US Smash in Las Vegas Signals Table Tennis’s Ambitious Push into the Pan-American Market
The inaugural WTT US Smash main draw has begun in Las Vegas, marking a pivotal moment in table tennis as the sport strategically targets growth throughout the Americas, with a key focus on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The event in Las Vegas isn’t simply a spectacle of world-class competition; it represents a defining step in the International Table Tennis Federation’s (ITTF) long-term strategy to unlock the vast potential of the Pan-American market. The addition of a Mixed Team event to the Olympic program for LA28 is already a historic milestone, but ambitions extend far beyond.
“We dream bigger,” stated a senior ITTF official. “We have three years to position table tennis at the heart of the United States sports landscape, and we aim to see our sport’s growing momentum build across the Pan American continent.”
The groundwork for this expansion was laid four years ago with the first-ever World Championships held on US soil in Houston, Texas. The event’s success demonstrated a clear appetite for table tennis among American audiences, revealing the Americas as a promising new frontier for the sport. Subsequent WTT Youth and Feeder events have further cultivated this momentum throughout the region. Today’s Grand Smash in America signifies another historic milestone, paving the way for unprecedented growth and deeper fan engagement.
The United States has already seen notable success on the international stage, with Kanak Jha achieving the nation’s best-ever Olympic run at the Paris 2024 Games. This performance underscores the rising talent within the American table tennis community.
“Our goal is clear: to firmly establish table tennis in the world’s largest sports market,” said a representative from the ITTF Group. “The US Smash is not just an event; it’s a step towards a lasting legacy that will benefit our sport for decades to come.”
Beyond Elite Competition: A Grassroots Approach
This strategic vision extends beyond high-profile tournaments. The ITTF Development program is slated to deliver over 30 activities across the Americas in 2025, building on a record pace of grassroots initiatives that included six international youth events earlier this year. Last year’s World Hopes Week & Challenge in Paraguay exemplified the Federation’s commitment to nurturing young talent, aiming to inspire the next generation of stars like Americans Lily Zhang and Kanak Jha, Brazil’s Hugo Calderano and Bruna Takahashi, and Puerto Rico’s Adriana Diaz.
“Our progress is undeniable, built on strong partnerships with our Continental Federation and Member Associations,” added a senior ITTF leader. “We extend our sincere thanks to USA Table Tennis, ITTF-Americas, and all Pan American associations who have joined us in this mission.”
Pan-American Stars on the Rise
While Hugo Calderano was unfortunately unable to compete in Las Vegas, his recent achievements – a triumph at the ITTF World Cup Macao 2025 and a silver medal at the ITTF World Championships Finals Doha 2025 – highlight the growing strength of Pan American table tennis. Bruna Takahashi also reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup 2025 in Macao, and Kanak Jha’s performance in Paris 2024 further cemented the region’s rising prominence. Looking ahead, Rio de Janeiro has been selected to host the ITTF World Championships Finals 2029, a clear indication of the region’s increasing importance to the sport.
[Bruna Takahashi (BRA) at ITTF Women’s World Cup Macao 2025]
This momentum is actively shaping the ITTF’s ongoing discussions with organizers of the LA28 Olympic Games, focusing on venue planning and creating an unforgettable experience for fans.
With world-class athletes converging on Las Vegas in the coming days, the US Smash promises not only thrilling matches but also a significant leap forward for table tennis in the Americas and on the global stage.
