LAS VEGAS TO HOST WTT GRAND SMASH, LEADING THE SPORT'S EXPANDING FOOTPRINT ACROSS THE UNITED STATES.
LAS VEGAS, Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- World Table Tennis (WTT) is raising the stakes in 2025 with the introduction of the United States Smash (US Smash) set to electrify Las Vegas from 3 to 13 July 2025 at the Orleans Arena.
WTT Grand Smashes represent the pinnacle of professional table tennis, featuring an exhilarating 11-day event that combines the highest-level competition with fan experiences and thrilling entertainment.
Hot on the heels of the resounding success of China Smash 2024, the addition of the US Smash, the first WTT Series event to be held in the United States, represents a bold step forward in WTT's mission to elevate table tennis on a global scale.
"Bringing the United States Smash to Las Vegas is a game-changer for our sport, now ensuring a top tier table tennis event enters the most professional sports market in the world" said Steve Dainton, WTT Chief Executive Officer. "The US Smash will bring table tennis into the spotlight as one of the most electrifying, fast-paced sports, guaranteed to captivate and energize American audiences. We're excited to bring our most prestigious event to Las Vegas and continue our journey to elevate the sports global growth."
Virginia Sung, CEO of USA Table Tennis, echoed this enthusiasm: "We're excited to bring a WTT Grand Smash to the US, the world's most influential sports market, and showcase our sport on a stage as dynamic as Las Vegas. This premier event will attract new fans, energise our community, and inspire future generations of athletes and enthusiasts."
This landmark event, kicking off over the Independence Day weekend, will showcase the extraordinary talent of local stars like Lily Zhang and Kanak Jha, the best of the Americas including Brazil's Hugo Calderano and Puerto Rico's Adriana Diaz, and the world's biggest international stars led by Chinese World Number 1's Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha.
For American Lily Zhang, current World No 29, the opportunity to play a WTT Grand Smash event in the United States is a dream come true: "I'm beyond excited to play the United States Smash in Las Vegas. The energy there is unmatched and it's amazing to have such a prestigious event in the United States. It's a great opportunity to showcase our sport in a city known for big moments and world class events."
US Smash will honour Nevada, the Silver State, with its signature metal dazzling throughout the event. Players from around the globe will compete for the first-ever silver US Smash trophies in WTT's iconic Infinity∞Arena, the main draw competition includes:
- Men's Singles: 64 players (50 World Ranking + 4 Host Wildcards + 2 WTT Nominated Players + 8 Qualifiers)
- Women's Singles: 64 players (50 World Ranking + 4 Host Wildcards + 2 WTT Nominated Players + 8 Qualifiers)
- Men's Doubles: 24 teams (20 Combined Ranking + 4 Host Wildcard Pairs)
- Women's Doubles: 24 teams (20 Combined Ranking + 4 Host Wildcard Pairs)
- Mixed Doubles: 24 teams (20 Combined Ranking + 4 Host Wildcard Pairs)
The qualifying rounds will feature a robust field as well:
- Men's Singles Qualifying: 64 players (58 World Ranking + 6 Host Wildcards)
- Women's Singles Qualifying: 64 players (58 World Ranking + 6 Host Wildcards)
The launch of the US Smash not only enhances WTT's global footprint, but also plays a crucial role in building momentum for the sport after a successful World Table Tennis Championships Finals in Houston 2021 and as the world gears up for the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
Fans should stay tuned for the full 2025 WTT Series calendar coming soon.
About the WTT Series
The WTT Series is the Professional Series of Table Tennis. Our events combine sport and entertainment, offering a global calendar with the best players in the world and giving fans an engaging innovative 360 experience all year. Across Grand Smashes, Champions and Contender Series events our stars inspire future generations of players as they battle it out to qualify for the season-ending WTT Finals and to be crowned the year-end World Number 1. Visit worldtabletennis.com for the latest news, videos and info.
About World Table Tennis
World Table Tennis (WTT) is the commercial and events platform of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Group. WTT's mission is to transform the global table tennis landscape by revolutionising the sport's experience and delivery by combining sport and entertainment, engaging fans through innovation across a global calendar of events for all, to inspire future generations of table tennis of players and fans. Visit worldtabletennis.com for more information.
About Orleans Arena
The Orleans Arena, a facility of Boyd Gaming Corporation and partner of the Las Vegas Raiders, is celebrating 20 years since opening its doors to the public. Serving as one of the nation's leading multi-purpose sports and entertainment facilities, the arena has hosted more than 3,500 publicly ticketed events over the last two decades. The venue has become home to various Olympic championship events, including World Wrestling, Men's Curling and US Figure Skating, alongside NCAA basketball conference tournaments, touring concerts, family shows, motorsports and more. For more information, visit www.orleansarena.com/ or connect on Facebook, X and Instagram. Complete details on entertainment options at Boyd Gaming's Las Vegas properties are available at www.boydgaming.com/explore/entertain.
Founded in 1975, Boyd Gaming Corporation is a leading geographically diversified operator of 28 gaming entertainment properties in 11 states. The Company is committed to advancing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives that positively impact the Company's stakeholders and communities.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
WORLD TABLE TENNIS SET TO ELECTRIFY AMERICA WITH INAUGURAL UNITED STATES SMASH
|
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda reveals that Vietnam is becoming an increasingly popular year-end travel choice for families in the region and beyond. Based on searches made between September and November 2025 for stays during December 2025 and January 2026, Agoda recorded a 30% increase in family travel interest to Vietnam compared with the same period the previous year.
