Greetings, tabletop sports fans!
Are you ready for some fast-paced, indoor action?
Jump into our tabletop sports list, sorted by popularity.
From expert players to eager beginners, there’s a game here for everyone to enjoy and compete in!
Tabletop Sports List
- Foosball
- Air Hockey
- Ping Pong (Table Tennis)
- Pool
- Cup Pong
- Bubble Hockey
- Tabletop Golf
- Klask
- Snooker
- Table Shuffleboard
Table of Contents
#1 Foosball
Foosball, also known as table football, is a tabletop game that originated in Europe in the 1920s. Patented by Harold Searles Thornton in the UK, it was inspired by soccer.
Foosball is popular worldwide, especially in the United States, Europe, and Latin America. The International Table Soccer Federation (ITSF) oversees the sport, organizing the annual World Championships.
Foosball is not an Olympic sport, but its competitive scene continues to grow.
#2 Air Hockey
Air hockey is an arcade-style game invented in the late 1960s by a group of engineers at Brunswick Billiards in the United States. The game is played on a frictionless surface with players using strikers to hit a puck into their opponent’s goal.
Air hockey is popular in arcades, bars, and game rooms around the world. Although not an Olympic sport or having an official governing body, the sport boasts various regional and national tournaments, such as the Air Hockey World Championship.
#3 Ping Pong (Table Tennis)
Ping Pong, or table tennis, has its origins in Victorian England, where it began as a parlor game in the late 1800s. The sport’s popularity has since spread globally, particularly in Asian countries like China, Japan, and South Korea.
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) governs the sport, and it has been an Olympic sport since the 1988 Seoul Games. The ITTF also organizes the annual Table Tennis World Championships.
Latest Posts about Table Tennis
#4 Pool (Pocket Billiards)
Pool, also known as pocket billiards, can trace its roots back to 15th-century Europe. The sport gained popularity in the United States in the 19th century and has since become popular worldwide.
The World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) oversees the sport, organizing the World Pool Championship and other international tournaments. Pool is not an Olympic sport but remains a widely enjoyed competitive and recreational activity.
Latest Posts about Billiards
#5 Cup Pong
Cup Pong, also known as Beer Pong or Beirut, is a drinking game that originated in the United States in the late 20th century. It is played by throwing ping pong balls into cups arranged on a table.
While primarily a recreational game enjoyed at social gatherings, there are organized tournaments, such as the World Series of Beer Pong. Cup Pong has not been recognized as a professional sport, nor is it part of any Olympic program.
#6 Bubble Hockey
Bubble Hockey, also known as dome or rod hockey, was invented in the United States by Bob Kendrick and Don Munro in the early 1980s. The game is modeled after ice hockey, with players controlling miniature hockey figures through rods beneath the table.
Bubble Hockey is popular in North America and parts of Europe. Tournaments exist, such as the Super Chexx World Championships, but it is not an Olympic sport.
#7 Tabletop Golf
Tabletop Golf, also known as mini golf or putt-putt, is a scaled-down version of traditional golf. It originated in the early 20th century as a way for golf enthusiasts to practice their putting skills.
Tabletop golf is popular worldwide as a family-friendly recreational activity, with courses found in amusement parks, entertainment centers, and sports facilities. There is no official governing body or Olympic recognition for tabletop golf, but numerous local and regional tournaments take place.
#8 Klask
Klask is a Danish-designed tabletop game that first came to the market in 2014. The game combines aspects of air hockey and foosball, requiring players to use magnetic strikers to score points by manipulating a ball.
Klask is most popular in European countries, and the Klask World Championship is organized annually by its creators. The sport is not part of any Olympic program or officially governed by a sports organization.
#9 Snooker
Snooker is a cue sport that has its roots in 19th-century British India, where it evolved from traditional billiards. Snooker is popular worldwide but is most prominent in the United Kingdom.
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) governs the sport, organizing the annual World Snooker Championship. Snooker is not an Olympic sport but is included in the World Games, a multi-sport event for non-Olympic sports.
#10 Table Shuffleboard
Table Shuffleboard, also known as indoor shuffleboard, has its origins in 15th-century England. The game involves sliding weighted pucks down a long, narrow table with the aim of reaching specific scoring zones.
Table Shuffleboard is popular in the United States, Europe, and Australia, with numerous leagues and tournaments, such as the North American Shuffleboard Championships. It is not an Olympic sport, nor does it have a central governing body.
More Tabletop Sport
- Tabletop Curling: A scaled-down version of the ice sport curling, tabletop curling originated in the early 2000s. Players slide miniature stone-like discs down a flat surface, aiming to land in the scoring circles. The sport is primarily a recreational game and is popular in countries such as Canada, the United States, and European nations. Tabletop curling has no official governing body, nor is it part of any Olympic program or organized tournament schedule.
FAQ
What are the most popular tabletop sports?
The most popular tabletop sports include foosball, air hockey, ping pong (table tennis), pool, cup pong, bubble hockey, tabletop golf, klask, snooker, and table shuffleboard.
How many different tabletop sports are there?
Our tabletop sports list includes 11 unique tabletop sports.