In a groundbreaking fusion of sports, music, and digital innovation, Manchester City star Jack Grealish has joined forces with world-renowned DJ Oliver Heldens for a first-of-its-kind virtual performance in the OKX Collective metaverse. The event, titled Mixing in the Metaverse, marks the debut collaboration between the footballer and the future house pioneer, blending elite athleticism with electronic music culture in an immersive Web3 experience.
This unique digital concert features 15 minutes of live DJ mixing performed by metahuman avatars of both artists, set within a futuristic stadium built inside the Everdome metaverse. The performance not only showcases Grealish’s passion for music but also introduces a brand-new track co-created by him and Heldens—available exclusively through this virtual experience.
A Star-Studded Virtual Debut
Jack Grealish, known for his flair on the football pitch, has long expressed his love for music and nightlife culture. Now, he takes a bold step into the creative world of DJing—with guidance from one of the genre's most influential figures.
“I love music and I’ve wanted to try my hand at DJing for a long time,” said Grealish. “What I couldn’t have expected was that my DJing debut would come in the metaverse! The OKX Collective metaverse is unique, and I’m honoured to share this special collab alongside a DJing legend like Oliver with fans from all over the world.”
Oliver Heldens, celebrated for shaping the future house movement and headlining major festivals worldwide, mentored Grealish in the lead-up to the performance. Their collaboration goes beyond a one-off set—it symbolizes a new era where athletes explore artistic expression in digital realms, powered by blockchain and immersive technology.
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Pushing Boundaries with Web3 Innovation
Hosted by OKX, a leading Web3 technology platform, this event is the third major metaverse activation in partnership with Manchester City. It builds on previous successes such as defender Ruben Dias’ metaverse training session and captain Ilkay Gündogan’s tactical masterclass—both accessible within the OKX Collective environment.
The OKX Collective metaverse is more than just a virtual space; it's an evolving ecosystem where fans connect with their favourite players through interactive, gamified experiences. From behind-the-scenes access to exclusive competitions, supporters can win real-world rewards such as:
- Passes to team training sessions
- Matchday tickets
- Limited-edition digital collectibles
- VIP meet-and-greet opportunities
These integrations highlight how Web3 is transforming fan engagement—moving beyond passive viewing to active participation.
Why the Metaverse Matters for Sports and Music
The convergence of sports, entertainment, and virtual worlds isn’t just experimental—it’s becoming essential. As younger audiences spend more time online and in digital communities, brands and clubs must adapt to meet them where they are.
The Mixing in the Metaverse event exemplifies this shift. By placing a global football icon like Jack Grealish in a virtual DJ booth alongside a music heavyweight, OKX creates a cross-cultural moment that resonates across fanbases. It’s not just about entertainment; it’s about building community, accessibility, and shared experiences without geographical limits.
Moreover, the use of metahuman avatars adds a layer of authenticity and immersion. Fans don’t just watch a performance—they feel present in it. With spatial audio, dynamic lighting, and interactive elements, the experience mirrors real-life concerts while unlocking possibilities impossible in physical venues.
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Core Keywords Driving Digital Engagement
To ensure maximum visibility and relevance, this experience leverages key themes that align with current search trends and user interests:
- Metaverse concert
- Jack Grealish DJ set
- Oliver Heldens collaboration
- Web3 fan experience
- Manchester City metaverse
- Virtual music performance
- OKX Collective
- Digital athlete engagement
These keywords naturally appear throughout fan discussions, social media tags, and news coverage—making the event highly discoverable while maintaining organic storytelling flow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where can I watch Jack Grealish’s DJ set?
A: The exclusive 15-minute performance is available in the OKX Collective metaverse, hosted within Everdome. Fans can access it anytime via web-enabled devices.
Q: Did Jack Grealish actually produce music with Oliver Heldens?
A: Yes. The set features a newly co-created track developed during Grealish’s training with Heldens. This original collaboration is only available through the metaverse experience.
Q: Is there a cost to enter the OKX Collective metaverse?
A: No. Entry is free and open to all fans globally. Simply visit the official portal to begin exploring.
Q: Can I win real prizes through the OKX Collective?
A: Absolutely. Participants can join interactive challenges and competitions for chances to win match tickets, training passes, digital collectibles, and other exclusive rewards.
Q: How does this relate to Manchester City’s broader digital strategy?
A: This event is part of an ongoing initiative to deepen fan connections using Web3 tools. Previous experiences included tactical sessions with Ilkay Gündogan and skill drills with Ruben Dias—showcasing diverse ways athletes engage fans beyond the pitch.
Q: What technology powers the avatars in the performance?
A: The lifelike metahuman avatars are built using advanced real-time rendering and motion-capture techniques, ensuring realistic movements and expressions during the live mix.
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The Future of Fan Experiences
As digital culture continues to evolve, events like Mixing in the Metaverse set a new benchmark for what’s possible. They prove that fans no longer need to choose between loving a sport or enjoying music—these worlds can intersect in exciting, meaningful ways.
For athletes like Jack Grealish, the metaverse offers a platform to express personal passions outside traditional sports narratives. For fans, it delivers unprecedented access and intimacy with their idols. And for innovators like OKX, it underscores the power of Web3 to create inclusive, global experiences that transcend borders.
This isn’t just a moment—it’s a movement. One that blends rhythm, sport, and technology into a shared digital future where anyone, anywhere, can feel part of the action.
With continued advancements in virtual reality, blockchain integration, and interactive storytelling, we’re only beginning to see how deeply sports and entertainment will merge in the years ahead. And if this collaboration is any indication—the beat is just getting started.