Players launching virtual energy balls, visitors trying technology-powered sports, and a market serving flavors from around the world will come together on North Bund from November 20 to 22.

The Bright Meat Virtual Sports Festival 2026 HADO World Cup will take place along the waterfront at the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal in Hongkou District. The three-day program combines international competition with hands-on activities and food.

For anyone new to HADO, the action takes place on a real court. Players wear headsets and armband sensors that let them launch digital energy balls and raise shields with physical movements. Augmented reality, or AR, overlays these effects onto their view as they dodge attacks and coordinate with teammates. Standard matches last 80 seconds, with the higher-scoring team winning.

The headline HADO World Cup is scheduled for November 21. Organizers expect around 600 athletes from 24 countries and regions across the festival's four competitions, compared with about 300 athletes from 18 countries and regions last year.

The program also includes the HADO WORLD Global Championship, a three-on-three competition using the sport's hero-based format; the HADO International Campus Championship for under-16 players; and the HADO Solo Global Championship, where competitors face off one-on-one.

Away from the tournament court, visitors will be able to try virtual sports and explore a food carnival linked to Shanghai's citywide food festival. Organizers said the food program will bring together around 40 varieties of pancakes and flatbreads – and other specialties.

Shanghai brands will also appear in digital form. Title sponsor Bright Meat is bringing White Rabbit candy and Shanghai Maling into HADO WORLD through branded character designs and visual effects. White Rabbit will feature on the character Luna, while Maling's design will appear on Ryan.

HADO is becoming part of school sports in Hongkou District. Ten schools now offer courses, and a district competition this year drew 31 teams from 13 primary and secondary schools, according to the district sports bureau.

If you go

Date: November 20–22

Venue: Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, North Bund

Address: 500 Dongdaming Rd, Hongkou District 虹口区东大名路500号

Metro: Line 12 to International Cruise Terminal Station

Admission: Free