The countdown is almost over. This weekend, Saarlandhalle will once again become the centre of European club table tennis as Saarbrücken hosts the HYLO® ETTU Champions League Men Final 4 for the third consecutive year. What started as a new chapter for the competition in 2024 has quickly grown into one of the sport’s most successful club events, both on and off the table.
With nearly sold-out crowds expected across both days, increasing international attention, and another world-class player line-up ready to compete, organisers believe the 2026 edition could become the biggest yet.
The European Table Tennis Union Executive Board has already confirmed Saarbrücken as the host city for the next two editions as well, underlining the confidence in an organisational model that has delivered strong crowds, excellent conditions, and a unique atmosphere since the Final 4 format was introduced.
“It is always a great pleasure to host the HYLO® Champions League Final 4 once again in Saarbrücken. At the same time, it is a big honour for us that the event will remain here for the next two years as well, and we are all really looking forward to it,” said Nicolas BARROIS, General Manager of 1. FC Saarbrücken TT and Head of Organisation.
“Even though we have already organised the event twice before, every edition brings new challenges. This year, the preparations are particularly demanding because of a football match taking place on Saturday, which requires additional security measures and coordination.
“For the first time, we are also expecting the arena to be almost sold out on both days, meaning we will welcome even more spectators than in previous years. Together with the incredibly strong line-up of players, everything is set for a fantastic weekend of table tennis in Saarbrücken.”
The growing popularity of the event has been evident from the very first Final 4 edition. More than 5,000 spectators attended the 2025 tournament across two days, while the final itself was sold out in advance. The atmosphere created by local supporters together with travelling fans from across Europe has become one of the defining characteristics of the competition.
The organisers now face the challenge of building on that momentum while managing growing interest surrounding this season’s event. Much of the attention naturally centres around home side 1. FC Saarbrücken TT, the No. 1 seeds and winners of both previous Final 4 editions.
Saarbrücken once again arrive with one of the strongest squads ever assembled in European club table tennis. Leading the line-up is Olympic champion and reigning World No. 1 FAN Zhendong, the youngest men’s singles World Champion in history and owner of nine World Championship gold medals. Alongside him stands Europe’s current No. 1 Truls MOREGARD, Olympic and World Championship silver medallist.
The depth of the German club is equally impressive, with Darko JORGIC, currently No. 5 in Europe, as well as Patrick FRANZISKA, ranked No. 8 in Europe and Olympic silver medalist with Germany at Tokyo 2020 and more recently quarterfinalist at he World Championships in London.
Further strength comes from Eduard IONESCU, Samuel ARPAS, Yuto MURAMATSU and Cedric MEISSNER, giving Saarbrücken both quality and depth as they target a third consecutive Final 4 title on home soil.
Now, with the stands expected to be fuller than ever and Europe’s biggest stars ready to take centre stage, Saarbrücken prepares for another weekend that promises to confirm the HYLO® Champions League Men Final 4 as one of the highlights of the European sporting calendar.
