The Best Table Tennis Players in History

It is challenging to identify the best table tennis players of all time since it depends on various factors, such as individual achievements, performance in international competitions, career longevity, and playing style.

Our Ranking of the Top 10 Table Tennis Players

Here are some names frequently mentioned among the best table tennis players of all time:

Our Top 5 Table Tennis Players in History

• Ma Long (China) – Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Ma Long has won numerous major titles, including three Olympic gold medals and multiple World Championships.
• Zhang Jike (China) – A charismatic and talented player, Zhang Jike won two Olympic gold medals and became the first player to achieve the “Grand Slam” by winning Olympic, World Championship, and World Cup titles in singles within a year.
• Jan-Ove Waldner (Sweden) – Nicknamed the “Mozart of Table Tennis,” Waldner was renowned for his elegant and creative playing style. He won an Olympic gold medal, four World Championships, and was one of the most popular players of his era.
• Deng Yaping (China) – Considered one of the best female players of all time, Deng Yaping won four Olympic gold medals and dominated women’s table tennis for a decade.
• Liu Guoliang (China) – After a successful playing career, Liu Guoliang became an influential coach. He won numerous titles, including a World Championship in singles, and contributed to the success of the Chinese team

Other Outstanding Players

• Wang Liqin (China) – Wang Liqin was one of the most dominant players of his era, winning multiple major titles, including three World Championships in singles and several World Cup titles.
• Xu Xin (China) – A versatile and creative player, Xu Xin is renowned for his spectacular gameplay and adaptability. He has won numerous major titles and has been ranked among the top players in the world for many years.
• Timo Boll (Germany) – Timo Boll is one of the most accomplished European players in table tennis history. With many titles to his name, he has been a formidable competitor on the global stage.
• Jörgen Persson (Sweden) – Persson was one of the top European players of his generation, winning multiple Olympic medals and World Championships.
• Guo Yuehua (China) – A pioneer of modern Chinese table tennis, Guo Yuehua won the World Championship in 1961 and is considered one of the first stars of the sport in China.

It is worth noting that many other exceptional table tennis players have left their mark on the sport’s history. While China has long dominated the international scene, other nations like Sweden, South Korea, and Japan have also produced remarkable players.