LAOLA1 presents the 2nd Virtual Reality Erste Bank Open

Last year, LAOLA1, in cooperation with e|motion, VR Motion-Learning GmbH, the visionary developer of tennis esports, and the Austrian Tennis Association (ÖTV), held the first virtual reality (VR) tennis tournament in Europe as part of the Erste Bank Open 2023 through.

After the resounding successes of last year, LAOLA1 is bringing a sequel to the first VR tennis tournament to Europe with the “Erste Bank Virtual Open” as host. The games will be played on the VR app “TENNIS ESPORTS” from the award-winning Austrian game developer VR Motion-Learning.

The virtual play-offs will take place from September 30th to October 25th. The final will take place live on October 25th at Heumarkt as part of the Erste Bank Open. You can win numerous tennis packages from Wilson or tickets for the Erste Bank Open final, among other things.

LAOLA1 provided the European premiere

Last year, over 600 participants from all over the world competed in this virtual tournament, which ended with an exciting final LIVE at Heumarkt and even had an international touch on site with a semi-finalist who traveled from Germany.

LAOLA1 is now bringing the successful format back to Europe. In addition to organizing and coordinating the VR tournament, Austria’s leading digital sports media provider and sports marketer is also responsible for marketing sponsorships and advertising.

LAOLA1, e|motion and ÖTV, like the organizers in the USA and Canada, are cooperating with VR Motion-Learning GmbH, which has developed and operates the state-of-the-art VR app “TENNIS ESPORTS”. The Austrian start-up has already received the A1 Innovation Prize and the renowned Laval Award in the sports category.

Erste Bank Open looks forward to “innovative format”

Tom Berger, Head of LAOLA1: “We are pleased to present the second VR tennis tournament in Europe as part of the Erste Bank Open 2024. As an innovative technology, VR enables a completely new kind of tennis experience. We not only want to inspire new target groups for the sport of tennis, but also build on our virtual highlights as part of our Metaverse presence and take them to the next level. With the VR tennis tournament, we are underlining LAOLA1’s expertise as an innovator and pioneer in the industry.

Gregory Gettinger, CEO VR Motion-Learning GmbH: “We are proud that our VR tennis app ‘TENNIS ESPORTS’ was used for the first VR tennis tournament in Europe – and of all places in our home country of Austria. The app offers a realistic and immersive tennis experience that will delight tennis fans around the world.

Stefan Gatterbauer, Head of Sales e|motion Group: “It’s exciting to see how virtual reality is revolutionizing the sports experience. As marketers and organizers of the Erste Bank Open, we are pleased to be able to take part in this innovative tournament format again and to visit it in the Official Tennis Experience area, which is being offered as part of the 50th anniversary of the town hall tournament.

Thomas Schweda, Managing Director of the Austrian Tennis Association (ÖTV): “We are proud to once again be part of this groundbreaking VR tennis tournament and are sure that it will delight the tennis community. We see VR as a great opportunity to show our sport to a larger audience.”

Whether amateur or professional – participation is open to everyone

The VR tennis tournament will take place from September 30th to October 25th and is open to everyone. In contrast to real tennis tournaments, any number of participants can play here – no matter how old, whether with or without physical impairments, amateur or professional.

The only technical requirements are: VR glasses Meta Quest 2, 3 or PRO, the TENNIS ESPORTS app, an internet connection and a playing area of ​​approx. 3m x 3m. The VR bat grip is optional.

Finale in the Vienna Stadthalle

After the playoffs end, the two best players in the ranking will be invited to play the final live and directly at the Erste Bank Open in the Wiener Stadthalle.
The final will take place at the LAOLA1 stand in the Official Tennis Experience Zone and will be streamed on laola1.at, among others.

The details can be found here>>>

Also: The Erste Bank Virtual Open 2024 by LAOLA1, e|motion, Tennis Esports and the Austrian Tennis Association together in partnership with “AutoScout24” are already running from September 30th to October 25th, 2024!

Take the chance and take part in the innovative VR tennis tournament to win exclusive prizes, including Tickets for the final of the Erste Bank Open. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or a professional, everyone can play with Meta Quest VR glasses and the “TENNIS ESPORTS” app.

Also visit us at the LAOLA1 stand in the Official tennis experience zone and experience the virtual and innovative sport of tennis up close.

Or immerse yourself in the virtual world of Erste Bank opens virtual fan zone, a completely new and immersive experience of the town hall tournament.