Hyundai Motor Company made history by crowning the first-ever Hyundai N Virtual Cup (HNVC) World Champion, Dominik Blajer from Poland, at the offline World Finals held on January 11, 2025. The event took place at the SOOP Colosseum Esports Stadium in Seoul, South Korea, marking the thrilling conclusion of Hyundai N’s inaugural global sim racing esports tournament.
A Global Esports Milestone for Hyundai N
The Hyundai N Virtual Cup was officially launched in October 2024 at the ADAC SimRacing Expo in Dortmund, Germany. This groundbreaking tournament, created in partnership with KUNOS Simulazioni—the minds behind the globally acclaimed racing simulator Assetto Corsa—offered motorsport enthusiasts an immersive experience of Hyundai N’s high-performance vehicles through the world of sim racing.
The competition spanned several online stages, including global pre-qualification, regional qualification, and semi-finals, held from October to December 2024. Collaborating with Hyundai Motor’s key headquarters in Korea, the U.S., Europe, and China, the tournament attracted over 2,800 participants worldwide.
Dominik Blajer Takes the Crown
The event culminated in an electrifying World Finals where Dominik Blajer emerged victorious. Following a dramatic comeback in the final races, Blajer expressed his joy: “I still can’t believe that this has happened, and our European team managed to win the last two races in a row. It was a great comeback and a brilliant end to the competition. I am extremely happy!”
The finale was livestreamed on Hyundai N Worldwide’s official YouTube channel, allowing global fans to witness the action-packed showdown and celebrate the culmination of this esports journey.
Engaging Fans Beyond the Competition
The offline event also featured interactive zones where attendees could test their skills on simulators, experiencing Hyundai vehicles in various racing environments. This initiative highlighted Hyundai’s commitment to connecting with motorsport enthusiasts and introducing the brand to a broader audience.
A Vision for the Future of Sim Racing
The Hyundai N Virtual Cup demonstrated Hyundai’s dedication to merging the excitement of motorsport with innovative digital experiences. The tournament provided a platform to showcase Hyundai N’s high-performance models while cultivating a new generation of “N-thusiasts.”
Looking ahead, Hyundai plans to continue collaborating with leading racing game developers to deliver immersive experiences for gamers and car enthusiasts. By enhancing brand awareness and offering virtual opportunities to explore Hyundai N’s high-performance lineup, the company is paving the way for a new era of digital motorsport engagement.
Conclusion
The Hyundai N Virtual Cup has set a precedent for global sim racing esports, combining cutting-edge technology, high-performance vehicles, and inclusive engagement. With Dominik Blajer’s victory and Hyundai’s ongoing commitment to the esports community, the future of virtual motorsport has never looked more exciting.
