“Game On in the USA” — WTT CEO Steve Dainton On Why US Smash 2025 Matters

As the lights rise on Day 2 of qualifying, the stakes are getting higher, the action faster, and the sense of occasion unmistakable. US Smash 2025 is no longer a vision. It’s happening, and the global table tennis world is paying attention.

Today, the Draw Ceremony locked in the matchups for the Singles main draw, adding fuel to an already high-pressure atmosphere inside Orleans Arena, now transformed into WTT’s home in the heart of Las Vegas. For WTT Chief Executive Officer Steve Dainton, it’s not just the start of another Grand Smash; it’s a turning point.

“This is history,” Dainton says. “For the first time, a WTT Grand Smash is on American soil. It’s not only about delivering a world-class event. It’s also about showing what table tennis can look and feel like in a global sports and entertainment capital.”

The timing couldn’t be more symbolic. Just days ago, USA Table Tennis concluded its National Championships, marking a high point for the domestic scene. Now, the spotlight shifts to the international stage. And it’s a big one.

Speaking of stages, today’s Draw Ceremony also marked the unveiling of the Maverick ☆ Arena; WTT’s reimagined centre court especially for the US. The Infinity ∞ Arena, the iconic WTT one-table battleground has been at the heart of every Grand Smash since 2022. Now reborn with a bold new identity for US Smash, Maverick ☆ Arena brings fresh attitude to the stop on the WTT Series, perfectly matching the energy of its American debut.

With over 30 territories represented, players are descending into US Smash from India, Egypt, Brazil, Nigeria, Benin, China, Mexico, and beyond, converging for 11 days of high-stakes, high-speed competition. The stars are out in full force: World No.1s Sun Yingsha and Lin Shidong, plus Wang Chuqin, Wang Manyu, Truls Moregard, Miwa Harimoto, Shin Yubin, and the Lebrun brothers, all now poised to make their mark on the Vegas stage.

“There’s no better stage than US Smash to showcase our local talent,” Dainton notes. “From Lily Zhang and Kanak Jha, to Bruna Takahashi and Adriana Diaz, Pan American stars now have a world-class platform in their own time zone. That matters.”

The lone disappointment? The absence of Brazil’s Hugo Calderano, whose late visa processing meant he was unable to enter the United States in time.

“It’s a very big disappointment Hugo couldn’t make it,” says Dainton. “He’s an incredible player with recent results that show he is currently one of the best in the world — and having him in his home continent was also important for us. But we’ve been encouraging players to prepare months in advance for their visas, and those who planned accordingly have had no major issues. USATT has been an incredible help with this. This is a reminder that being a professional demands more than just performance on the table; it also means taking responsibility for everything off it.”

Even so, the draw remains fierce, and the stage is ready. With the Maverick ☆ Arena opening its doors soon to fans and VIPs from all over, US Smash is already making a statement. And with the main draw about to begin, it’s clear this is more than just another stop on the WTT calendar.

“This is our biggest push yet in the U.S.,” says Dainton. “And it’s only just getting started.”

While WTT leads the charge on delivering a new standard of sportainment, partnerships play a vital role in ensuring its success. The collaboration with USA Table Tennis (USATT) has helped support the on-ground delivery of US Smash and further aligned efforts to grow the sport in a market with massive long-term potential.

“We appreciate the cooperation from USATT throughout this journey,” Dainton adds. “Bringing a Grand Smash to the U.S. is no small feat, and having a national federation that recognises the scale and ambition of this moment has been important in making it all come together.”

As players settle into Las Vegas and fans prepare for the main draw fireworks, the feeling is clear: this is a moment for table tennis to break through, not just in the arena, but in the wider sporting conversation across the Americas.

Vegas is live. The matchups are locked. The spotlight is on.

Game on in the USA.