Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Online Qualifier Successfully Concludes with Two Players Joining First-Ever ITTF World Esports Championships Line-Up

Written by 
Published in Table Tennis
Thursday, 14 November 2024 18:51

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 tenniss remarkable ability to captivate and challenge players across different formats. Players demonstrated how the sports 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 Champods journey epitomises the sports 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 Denéchères 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 federations digital transformation, bringing a fresh dynamic to the sport and expanding its reach to new audiences. Its 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. 

Read 88 times

Soccer

Prince William: PL 3 p.m blackout is 'irritating'

Prince William: PL 3 p.m blackout is 'irritating'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPrince William has said he finds the 3 p.m blackout rule "irritatin...

Bruno hits back at Ratcliffe's 'overpaid' comments

Bruno hits back at Ratcliffe's 'overpaid' comments

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBruno Fernandes has hit back at Sir Jim Ratcliffe's suggestion that...

Rashford, MLS in Tuchel's first England squad

Rashford, MLS in Tuchel's first England squad

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThomas Tuchel has handed Marcus Rashford a shock recall in his firs...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Injury-plagued Mavs lose Prosper for season

Injury-plagued Mavs lose Prosper for season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsDALLAS -- Mavericks forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper has undergone s...

Curry hits 4,000 3s: 'Beyond my wildest dreams'

Curry hits 4,000 3s: 'Beyond my wildest dreams'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSAN FRANCISCO -- Stephen Curry lost the ball as he crossed the half...

Baseball

Red Sox's Giolito (hammy) to start season on IL

Red Sox's Giolito (hammy) to start season on IL

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBoston Red Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito will begin the season on...

Rays not moving forward with new stadium plans

Rays not moving forward with new stadium plans

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Tampa Bay Rays, citing hurricanes and costly delays, will not p...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated