Golden Gloves launches official VR boxing tournament on Meta Quest
This week marks the debut of the first-ever official VR boxing championship in the storied history of the Golden Gloves tournament.
For the first time in the sport’s history, VR athletes will go head-to-head in an official tournament setting. The inaugural eGoldenGloves National Championship is set for May 16, 2025, at the Arvest Convention Center in Tulsa — running in parallel with the 102nd edition of the traditional Golden Gloves Tournament. According to organizer Engine Room VR, these virtual bouts will be recognized on par with their physical counterparts.
Winners in the virtual ring won’t just walk away with bragging rights: the champions will receive cash prizes, championship belts, and a permanent place in the official records of Golden Gloves of America. The tournament will be held on Golden Gloves VR, available for Meta Quest. Eligible participants can sign up and compete on-site in Tulsa, starting at 5 p.m. local time. All registration details are available at goldenglovesvr.com/compete. For those tuning in from afar, the entire event will be livestreamed on YouTube.
From the physical ring to the digital arena
Golden Gloves VR is a boxing simulation that carries the USA Boxing seal of approval, cementing its status as a recognized platform for both training and competition.
While Golden Gloves VR is making headlines, it’s far from the only VR boxing experience to gain traction in recent years. Titles like The Thrill of the Fight — whose sequel launched in Early Access last year — have already cultivated dedicated followings. One prominent fan: former professional boxer Tony Jeffries, who took home bronze at the 2008 Olympic Games and now regularly posts videos of his VR bouts.
But bringing boxing into VR isn’t without its hazards. Creed: Rise to Glory, developed by Survios, has become somewhat notorious for its accident record — ranging from shattered monitors to injuries among development team members. In one case, an employee suffered a dislocated shoulder and was forced to take time off work.
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