If you commute through Grand Central or ever walk through during the month of January, you may have crossed an event like no other in our city. You may have seen the unbelievable international competition taking place right here in midtown Manhattan. It’s where the best and most impressive international squash players gather for The Tournament of Champions.
The tournament, hosted by JP Morgan is an annual international squash championship held in New York City. In recent years, the event has been held at Grand Central Terminal, in a specially-constructed four-walled glass court in the Vanderbilt Hall. The court alone is a sight to see. It’s a unique structure that could only be pulled off in an iconic venue like Grand Central, in a city like New York.
The tournament was first held in 1930. It was previously known as the US Professional Championships. The women’s competition began in 2001. In 2022, the men’s tournament has involved a main draw of 24 players, and the women’s tournament has had a main draw of 24. The men’s event is now part of the PSA World Series.
“The ToC’s unique location in Grand Central Terminal and mix of free viewing and reserved seating allows us to present this great sport to thousands of new fans,” said John Nimick, the tournament owner and director. “The international players love the event because the galleries are always full and commuters and visitors pack the standing room section at the front wall. Squash is very popular in the New York area and is growing throughout the nation and the ToC is the beacon that brings together all this positive energy.”
Last year, Egypt’s Nour El Sherbini, 25, made history by becoming the first four-time women’s champion, equaling the men’s record-setting four titles earned in the modern era by Canadian star Jonathon Power from 1996 to 2002. South American superstar Diego Elias, 26, of Peru won his first ToC title last year, a PSA World Tour victory that boosted the “Peruvian Puma” to the World No. 1 ranking in May 2023. Elias is likely to meet current World No. 1 and two-time ToC Champion Ali Farag of Egypt in the final, if the two rivals uphold their seedings.
Like we said, its an epic event that could only happen here. You don’t want to miss this! For more information and tickets, visit tocsquash.com.