Virtual sports have become increasingly popular in the esports industry as more sports are incorporated into the virtual gaming world. This trend has been driven by advancements in technology and the accessibility of the internet. One sport that has made its way into esports is tennis, with the development of Tennis Clash by Wildlife Studios. This online multiplayer tennis game offers intuitive controls, realistic graphics, and is even the official tennis game for the esports Olympic series.
The incorporation of tennis into the esports world has its roots in the Olympic Esports Series, which was first held in 2023. This series, created by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), serves as a simulation and virtual sports competition. The inaugural series took place in Singapore and allowed both amateurs and professionals from all over the world to compete. The event was streamed globally through Olympic Social Media feeds, allowing for widespread participation. The success of this event highlights the growth potential for virtual sports in the Olympics and demonstrates the IOC’s recognition of the technological contributions of video gaming.
In 2023, the Tennis Clash Series Finals took place as part of the Olympic Esports Series. The finalists included six players, five of whom qualified through previous tournaments, and one wild card player from Singapore. The winner of the Tennis Clash mobile game grand finale was Anass Benghazi, also known as “Anteo,” from France. This victory solidified his talent in the esports world, as he had previously been a runner-up and a semi-finalist in other tennis esports tournaments.
Esports has the potential to revolutionize how tennis is played and learned. Virtual tennis games can assist in improving technique and provide a faster and cheaper way of learning the game. These games often include real-time feedback and tracking of progress, allowing players to monitor their skill development. Additionally, virtual tennis games provide opportunities to learn essential movements and skills, and can be played from the comfort of one’s home. However, it’s important to note that esports should not be seen as a replacement for real sports, but rather as a technological version that can enhance the overall sporting experience.
While there are similarities between real sports and esports, such as the need for duration and participation, there are also differences. Virtual sports rely on video assistants as referees and are subject to rule updates and changes more frequently than real sports, which often adhere to traditional rules. Both forms of sports can coexist and enhance each other, rather than one replacing the other.
The future of Tennis Clash looks promising as esports continue to grow in popularity. Wildlife Studios has announced collaborations with major tennis associations, including the US Open, which will lead to improved gaming experiences and potentially a merger between the virtual and real versions of the sport. With more partnerships and recognition, Tennis Clash and virtual sports have the potential to thrive in the esports industry.
