Ready to learn more about Virtual Sports? #
The emergence of sports alike exergames and physical active eSports
eSports are often contested upon in the sports sector due to its lack of sports-alike physicality. A new type of exergames and eSports are emerging, however. These are increasingly physical and sports alike in nature. Imagine how Zwift compares to road cycling, or Virtual rowing to outdoor rowing.
Virtual Sports are unique in that they are in between exergames and eSports. Virtual Sports combine (1) the technological mediated nature of eSports, (2) the institutionalised and physical nature of sports, and (3) the gamified nature of Exergames.
A growing interest in Virtual Sports
Because of Virtual Sports' unique and innovative nature, there is a growing interest in Virtual Sports. The mission of this science communication blog and research network is to address this interest.
Our aims are (1) to set a name for the Virtual Sports 'label' as a new type of physical and sports-alike (eSports) games, (2) to inform people on the perspectives and debates virtual sports brings to the sports sector and academia, and (3) to connect academics with expertise in virtual sports into a network that is reachable for everyone interested.
Most Recent Blog Posts #
Virtual Cycling in Sports Clubs: how does that fit in existing sport policy?
The Hidden Threat: Cheating and Doping in Virtual Sports
(e)Sports, Gaming and Meta-Sports track at the 2026 European Conference on Information Systems
Virtual Sports Research Network #
Connecting expertise from leading academics & experts
Thibault his PhD focus on the intertwining of technology and sports from a managerial perspective in sport innovation.
Anne’s work focuses on social inclusion in and through sports. To this end, she takes various approaches of which virtual sports is one.
Daniel’s work focuses on the dynamic interplay between digitalization, sports, and health management. This includes topics such as sports digitalization, sports management, transparency and fairness, and innovation in sports.
Andrew is Doctor of Social Policy and covers topics on anti-doping, image and performance enhancing drugs, body image, transgender sport, eSports, physical activity and, last but not least, virtual sports.
Bryce’s research focuses on the design, philosophy and analysis of technology used in high performance sport.
Lucas’ research examines the digitalization of traditional sports, the health implications of born-digital sports, and the role of physicality in a digital innovation context.
Willem’s research explores the intersection of technology and human behaviour in the fields of sport management, marketing and innovation.
Greg’s work focuses on good governance and innovation in sport. He has experience in business, government and NGO sectors.
Charlotte is Doctor in sport sociology with interest in the sociological and policy components of sport. Her focus is on the impact of digital innovation on the field of sport and Generation Z.
Chris is the creator of the cycling esports website TheZommunique.com and co-host of The Virtual Velo Podcast. As a trusted voice with great knowledge and connections in the cycling esports field, he understands the contemporary challenges and aims to tackle these to ensure cycling esports’ success.
