a stepping stone to the Olympics or World Championships, while younger players aim to climb their rankings. Mid-level players also take on the challenge, believing that if they can finish highly, they have a chance of being selected for the national team.
There are examples, such as Hashimoto Honoka (DENSO Polaris), who achieved results in Feeder or Contender and approached the top of the world. A rising ranking opens the door to the Olympics and World Championships.

Even if it's difficult to make the national team in the future, there's one thing the players who continue to participate say: "To prove myself." The WTT is their stage for doing just that.

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【卓球】日本選手が挑むWTTの現実。増える試合数と費用負担、それでも挑戦する理由 ([Table Tennis] Japanese players take on the reality of WTT. Increasing number of matches and financial burden, but still taking on the challenge.)
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/054cf74c85bd58eb69f395f709746538501b5390

「将来的には売上も賞金も倍増させたい」WTTのデイントンCEO

「今年はWTTにとって初めてのフルシーズン（完成形）となった。今年が試合数のほぼマックス（最大）だろう」――卓球の世界大会シリーズ「WTT（ワールド・テーブルテニス）」のスティーブ・デイントンCEOはそう語る。

2025年のWTTは、4大大会「スマッシュ」をはじめ、「チャンピオンズ」「スターコンテンダー」「コンテンダー」、そして年間獲得ポイント上位者のみが出場する「ファイナルズ」まで計23大会が予定されている。賞金総額はスマッシュで最大約3億円、チャンピオンズで約7500万円と、旧ワールドツアー時代に比べ大幅に増額された。
しかし、デイントンCEOは「テニスやゴルフ、バドミントンと比べるとまだ低水準。将来的には売上も賞金も倍増させたい」と話す。

以下は、2025年のWTTシリーズの試合数と賞金総額だ。大会の格付けで賞金総額と世界ランキングポイントが決まっている。（　）内はそれぞれ1大会の賞金総額

＜2025年カレンダー＞
●スマッシュ：4大会（シンガポール、アメリカ、スウェーデン、中国） ▶ 150～205万ドル（約2.25～3億円）
●チャンピオンズ：6大会 ▶ 50万ドル（約7500万円）
●スターコンテンダー：6大会 ▶ 30万ドル（約4500万円）
●コンテンダー：7大会 ▶ 10万ドル（約1500万円）
・・・・・・・・・・・
●ファイナルズ（年間獲得ポイント上位者のみ） ▶ 130万ドル（約1.95億円）

しかし、選手たちにとって出場は容易ではない。招待制の大会を除けば、遠征費用は基本的に自己負担。宿泊先は指定ホテルに限られ、1泊数万円のケースもある。協会が費用を負担するのは男子で年間数大会、上位4名分に限られ、多くの選手はスポンサー収入やTリーグの報酬を遠征費に充てているのが実情だ。

それでも日本選手は参戦を続ける。橋本帆乃香（デンソーポラリス）はフィーダーやコンテンダーで勝利を重ね、急速に世界ランキングを上げている。松島輝空、張本美和、大藤沙月ら若手も下部大会から地道にポイントを積み重ね、上位に食い込んできた。過密日程と費用負担という厳しい環境の中でも、WTTはこれから上を目指す日本選手にとってキャリアを切り開く舞台となっている。
（卓球王国PLUS独占記事「今野の眼」より一部抜粋）

"We want to double both revenue and prize money in the future," says Steve Dainton, CEO of WTT

"This year marks WTT's first full season. This year will likely be the year with the maximum number of tournaments," says Steve Dainton, CEO of the WTT (World Table Tennis) global table tennis tournament series.

The 2025 WTT is scheduled to feature a total of 23 tournaments, including the 4 major tournaments, "Smash", "Champions", "Star Contender", and "Contender", as well as "Finals", which is open to the top annual points earners. Total prize money is up to approximately ¥300 million for Smash and ¥75 million for Champions, a significant increase from the previous World Tour era.

