Marty Reisman: The Table Tennis Icon Behind ‘Marty Supreme’

Introduction: A Legend Returns to the Spotlight

The world of table tennis is experiencing a renaissance, thanks to the release of ‘Marty Supreme’, a 2025 film inspired by Marty Reisman, directed by Josh Safdie and starring Timothée Chalamet. This cinematic tribute brings renewed attention to one of America’s most flamboyant and skilled table tennis players, a man whose life story reads like a Hollywood script. Martin Reisman (February 1, 1930 – December 7, 2012) was an American champion table tennis player and author who was the 1958 and 1960 U.S. Men’s singles champion, and his influence continues to resonate in the sport today.

The Needle: A Champion’s Journey

Reisman was a staple in New York’s table tennis community for decades, known for his ability, flamboyant style, and flair as a showman, nicknamed “the Needle” due to his quick wit and slender build. His journey began in challenging circumstances. He started playing table tennis after experiencing a nervous breakdown at the age of nine and found it soothing, going on to become the city junior champion at the age of 13. From these humble beginnings, Reisman transformed himself into an international sensation.

Between 1946 and 2002, Reisman won 22 major table tennis titles, including two United States Opens and a British Open. His competitive prowess was matched only by his showmanship. From 1949 to 1951, Reisman and Douglas Cartland toured the world performing a table tennis comedy routine for the opening act of the Harlem Globetrotters, hitting balls with frying pans and the soles of their sneakers.

The Hustler’s World

In the 1940s and ’50s, New York City table tennis was a gritty subculture full of misfits, gamblers, doctors, actors, students and more, competing at all-night spots like Lawrence’s, a table tennis parlor in midtown Manhattan. Reisman thrived in this environment, combining championship-level play with street-smart hustling. During the late 1950s-early 1960s, he ran the Riverside Table Tennis Club on 96th street just off Broadway, which had many well-known patrons, including actor Dustin Hoffman, chess prodigy Bobby Fischer, and author Kurt Vonnegut.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Reisman’s most remarkable achievement came later in life. He became the oldest player to win an open national competition in a racket sport by winning the 1997 United States National Hardbat Championship at the age of 67. He died on December 7, 2012, at the age of 82, in Manhattan, New York due to heart and lung complications, but his legacy lives on through the film and the sport he helped popularise.

The significance of ‘Marty Supreme’ extends beyond entertainment. It introduces a new generation to table tennis and celebrates a man who defied convention throughout his life. For readers and film enthusiasts, Reisman’s story offers inspiration: proof that passion, showmanship, and dedication can transform even the most unlikely pursuits into legendary careers.