Shanghai Virtual Sports Open Grand Final launches

The MetaSVS Shanghai Virtual Sports Open Grand Final and MetaSVS Electronic Music Party took center stage in Shanghai.

Against the backdrop of modern electronic music, over 130 participants competed for the annual championships over the weekend in various events including virtual cycling, rowing, and racing.

"For our second MetaSVS offline finals, we seek to create a distinct atmosphere from previous years. With a focus on trends and a younger audience, we plan to present a more youthful and trendy event to align with our direction. Embracing a youthful and trendy sports lifestyle is a significant goal for us," said Zhang Jiyue, general manager assistant & tournament director of Juss Intellisports.

Zhang further pointed out that in 2024, they aim for MetaSVS to not only make an impact in the Chinese mainland but also to enhance international exchanges. "To promote this, at today's finals, we have invited teams from Japan and Singapore to compete in the virtual cycling event".

The MetaSVS 2024 Shanghai Virtual Sports Open began in April, featuring the core events of virtual rowing, cycling, racing, skiing, and golf from the previous year, alongside new additions like virtual jump rope, interactive cycling, EA FC, and virtual F1.

The event drew 130,000 participants from 10 countries and regions, setting a record for attendance in its history.

Over the years, both the number of events and participants of the open has increased, according to Zhang. The event has also accumulated over 500 million viewers over the past three years.

In addition, these virtual events infuse traditional sports with fresh energy, nurturing a pool of talented individuals for the future.

In February, the roster for the 2024 World University Cycling Championships was officially announced, with Wang Wenjia, a participant in the MetaSVS Shanghai Virtual Sports Open, making it onto the national team.

In the 2024 Tour of Shanghai cycling race, there are also outstanding athletes who have emerged from virtual cycling competitions.

"It demonstrated the positive impact of virtual sports on traditional sports," Zhang highlighted.

Looking ahead to 2025, Xue Jingjing, general manager of Shanghai Juss Intellisports announced plans to enhance the athlete experience by introducing a unique blend of virtual and real-world formats in the flagship events of the Shanghai Virtual Sports Open - rowing, cycling, and skiing.

In early 2025, Juss Intellisports will partner with Yunding Ski Resort in Chongli of Zhangjiakou City, North China's Hebei province to host the inaugural MetaSVS Asia-Pacific Youth Alpine Skiing Elite Competition, gathering over 200 talented young athletes to compete in an outdoor snowfield.

Points earned in this event will be combined with those from the 2025 MetaSVS virtual skiing competition to determine the overall champion of the integrated virtual and real skiing competition.