Announcing the 3rd FAI Virtual Sailplane Grand Prix (VSGP) 2025-2026

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the 3rd FAI Virtual Sailplane Grand Prix (VSGP), building on the success of the previous editions and introducing an exciting new format that will captivate pilots and spectators alike. This edition will serve as a test for the Olympic Esports Games (OEG) 2026, featuring continental qualifications followed by a world qualification round, culminating in a thrilling Grand Final.

A Look Back at Previous Editions

The FAI Virtual Sailplane Grand Prix has quickly become a premier event in the world of virtual gliding, attracting top pilots from around the globe. The first and second editions of the VSGP showcased the best in competitive virtual soaring, with pilots demonstrating exceptional skill, strategy, and sportsmanship.

- 1st FAI Virtual SGP: The inaugural edition launched in september 2021 set the stage for high-stakes virtual gliding, with 20 pilots from 20 countries competing in a series of challenging races in the French Alps (St Auban). The event was a resounding success, establishing the VSGP as a must-watch competition in the esports community. Ben Fest (GER) was crowned first-ever esports World Champion of any Aeronautical discipline.

- 2nd FAI Virtual SGP: Building on the momentum of the first edition, the second VSGP introduced new challenges and even more intense competition, with the 20 best pilots of the world who qualified through 10 qualifying events, strictly reproducing SGPs real-life events worldwide. Pilots pushed the limits of their skills, delivering thrilling races that kept spectators and live-commentators on the edge of their seats. Virtually held in Pavullo (Italy), the event was won by Arne Martin Güettler (NOR) after 7 races.

The winners of these editions have become legends in the virtual gliding community, setting the bar high for future competitors.

The New Format for the 3rd VSGP

The 3rd FAI Virtual Sailplane Grand Prix introduces a revamped format designed to maximize participation, ensure fair representation, and deliver exhilarating races. This edition will serve as a test for the Olympic Esports Games (OEG) 2026, featuring a structured qualification pathway leading to a high-profile Grand Final.

Phase 1: Continental Qualifiers (Summer – Winter 2025)

Each continent will host a dedicated qualification series, with pilots competing for direct qualification spots to the Grand Final. The races will be scheduled at region-friendly times to maximize participation. The current World VSGP champion will receive a direct entry wildcard to the Finals.

- Quota Allocation for Continental Qualifiers (14 spots total):

- Europe: 6 pilots

- Americas (North & South): 3 pilots

- Asia: 2 pilots

- Oceania: 2 pilots

- Africa: 1 pilot

- Format: Each region will host a 6 race series following the Virtual SGP format. Points will accumulate over multiple races, rewarding consistent performance. The top pilots from each region will secure direct qualification to the Grand Final.

Phase 2: World Qualifier Event (Winter 2025)

To allow for additional opportunities and balance global representation, a World Qualifier Event will determine the remaining 5 spots. This event will feature the top-performing pilots from the Continental Qualifiers who did not directly qualify for the Grand Final, along with additional wildcard entries.

- Format: A 4-race series following Virtual SGP rules. The top 5 finishers (based on cumulative points) will secure the final places in the Grand Final.

Phase 3: World Final (Late 2025 – Early 2026)

The World Final will be a prestigious, high-stakes event featuring the world’s top virtual glider pilots. The format will consist of two stages:

- Stage 1: Qualification Races

- All 20 pilots will compete in multiple races over several days. Points will accumulate, with only the top 10 advancing to the ultimate showdown.

- Stage 2: The One-Shot Final

- A single, decisive race where the winner is crowned champion. No second chances—first across the finish line wins.

Key Features & Benefits of the New Format

1. Balanced Global Representation: Ensures each continent gets fair representation while maintaining competitive integrity. The World Qualifier Event allows the best pilots who didn’t win regional events a second chance to qualify.

2. Proven Virtual SGP Format: Easy to understand for both pilots and spectators, with thrilling race dynamics that ensure competitive, real-time decision-making.

3. High-Stakes Grand Final: A 20-pilot final ensures excitement and tension while keeping the event manageable and high-quality. The "one-shot" championship race creates dramatic, must-watch moments.

4. Inclusivity & Accessibility: No travel required – pilots can compete from anywhere in the world. Allows new and emerging pilots to break into the highest levels of competition.

5. Engaging Audience Experience: Live tracking & commentary to enhance spectator engagement, social media integration to expand community involvement, and possible VR/simulator activations for audience immersion.

The full schedule is still being worked with the local organizations worldwide and will be unveiled soon, with Phase 1 Qualifiers starting in July, Phase 2 (WQE) in December 2025, and the World Final in early 2026.

The Format for each qualifier will be the following (6 races over 3 weeks, every Tuesday and Thursday):

Europe Qualifier:

- Dates: November 18 to December 4, 2025

- Races:

- Week 1: November 18 (Tuesday), November 20 (Thursday)

- Week 2: November 25 (Tuesday), November 27 (Thursday)

- Week 3: December 2 (Tuesday), December 4 (Thursday)

- Local Time: 19:00 to 21:00 (18:00 to 20:00 UTC)

Join Us for the 3rd FAI Virtual Sailplane Grand Prix

The 3rd FAI Virtual Sailplane Grand Prix promises to be an exhilarating and competitive event, showcasing the best in virtual gliding from around the world. Whether you are a pilot or a spectator, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to be part of the action!

For more information, visit the past VSGP pages in Archives (on the menu bar) or discover the new page for the 3rd VSGP event.

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