However, CEO Dainton says, "Compared to tennis, golf, and badminton, it's still low. We want to double both revenue and prize money in the future."

Below are the number of tournaments and total prize money for the 2025 WTT series. The tournament's ranking determines the total prize money and world ranking points. ( ) indicates the total prize money for each tournament.

<2025 Calendar>
● Smash: 4 tournaments (Singapore, United States, Sweden, China) ▶ $1.5-2.05 million (approx. ¥225-¥300 million)
● Champions: 6 tournaments ▶ $500,000 (approx. ¥75 million)
● Star Contender: 6 tournaments ▶ $300,000 (approx. ¥45 million)
● Contender: 7 tournaments ▶ $100,000 (approx. ¥15 million)
・・・・・・・・・・・
● Finals (Top annual points earners only) ▶ $1.3 million (approx. ¥195 million)

However, participating in these tournaments is not easy. With the exception of invitation-only tournaments, players are generally responsible for their own travel expenses. Accommodation is limited to designated hotels, which can cost several tens of thousands of yen per night. The association only covers expenses for the top 4 men's players in a few tournaments per year, with most players relying on sponsorship income and T.League salaries to cover travel expenses.

But even so, Japanese players continue to compete. Hashimoto Honoka (DENSO Polaris) has been winning in Feeder and Contender and is rapidly climbing the world rankings. Younger players such as Matsushima Sora, Harimoto Miwa, and Odo Satsuki have also been steadily accumulating points from lower-level tournaments and working their way up the ranks. Even in the challenging environment of a packed schedule and financial burden, the WTT serves as a platform for aspiring Japanese players to carve out their careers.

(Excerpt from Table Tennis Kingdom PLUS exclusive article, "Konno's Eyes")

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彼ら日本選手は、なぜ貯金を切り崩しながらWTTに出場するのか (Why are these Japanese athletes dipping into their savings to compete in the WTT?)
https://plus.world-tt.com/2025/08/21/彼ら日本選手は、なぜ貯金を切り崩しながらwttに/

 

[TTTT]

Not everything about the WTT era is bad.

I don't know who's saying that. What I dislike is the hold that WTT is trying to develop over the sport as a whole, by scheduling over-long tournaments and making them mandatory, by pretending they're the only possible format and everything else (or past) was bad, etc.

I've been to some big events in the pre-WTT era (individual worlds, team worlds, a couple of ProTours in different countries), and the spectator experience was a dream.

As far as I can see, group events seem to be limited now to qualification for lower-level tournaments (and to youth events).

 

[zeio]

Only the "top 4 men's players" are funded...

https://jtta.or.jp/national/mens
https://jtta.or.jp/national/womens

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

I know a player (Taiwo Mati) who played in two very recently. Not sure whether it was a Feeder or Contender.

Spectators in the arena, yes but whether spectators can follow all those matches is also debatable. And whether it is a better experience is open to debate.

US Open - one of the biggest table tennis event on earth.
say we divide it to 10 areas - and have tickets per area.
would that add better value for the sport?
probably more money for the host, because they will have more ticket sales.

I can understand you can limit ticket to season and per day, but some of these WTT venue is one hall, which is walled off to 2 or 3 areas, and tickets are for each area.
If it was different buildings.... or different halls in a same space, it would make some sense, but.... its the same hall, and walled / participation up.....? it is so weird.

 

[Matt Hetherington]

yeah,
with so little prize money and the cost of flights and travel + forced package deal by WTT, a 20 to 30 mins match and go home... then you question why players want to play league and not WTT - This is very unfair.

PS. to make it worse, you might have a beginner umpire officiating the match too.... lol
very expensive trip and very little quality.

To be completely fair for the higher level professional athletes they are not there to get more matches in and get value for their money, they are there to win. Perhaps for the Feeder events a group stage is more appropriate, but they do have qualification draws, so if you can't compete at that level then you are probably better off playing some international tournaments that are not part of the WTT tour.
Are there other individual sports which still use a group stage system for their professional tour? Racket sports in particular.