This study aimed to examine the relationship between competition orientation and mental toughness levels among table tennis players. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a relational survey model. The population of the study consisted of licensed athletes in Türkiye who had been actively engaged in table tennis for at least one year, while the sample comprised 167 table tennis players (55 female and 112 male) competing in the Federation Leagues during the 2024–2025 season. Data were collected using the Sport Orientation Questionnaire, the Sports Mental Toughness Inventory, and a Personal Information Form prepared by the researcher. In the analysis of the data, descriptive statistics were used along with Pearson correlation analysis, independent samples t-test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The level of statistical significance was set at p < .05. The findings indicated that mental toughness and competition orientation levels did not show statistically significant differences according to gender, age, years of sport participation, educational status, league level, or national athlete status (p > .05). However, a positive and moderate significant relationship was found between mental toughness and competition orientation (r = .323, p < .01). In conclusion, as mental toughness increases, athletes’ competition orientation levels also increase. These findings suggest that, in addition to physical and technical training, psychological skill development practices should be incorporated into table tennis training programs.