After 2025 Debut, 2026 NCTTA Nationals PeakaPong Boasts Official Structured Format

By Chris Mar
NCTTA Peakapong Director

The 2026 NCTTA Nationals PeakaPong event marks the first true championship edition after a more casual 2025 debut. A new fall divisional qualifier system was introduced, with top finishers earning direct invitations to Nationals. While participation was initially limited, the matches were competitive and showed growth potential.

PeakaPong uses a unique hardbat style, creating a level playing field for both mid- and high-level players. Notable performances in the Florida qualifier included Livia Carvalho (2nd), whose playing style naturally fits the format, alongside Osvaldo Pelaez (1st) and Loi Park (3rd). The format emphasizes chopping rallies, similar to classic hardbat or sandpaper play.

The Nationals event was structured as a 32-player maximum tournament with round-robin groups feeding into a knockout bracket to ensure ample playtime under PeakaPong’s distinct rules (short games, no deuces, alternating serves). Due to low qualifier response, on-site registration was allowed.

Top contenders include Livia Carvalho and highly rated players like Sara Gulabani. Overall, the competition is expected to be open and adaptable. The winner will receive a custom championship blade, “Stein’s Blade,” named after Jack Steinberg and designed as a unique ZLC/ALC hardbat paddle.

About the 2026 NCTTA College Table Tennis Championships
The championships are hosted by the National Collegiate Table Tennis Association and GoRockford (Rockford Convention and Visitors Bureau). The event crowns national champions in Men’s and Women’s Singles and Doubles, Men’s/Coed Teams, and Women’s Teams and Collegiate Peakapong Singles.
PongSpace, PeakaPong, Major League Table Tennis, Nittaku and Paddle Palace will sponsor the event.

Watch the event on live stream starting Friday, April 10th on https://www.nctta.org/champs/2026/video.html

About NCTTA
The National Collegiate Table Tennis Association (NCTTA) is a non-profit organization established exclusively to promote the sport of table tennis at the college level. As the national governing body for college table tennis in the United States and Canada, NCTTA organizes elite intercollegiate competitions throughout North America. www.nctta.org