ITTF World Masters Championships Gangneung 2026 (also known under the title of its main sponsor as ITTF World Masters Championships Gangneung 2026 Presented by XIOM) is the official international table tennis competition for veteran players, scheduled to take place from 5 to 12 June 2026 in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, Republic of Korea.
The tournament is held under the auspices of the
International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and is organized by the
Korea Table Tennis Association. The championship carries special significance as it is held during the ITTF centenary year, marking 100 years since the federation’s foundation in 1926.
An official event website has been created for information support —
ITTF World Masters Championships Gangneung 2026 Presented by XIOM, providing details on registration, regulations, schedule, venues, accommodation, and transport arrangements.
The competitions will be held at the Gangneung Olympic Park (208 Ponam-dong, Gangneung, Gangwon-do, South Korea), a venue that hosted events during the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. The championship will utilize the Gangneung Arena and the Gangneung Speed Skating Rink. Gangneung is located on the coast of the East Sea (Sea of Japan) and is known for its natural attractions, including the Seoraksan mountain range.
Following the record-breaking 2024 World Masters Championships in Rome, which gathered nearly 10,000 table tennis enthusiasts and became the largest table tennis event in history, more than 4,000 athletes from over 100 countries and territories are expected to participate.
Medals will be awarded in five event categories: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. The competition is open to athletes aged 40 and above, across age groups 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, 75–79, 80–84, 85–89, and 90+.
The 2026 World Masters Championships will be one of the central events of the ITTF centenary celebrations, bringing together thousands of athletes worldwide and continuing the tradition of international veteran table tennis while strengthening friendship and cooperation through sport.
Draws and Results
Draws and Results
Rules
ITTF Table Tennis Rules and ITTF Regulations for World Championships, Olympic and Paralympic Games (latest edition) apply. However, the specific 2023 Regulations for World Masters Championships shall take precedence.
Eligibility
All persons who are 40 years of age or who turn 40 in 2026 are eligible to participate.
Upon request, participants must present a passport or official ID as proof of age.
Categories and Events
Age categories:
- 40–44 years (born 1982–1986)
- 45–49 years (1977–1981)
- 50–54 years (1972–1976)
- 55–59 years (1967–1971)
- 60–64 years (1962–1966)
- 65–69 years (1957–1961)
- 70–74 years (1952–1956)
- 75–79 years (1947–1951)
- 80–84 years (1942–1946)
- 85–89 years (1937–1941)
- 90+ years (1936 or earlier)
Each category includes the following events:
- Men’s and Women’s Singles
- Men’s and Women’s Doubles
- Mixed Doubles
If fewer than four players enter any event, the Competition Manager may cancel the event or offer an alternative format.
Each player may enter one singles and one doubles event. Players must compete in their own age category, except in doubles. If partners are from different age groups, the pair will be placed in the younger age category.
If a doubles partner is missing, a replacement partner may be provided by the organizers if possible.
Once a pair is formed, it cannot be changed if both players are present and ready to compete, except in cases of injury, illness, or absence before the official deadline.
All entries will be published after the registration deadline. Players must verify their entries within 4 weeks; no changes will be accepted after the deadline.
Playing System
All singles and doubles events are played best of five games (first to 3 games).
- Qualification Stage
Matches between players of the same national association must be played first.
Played in round-robin groups. Preferably groups of four players. The top two advance to the Main Draw; third and fourth places may enter the Consolation Draw if they opt in after group play.If fewer than six entries exist in a category, a single round-robin group may be used.
- Main Draw
Played in a knockout system.
- Consolation Draw
Also played in a knockout system.
The playing area must be at least 10 m long, 5 m wide, and 4 m high.
All matches are played best of five games.
Each player is entitled to a 15-minute break between matches.
Useful Links
ITTF World Masters Championships Gangneung 2026 - ITTF World Masters Championships Gangneung 2026 tournament page on the ITTF website
ITTF WORLD MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS GANGNEUNG 2026 PRESENTED BY XIOM (June 5 (Fri) to June 12 (Fri), 2026 at Gangneung Olympic Park) - official tournament website
ITTF WORLD MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS GANGNEUNG 2026 PRESENTED BY XIOM - ITTF RULES & REGULATIONS - ITTF tournament rules and regulations on the official website
ITTF WORLD MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS GANGNEUNG 2026 PRESENTED BY XIOM - Emblem & Mascots - tournament emblem and mascots on the official website
Senioren-WM 2026 (Gangneung, Südkorea) - ITTF World Masters Championships Gangneung 2026 page on
tt-wiki.info
ITTF World Masters Championships Gangneung 2026 - World Masters Championships 2026 playlist on the ITTFWorld YouTube channel
