The four-day inaugural National Electronic Wrestling Championships concluded on March 12 at the Beijing National Digital Sports Center. The event attracted 120 athletes from 18 provincial teams, who competed in virtual arenas using smart wearable devices and motion capture technology—pioneering a new “wrestling + esports” competition model.
Unlike traditional wrestling, electronic wrestling requires athletes to wear full-body motion capture sensors that map their throws, rolls, and pins onto virtual avatars in real time, with matches taking place on digital platforms. An AI-powered referee system identifies valid technical moves and automatically scores the bouts, eliminating physical contact entirely. According to event organizers, the rules are based on Chinese-style wrestling, preserving core techniques such as gripping the wrestling jacket and leveraging an opponent’s force.
In the final match, Hebei’s Li Junjie defeated Shandong’s Zhang Fan 12-6 to claim the men’s 74kg title. “It took time to adapt to a non-contact format, but the demands on tactical thinking and reaction speed are much higher,” Li said. “It’s not just competition—it’s a mental game.” Shandong coach Wang Hai noted that the new model reduces injury risks and provides opportunities for enthusiasts unable to engage in high-intensity physical combat.
According to the event’s technical support team, electronic wrestling now achieves millisecond-level motion feedback through low-latency transmission and high-precision sensors. To preserve the cultural heritage of the sport, the competition also features digitally restored visual elements such as wrestling uniforms and ear guards, alongside stylistic scenes inspired by Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling.
Several sports universities have expressed interest in offering electronic wrestling as an elective course. A representative from the General Administration of Sport of China stated that digitalizing traditional sports is a crucial pathway for promoting national fitness and engaging younger audiences. He emphasized that digital competitions are not meant to replace conventional wrestling, but rather serve as a parallel extension of the sport.
Preparations for the second edition of the Electronic Wrestling Championships are already underway, with plans to introduce women’s and youth divisions. The first Electronic Wrestling World Cup is also expected to take place within the year.
Post time: Feb-13-2026