The Gran Turismo World Series (GTWS) 2024 has become a staple in the world of virtual motorsports, transforming eSports into a high-stakes arena where the world’s best drivers compete for glory. On September 28, the championship arrived in Tokyo for the penultimate event of the season, promising an intense battle between drivers who have honed their skills in the virtual world of Gran Turismo 7.
Tokyo, a city known for its vibrant car culture and long-standing relationship with motorsports, is an ideal location for this event. The Gran Turismo World Series is not just a competition but a celebration of precision, skill, and the unique spirit of competitive racing in the digital age. As fans tune in, both live and online, they are witnessing some of the most exciting and unpredictable races of the year.
The Evolution of Gran Turismo eSports
Gran Turismo, developed by Polyphony Digital, has been a cornerstone in the world of racing games since its debut in 1997. Its commitment to realism, detailed car physics, and authentic track experiences has made it a favorite among racing enthusiasts. Over time, this realism translated into a professional eSports environment, leading to the birth of the Gran Turismo World Series, where the finest virtual drivers compete head-to-head.
In 2018, Gran Turismo officially partnered with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), marking a significant moment for eSports as it was recognized alongside real-world motorsport events. Since then, the series has grown in stature, drawing attention from major automakers, sponsors, and a growing fanbase. With the introduction of Gran Turismo 7, the World Series now incorporates cutting-edge technology, including virtual reality integration and real-time physics simulations, making each race as close to the real thing as possible.
Tokyo: A Crucial Stage in the 2024 Championship
The Tokyo event is the third and final round before the much-anticipated World Finals in Amsterdam this December. For the competitors, this race represents the last chance to secure their positions at the top of the leaderboard and earn a coveted ticket to the finals.
Among the standout teams in the Manufacturers Cup are Ferrari, Porsche, and Lexus, with drivers demonstrating remarkable consistency throughout the season. Mohamed Buhdeima of Ferrari, who earned a stunning victory in Round 2 in Prague, is expected to be a major contender in Tokyo. Buhdeima’s duel with Team Porsche’s Benjamin Hencsei during the Dragon Trail Seaside race in Prague was one of the season’s most talked-about moments. Ferrari, now holding third place in the series, is just two points behind the leaders Porsche, making this round critical for their championship hopes.
In the Nations Cup, Coque López from Spain currently leads the standings, followed closely by Valerio Gallo of Italy and Japan’s Takuma Miyazono. Miyazono, a fan favorite and the 2020 Nations Cup Champion, has a significant advantage on home turf in Tokyo, where the local support and familiarity with the circuits could give him the edge he needs to reclaim the top spot.
The stakes are high, and every lap, every pit stop, and every overtaking maneuver could be the difference between victory and defeat. With the World Finals looming, the Tokyo race is the defining moment of the 2024 season.
The Role of Tokyo in Motorsport and Gran Turismo
Tokyo’s importance to the Gran Turismo series goes beyond its hosting of the World Series event. The city has always been a hub for car culture, from street racing to luxury automobile showcases. Japan’s capital is synonymous with cutting-edge technology, and its automotive history is rooted in both performance and innovation.
Polyphony Digital, the creators of Gran Turismo, have often drawn inspiration from Tokyo’s car culture. The game features several iconic tracks set in Japan, and Tokyo’s streets themselves serve as a backdrop for many of the game’s most memorable racing experiences. Players can race on the Tokyo Expressway, battling it out in the heart of the city amidst towering skyscrapers and neon lights.
Tokyo also has a deep connection to real-world motorsports. Events like the Tokyo Auto Salon and the D1 Grand Prix have drawn attention to the city’s love for high-speed thrills, while Japan’s famous manufacturers—Nissan, Toyota, Mazda, and others—have become synonymous with racing excellence. With this in mind, it’s fitting that the Gran Turismo World Series returns to Tokyo, a city that embodies the spirit of racing and automotive engineering.
The Drivers: From Virtual to Real Stardom
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Gran Turismo World Series is its ability to blur the lines between virtual and real-world motorsports. The series has served as a launchpad for drivers to transition from eSports to professional racing. The Gran Turismo Academy, in particular, has turned virtual racers into real-world champions, with notable alumni like Jann Mardenborough, who has gone on to compete in prestigious events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
This year’s competition is filled with drivers who have the potential to follow in Mardenborough’s footsteps. Drivers like Coque López and Valerio Gallo are household names in the virtual racing world, and their performances in the Gran Turismo World Series have earned them recognition beyond eSports. For these racers, winning the championship is not just about prestige but also about opening doors to real-world racing opportunities.
The Spectacle of Gran Turismo 7
At the core of the World Series is Gran Turismo 7, a game that pushes the boundaries of realism and immersion. The game features more than 400 meticulously recreated cars and over 90 tracks from around the world, offering players a diverse and authentic racing experience. In Tokyo, fans will be treated to races that showcase the very best of what the game has to offer, from the ultra-fast Group 3 cars to the precision-required X2019 Competition machines.
Tokyo’s race weekend will also feature special events for fans, both in-game and at the venue. Players can participate in online challenges that mirror the car and track combinations used in the live event, allowing them to compare their times with the professional drivers. Meanwhile, in-game viewers will be able to unlock exclusive rewards, including iconic Japanese cars like the Mazda 787B and the Xanavi Nismo GT-R ’08.
The Future of eSports and Gran Turismo
The Gran Turismo World Series represents a shift in the landscape of eSports and motorsports. What was once considered a niche market is now a global phenomenon, drawing millions of viewers and sponsors from around the world. The success of Gran Turismo in the eSports arena has paved the way for other racing games and simulations to follow suit, solidifying the genre’s place in the world of competitive gaming.
As the series heads towards its final event in Amsterdam, the excitement is palpable. The 2024 season has been one of the most competitive in recent memory, with close races, unexpected winners, and thrilling moments that have kept fans on the edge of their seats. For drivers, the Tokyo event is the last hurdle before the World Finals, where one racer will be crowned the 2024 Gran Turismo World Champion.
In conclusion, the Gran Turismo World Series in Tokyo is more than just a race. It is a celebration of the dedication, skill, and passion that defines motorsports, whether in the virtual or real world. With the competition heating up, the drivers will leave nothing on the table as they vie for a spot in the finals, making this an event that fans won’t want to miss.
