An industry valued at over $1B, esports is where gamers become champions. And as VR League Season 3 comes to a close, we’re excited to announce a new season of esports designed just for creators.

Back in 2017, the Oculus Medium team traveled to Osaka, Japan to attend the World Grand Prix of digital art battles. Incredible 2D illustrators and animators created outstanding works of digital art at lightning speed in a high-energy tournament. The Medium team returns this year, bringing with them a team of artists to compete in the first-ever VR Sculpting Battles on this exciting world stage.

To celebrate, we’re announcing Road to Tokyo, a three-part behind-the-scenes documentary that captures all the action, intrigue, and drama along our artists’ journey toward Japan.

Three cities, 24 artists, the ultimate VR sculpting tournament. In each city—Menlo Park, New York, and London—eight artists competed in head-to-head battles, a knockout-style tournament. Starting with a blank Medium scene, competitors had just 10 minutes to sculpt a winning VR piece and advance to the next round. Winners won an all-expense-paid trip to Tokyo to compete using Medium at the World Grand Prix 2019!

Each of the three Road to Tokyo episodes focuses on a specific city. Check out the schedule:

Ep 1. Menlo Park: June 6 @ 11:00 am PT

June 6 @ 11:00 am PT Ep 2. New York: June 13 @ 11:00 am PT

June 13 @ 11:00 am PT Ep 3. London: June 20 @ 11:00 am PT

As with other VR esports, these art battles required strategy, quick reflexes, and masterful navigation. The artists were judged not only for speed and creativity, but also for flair, performance, and visual storytelling—all with a steady hand and calmness under pressure. Each of the three Road to Tokyo episodes showcase how these amazing artists create full characters and scenes literally out of thin air.

Beginning on June 6, you’ll find each episode on the Oculus YouTube channel and Medium’s Facebook page. Follow along and break out the brackets to discover who will be crowned the ultimate champion.

— The Oculus Team