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HTC Vive & MLB Reveal First VR Home Run Derby For 2018 All-Star FanFest

The inaugural event takes place at two venues in just under a week.

July 11, 2018 12:30 PM

MLB launched their official Home Run Derby VR game in April and the league is taking their investment in virtual reality platforms to the next level. Taking place July 12 - 15, MLB has teamed up with HTC Vive to crown the first ever virtual home run derby champion.

There will be three-days of qualifying as players play the All-Star version of HR Derby VR and 32 will be chosen to compete at the Geico All-Star FanFest. The contest will be streamed on Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and Mixer with viewer giveaways throughout and commentary from MLB Network's Alexa Datt, All-Star player Fred Lynn, and gamers RealShelfy and Fuzzy. The qualifying rounds are played at Play Ball Park and the All-Star FanFest, but the championship bout takes place only at ASFF.

HTC Vive & MLB Virtual Home Run Derby Schedule:

Friday, July 13 - Qualifying

9am-8pm ET @ ASFF; 10am-7pm @ PBP

Saturday, July 14 - Qualifying

9am-8pm ET @ ASFF; 10am-7pm @ PBP

Sunday, July 15 - Qualifying

9am-8pm ET @ ASFF; 10am-7pm @ PBP

Monday, July 16 - Championship Competition

2-5pm ET @ ASFF

During the competition, each player will have 90 seconds to hit as many virtual home runs as they can using a Vive-tracker-equipped proprietary VR baseball bat controller with the HTC Vive Pro HMD. The winner gets a custom Tiffany & Co derby trophy, four tickets to the 2018 MLB All-Star Game, an official commemorative Louisville Slugger bat featuring custom Lizard Skins grip, custom 2018 All-Star game jersey, an official 2018 All-Star game on-field cap for any team, and a one-year subscription to MLB.tv.

Beyond this esports event, at least 12 MLB ballparks will be hosting in-venue setups of the VR game for fans to play when attending games. Each activation features customized recreations of their respective parks and the list currently includes Atlanta, Chicago (AL), Arizona, Houston, Miami, Minnesota, Oakland, St. Louis, San Diego, San Francisco, Tampa Bay, and Washington. Take me out to the ballgame and stay tuned to Shacknews!

Charles Singletary Jr

News Editor

Charles Singletary Jr keeps the updates flowing as the News Editor, breaking stories while investigating the biggest topics in gaming and technology. He's pretty active on Twitter, so feel free to reach out to him @The_CSJR. Got a hot tip? Email him at Charles.Singletary@Shacknews.com.

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