The WTT Star Contender Ljubljana 2026 is underway at the iconic Hala Tivoli, bringing world-class table tennis action to Slovenia’s capital from June 16 to 21. Presented by I Feel Slovenia, this prestigious World Table Tennis event features a USD 300,000 prize pool and draws elite players from across the globe to compete in one of Central Europe’s most anticipated sporting events of the summer.
Thrilling Opening Day Action
The tournament kicked off with a bang on June 16, with sixteen matches going the distance on opening day alone. Among the early highlights was Ryu Hanna’s stunning upset over the No. 3 seed Chien, delivering one of the tournament’s first major surprises. Another nail-biter saw Syndrela Das edge out the legendary Ni Xia Lian in a five-game thriller, winning 3-2 with scores of 11-4, 10-12, 5-11, 13-11, 12-10, a match that had the Tivoli crowd on its feet.
Top Talent on Display
Headlined by stars like Anders Lind and Adriana Diaz, the tournament showcases the best of the WTT Star Contender series. With over 100 players fighting for world ranking points and a share of the prize money, every match carries high stakes. UK hopefuls Sam Walker and Tom Jarvis are among the international contingent aiming to climb the rankings on Slovenian soil.
A Tradition of Excellence at Tivoli Hall
Hala Tivoli has become a beloved venue on the WTT calendar, transforming into the epicentre of global table tennis each summer. The 2025 edition saw home hero Darko Jorgic receive a hero’s welcome, playing his heart out for the Slovenian crowd on Day 2. This year, local fans are once again packing the stands, waving flags and wearing their national colours with pride. For fans attending the tournament, custom fan apparel from personalised t-shirts with player names to matching team hoodies has become a staple of the match-day experience, adding colour and identity to the electric atmosphere inside the hall.
Ljubljana on the Global Stage
Beyond the sport itself, the WTT Star Contender brings significant international attention to Ljubljana. The event is live-streamed globally across multiple platforms, showcasing the city’s vibrant sports culture to millions of viewers worldwide. With qualifying rounds continuing and main draw matches ramping up through June 21, there is still plenty of world-class table tennis to come. Whether you are a die-hard ping pong fan or just looking for an exciting evening out in Ljubljana, Tivoli Hall is the place to be this week.
Sources: World Table Tennis, Table Tennis England