WTT Star Contender Chennai 2025: Prize Money, India's rise and other things to know

India will host the tournament for the third time with Chennai set to debut as the host city.

For the first time, Chennai will host the prestigious WTT Star Contender from March 25-30, 2025, bringing world-class table tennis action to India. Organized by Stupa Sports Analytics & Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT), the tournament will see top-ranked players battle for crucial ranking points, a hefty prize purse, and coveted titles.As Chennai takes centre stage, fans can expect a high-octane week of elite matchups, fierce rivalries, and India’s growing presence on the global TT map. Here are five key things to know before the action begins!

Also Read: Top five youngest players to become table tennis World No. 1

India, second highest WTT Star Contender host since its inception

Since the tournament began in 2021, WTT Star Contender has been held 13 times, with Chennai preparing to welcome the 14th edition. India has established itself as a significant centre for the tournament, having successfully hosted two previous editions in Goa (2023, 2024). With these three editions, India will rank as the second-most favoured host, after Doha, Qatar.

Moreover, India will be the first country to have two different cities host the event, further enhancing its reputation as a top destination for table tennis. The Chennai leg further solidifies India’s position in the international table tennis landscape, drawing in elite players and fostering competitive spirit.

Also Read: India’s TT legend Sharath Kamal announces retirement ahead of WTT Star Contenders Chennai 2025

India’s WTT Rise

India’s table tennis surge reached new heights in 2024, with players delivering landmark performances on the global stage. Sreeja Akula emerged as a standout, winning the women’s singles title at WTT Contender Lagos and partnering with Archana Kamath to claim the women’s doubles crown. Harmeet Desai and Manav Thakkar added to the success by securing the men’s doubles title. India also recorded 14 direct entries at WTT Star Contender Bangkok, its highest at the time.

These achievements build on the momentum from 2023, when India hosted its first Star Contender in Goa, and Sutirtha and Ayhika Mukherjee became the country’s first WTT event champions. Now, 2025 offers a chance to continue this upward trajectory.

Big Money on Offer

The WTT Star Contender prize pool has increased from USD 250,000 to USD 275,000 (₹2.28 crore) this season, with the additional funds enhancing payouts at the lower levels of the singles draw. While the top prizes remain unchanged—USD 10,000 for the winner, 7,525 for the finalist, 4,000 for semi-finalists, and 2,500 for quarter-finalists—main draw qualifiers will now earn USD 1,100, with each successive round yielding USD 1,350 and 1,600, encouraging participation and development.

With 27 Indian entries, their guaranteed earnings—including USD 1,100 for 16 singles players and USD 400 for 11 doubles players—amounts to USD 22000 or close to ₹19 lakhs.

Also Read: Full list of events in Table Tennis calendar 2025

Ranking Shake-Up on the Cards

Champions of WTT Star Contender events can earn 600 ITTF ranking points, which can significantly impact players’ rankings. A quarterfinal finish alone nets 105 points–enough to propel the Indian paddlers up the ladder.

In singles competition, players receive 420 points for being a runner-up, 210 for reaching the semifinals, and 55 for making it to the round of 32. Even a first-round elimination in the main draw awards 5 points. Doubles follow a similar points structure, emphasising the importance of every match. With 13 participants from India, strong showings in Chennai could enhance their positions in global rankings, impacting their qualification for major international events.

Diverse Champions Worldwide

Also Read: Asian Table Tennis Championships: Full list of title winners

While China continues to dominate table tennis globally, the WTT Star Contender series has showcased champions from across the world. Japan and South Korea remain strong forces, but players like Brazil’s Hugo Calderano, Croatia’s Andrija Gaćina, and France’s Felix Lebrun have all secured titles.

Additionally, winners from Chinese Taipei, Sweden, and Germany highlight the tournament’s expanding global competitiveness. With a record 19 paddlers–and 27 entries–in the main draw, India will look to add its name to this prestigious list.

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