As the Table Tennis season winds down and summer edges closer, we caught up with two of the UK’s most dedicated young Table Tennis players — Jakub and Kacper Piwowar — to reflect on their year so far, their goals, and what lies ahead in the 2025/26 season.
For both players, the commitment to training is nothing short of elite. Jakub trains up to 10 times a week, often splitting his days into two sessions. When tournaments fill the weekend calendar, training adjusts accordingly, but a typical week includes around 20–25 hours on the table.
Kacper follows a similar rhythm with daily sessions and regular service practice. However, with a season packed full of international events, he’s often swapping time in the hall for match experience around the globe. “I’ve been at tournaments almost every week,” he shares. “So, I’ve been having more matches than practice lately.”
This year, Jakub has taken part in three WTT events — Slovakia, Hungary, and Czechia — though limited opportunities came down to funding constraints. Despite that, he still managed to strike gold where it mattered most: winning the U19 National Championships in singles — a title that stands as his proudest moment to date.
Kacper’s season, on the other hand, has been a whirlwind tour, stretching from China to Serbia, and his results speak volumes:
“Standing on the podium at the world tour as a champion — it’s unforgettable,” says Kacper.
When asked what they love most about the sport, the answers are telling of their personalities. Jakub thrives on the athlete lifestyle and travelling, while Kacper finds his motivation in the thrill of winning and seeing the hard work pay off.
Their attention to detail extends beyond the training hall. Both clean their bats meticulously during and after sessions and replace rubbers every 2–3 weeks, depending on workload and upcoming events. They also both rely on Tibhar equipment — using the Cedric Nuytinck blade, Jakub Tibhar Hybrid K3 Pro on BH and MXD on FH, where Kacper uses Tibhar Hybrid K3 rubbers on both sides.
Jakub keeps it simple: “Fun, hard work, and consistency.”
Kacper echoes the importance of enjoyment: “Have fun with table tennis and see where it takes you!”
With the European Championships on the horizon, Jakub is keeping focused through July before considering a brief summer break. The 2025/26 season plans are still being shaped, but his ambition remains clear: “I want to keep improving and become a professional, playing in a high-quality league.”
For Kacper, next stop is also the European Championship, but next season will be slightly more relaxed. “I’ll be focusing more on education and getting physically stronger to prepare for the junior category,” he explains. That said, don’t expect him to slow down too much – a refreshed and recharged Kacper is sure to be one to watch.
Stay tuned as both players continue to chase their dreams and inspire the next wave of young talent in the sport.
Whether it’s a national title, international podium, or just the daily grind — Jakub and Kacper are living proof of what passion, hard work and persistence can achieve.
“We just want to say a big thank you for all the support we’ve had so far. Without the sponsorship, the chance to train in Germany, and the constant support from Bribar Table Tennis and Tibhar—especially during the tough times—none of this would’ve been possible.
High-level sport can be a real rollercoaster and knowing that we’ve had people backing us no matter what has made a massive difference. It’s such a good feeling to feel safe, understood, and supported all the way.
Thanks for being such an important part of our journey!!! “
Jakub & Kacper Piwowar