Agoda data shows that Vietnam is attracting more international families than ever this winter holiday season. South Koreans take the lead as the top market interested in traveling to Vietnam in December and January, with families from India, Singapore, Australia, and Malaysia rounding out the top five. Notably, Agoda reported that Indian families showcased the highest growth in travel interest to Vietnam during this period, with a 186% increase in searches. Malaysians also, are expressing strong growth in interest, with a 74% increase in searches, highlighting Vietnam's appeal as a family destination in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Families are choosing Vietnam for its storied culture and cuisine, diverse landscapes, and abundance of family-friendly resorts and attractions.
Phu Quoc Island leads as the most sought-after destination among international family travelers with a 47% increase in searches, popular for its sandy beaches, calm waters, and nature parks ideal for multi-generation vacations. Da Nang follows with 42% growth in travel interest, noted for its beaches, soft adventure activities, and access to Ba Na Hills theme park. Nha Trang comes in third place, remaining a favorite for its long coastline, family-oriented resorts, and island experiences. In fourth place, Ho Chi Minh City appeals with its vibrant food scene, entertainment complexes, and day trips to the Mekong Delta. In the north, Hanoi continues to draw families with its cultural landmarks, museums, and festive atmosphere, rounding out the top five most family-friendly year-end destinations in Vietnam.
Meanwhile, although Vietnamese families traditionally travel less internationally at the end of the year – typically preferring to wait for the Lunar New Year - China is becoming a noticeable exception. Among the top 20 outbound destinations preferred by Vietnamese families during the December-January period, searches for Shanghai increased 58%, while Beijing increased 59%. This shift is supported by the launch of new direct routes between Hanoi and selected Chinese cities earlier this year, making end-of-year overseas trips more accessible than ever.
Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director at Agoda, said: "It is wonderful to see Vietnam increasingly chosen as an end-of-year holiday destination for families from across Asia and beyond. Agoda's data shows that travelers are recognizing Vietnam's family-friendly appeal, which further strengthen its position on the global travel map. As more families plan their festive-season or year-end getaways, we are delighted to support them through Agoda's simple, intuitive platform and our wide range of stays, flights, and activities."
With over 6 million properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, all bookable in one seamless itinerary, Agoda helps families plan memorable year-end holidays, whether they choose a peaceful beach break, a cultural city escape, or an international exploration to mark the close of the year.
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda reveals that Vietnam is becoming an increasingly popular year-end travel choice for families in the region and beyond. Based on searches made between September and November 2025 for stays during December 2025 and January 2026, Agoda recorded a 30% increase in family travel interest to Vietnam compared with the same period the previous year.
Agoda data shows that Vietnam is attracting more international families than ever this winter holiday season. South Koreans take the lead as the top market interested in traveling to Vietnam in December and January, with families from India, Singapore, Australia, and Malaysia rounding out the top five. Notably, Agoda reported that Indian families showcased the highest growth in travel interest to Vietnam during this period, with a 186% increase in searches. Malaysians also, are expressing strong growth in interest, with a 74% increase in searches, highlighting Vietnam's appeal as a family destination in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Families are choosing Vietnam for its storied culture and cuisine, diverse landscapes, and abundance of family-friendly resorts and attractions.
Phu Quoc Island leads as the most sought-after destination among international family travelers with a 47% increase in searches, popular for its sandy beaches, calm waters, and nature parks ideal for multi-generation vacations. Da Nang follows with 42% growth in travel interest, noted for its beaches, soft adventure activities, and access to Ba Na Hills theme park. Nha Trang comes in third place, remaining a favorite for its long coastline, family-oriented resorts, and island experiences. In fourth place, Ho Chi Minh City appeals with its vibrant food scene, entertainment complexes, and day trips to the Mekong Delta. In the north, Hanoi continues to draw families with its cultural landmarks, museums, and festive atmosphere, rounding out the top five most family-friendly year-end destinations in Vietnam.
Meanwhile, although Vietnamese families traditionally travel less internationally at the end of the year – typically preferring to wait for the Lunar New Year - China is becoming a noticeable exception. Among the top 20 outbound destinations preferred by Vietnamese families during the December-January period, searches for Shanghai increased 58%, while Beijing increased 59%. This shift is supported by the launch of new direct routes between Hanoi and selected Chinese cities earlier this year, making end-of-year overseas trips more accessible than ever.
Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director at Agoda, said: "It is wonderful to see Vietnam increasingly chosen as an end-of-year holiday destination for families from across Asia and beyond. Agoda's data shows that travelers are recognizing Vietnam's family-friendly appeal, which further strengthen its position on the global travel map. As more families plan their festive-season or year-end getaways, we are delighted to support them through Agoda's simple, intuitive platform and our wide range of stays, flights, and activities."
With over 6 million properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, all bookable in one seamless itinerary, Agoda helps families plan memorable year-end holidays, whether they choose a peaceful beach break, a cultural city escape, or an international exploration to mark the close of the year.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Agoda Data Shows Vietnam Rising as a Favorite End-of-Year Destination for Families Across Asia and Beyond
