During the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Hugo Calderano made history as the first table tennis athlete to reach one million Instagram followers, and he’s now bringing that star power to China Smash.
2024 has been a standout year for Calderano in the WTT Series, where he captured titles at WTT Contender Rio de Janeiro and WTT Star Contender Ljubljana, and reached the finals at WTT Champions Incheon. With this momentum, fans from around the world are eager to watch “the thrill from Brazil” compete for a podium finish in Beijing.
His social media fame is not just about his athletic prowess; Calderano showcases a diverse array of talents. He’s fluent in seven languages—Portuguese, English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, and Mandarin—and can switch between them as quickly as he executes his backhand shots.
Calderano is also a Rubik’s Cube whiz, solving them in just nine seconds and traveling with a collection of over 70 cubes. Geography enthusiasts will appreciate that he knows the capital of every country, demonstrating his extensive travels and studies.
Off the table, you might find him shooting hoops, playing tennis, or even trying his hand at beach gymnastics. As a true Renaissance man in table tennis, Calderano combines quick wit with impressive reflexes. With a million fans cheering him on, he’s set to bring his unique flair to China Smash in Beijing.