1. Players From Around the World
The JOOLA Global Championships is an international event that’s expected to draw more than a thousand entrants from around the world. High-level professional players will be in attendance too, so expect some exciting matches, or even the chance to meet a player you follow!
2. Win Big $$$
More than bragging rights will be up for grabs as JOOLA Global Championships will be handing out US$100,000 in prize money. In addition to cementing their place in JOOLA history as the champion of the first ever JOOLA Global Championships tournament, the winner of the Open Singles event will receive a whopping US$25,000 grand prize. More than 80 cash prizes will be handed out to event winners, so there are plenty of opportunities to win some green!
3. Events Galore
With over 65 tournament events to choose from, there is an event for every style and level of play. Players are given the flexibility to choose up to 8 events. Those set on having a lot of playing time can sign up for a full schedule. Those wanting to have a more relaxed experience can choose fewer events and spend more time enjoying Orlando’s many leisure offerings. The tournament will be whatever you want to make of it!
4. Fun for All Ages
JOOLA is partnering with the American Youth Table Tennis Organization (AYTTO) and the National Collegiate Table Tennis Association (NCTTA) to include age events for elementary through high school students, as well as collegiate-level events. Men and women age events, including senior events are also offered.
5. The NATT Experience
North American Table Tennis (NATT), which has decades of experience running large scale tournaments, will be running the JOOLA Global Championships. NATT has run one of the U.S.’ largest tournaments, the JOOLA North American Teams Championships in Washington, DC, for over 20 years. The organization also ran the U.S. Open and U.S. Nationals in the past. Attendees can expect an experienced staff and a smooth tournament experience.
6. Best of the Best Equipment
The tournament will feature over 150 ITTF-approved JOOLA competition tables surrounded by JOOLA court barriers. Players will be competing using white, 3-star JOOLA Prime ABS table tennis balls. JOOLA will also have a sales booth at the tournament, offering its latest products, special discounts, and consults with knowledgeable equipment specialists.
7. Fun for the Whole Crew
In addition to the tournament, its location in Orlando offers something fun for everyone. Choose an action-packed trip to nearby theme parks and water parks, relax next to one of Gaylord Palms’ many pools, or eat your way through Orlando’s diverse selection of award-winning restaurants.
Whether you are coming with family or friends who are table tennis people too or are just tagging along, the JOOLA Global Championships will make for an exciting group holiday and a memorable way to wrap up your summer.
8. World-Class Theme Parks Nearby
Orlando, Florida is home to some of the world’s most famous theme parks. This includes Walt Disney World® – home to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Magic Kingdom. Scheduled shuttle service to Walt Disney World® theme parks and Disney Springs® is an included amenity for guests at the Gaylord Palms Resort.
There is also Universal Studios Florida™, which features 2 theme parks, a water park, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. Other nearby attractions include SeaWorld® and LEGOLAND®. If theme parks aren’t your thing, Orlando also has over 100 standalone attractions beyond the parks.
For those who don’t want to venture far from the tournament venue, the Gaylord Palms Resort offers an onsite water park that is exclusive to and complementary for its resort guests. The Cypress Springs Water Park features multiple water slides, a FlowRider surfing attraction, and an immersive Crystal River Rapids experience.
9. Exclusive Discounts
JOOLA is partnering with local businesses to offer tournament attendees exclusive discounts to a plethora of Orlando’s exciting attractions, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Florida™. JOOLA doesn’t want its Global Championships to be just another tournament. They want to provide attendees with a vacation experience and to help guests make the most of their time in Orlando. Discounts are posted on the JOOLA Global Championships event page.
10. Entertainment & Events
There is always something fun happening in Orlando! Here are some exciting events that are happening in the city during the end of August and start of September*.
- Electric Ocean at SeaWorld® Orlando – With fireworks shows, glowing sea creatures, and world-class DJs, Electric Ocean is sure to light up your SeaWorld® experience.
- Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival – Visit international marketplaces, watch live entertainment, and eat and drink your way around the world at Epcot’s World Showcase.
- Disney® After Hours Boo Bash at Magic Kingdom – Trick or treat your way through the park and get swept up in the Halloween spirit with spooky décor and Boo Bash-exclusive food and drinks.
- Busch Gardens Summer Nights – From block parties and live performances to seasonal food and drink, enjoy all that Busch Gardens has to offer with extended summer park hours.
- Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining® – Orlando’s restaurant month! Explore the Orlando food scene and enjoy specially priced three-course, prix fixed dinners at over 50 participating restaurants.
*Event schedules are subject to change. Stay up to date with Visit Orlando’s event calendar.
11. Luxury Outlets
Squeeze in some retail therapy while you’re in Orlando! The city is home to two Premium Outlets®, with the Vineland location just a short 10-minute drive away from the tournament venue at the Gaylord Palms Resort. The luxury outlet features more than 160 designer stores, including Adidas, Burberry, Lululemon, and more. You’ll want to come with extra luggage space!
