The worlds of sports, music, and digital innovation have collided in an unprecedented virtual event. Manchester City star Jack Grealish has joined forces with future house pioneer Oliver Heldens for a groundbreaking musical performance in the OKX Collective metaverse, marking the first-ever “Mixing in the Metaverse” DJ set. This immersive experience blends elite football culture with cutting-edge electronic music and Web3 technology, offering fans a front-row seat to a one-of-a-kind collaboration.
A Star-Studded Virtual Performance
In a 15-minute exclusive set, digital avatars of Jack Grealish and Oliver Heldens took center stage in a futuristic stadium built within the Everdome metaverse—a visually stunning, browser-based virtual world. The performance wasn’t just a live mix; it featured the debut of a brand-new track co-created by Grealish and Heldens, showcasing the footballer’s foray into music production under the mentorship of the Dutch DJ legend.
Grealish, known for his flair on the pitch, brings that same creativity to the turntables. His passion for music has long been public, but this marks his official DJ debut—albeit in a virtual realm. With Heldens guiding him through the beats, the duo delivered a high-energy set that fuses athletic charisma with electronic rhythm.
“I love music and I’ve wanted to try my hand at DJing for a long time. What I couldn’t have expected was that my DJing debut would come in the metaverse!”
— Jack Grealish
The use of metahuman avatars adds a cinematic quality to the experience, allowing fans to see lifelike representations of both artists performing in sync, surrounded by dynamic lighting and crowd animations that mimic a real-world concert atmosphere.
Pushing the Boundaries of Fan Engagement
This event is part of OKX’s ongoing partnership with Manchester City, where Web3 technology is used to create deeper connections between fans and their favorite players. As the club’s official training kit partner for the 2022/23 season, OKX has consistently leveraged blockchain and metaverse platforms to deliver unique digital experiences.
👉 Discover how Web3 is transforming fan experiences in sports and music.
The OKX Collective metaverse is more than just a virtual concert hall. It’s an interactive space where fans can explore past experiences, including Ruben Dias’ defensive training simulation and Ilkay Gündogan’s tactical masterclass. These immersive modules allow supporters to step into the boots of their heroes, gaining insight into what it takes to perform at the highest level.
Why the Metaverse Matters for Modern Sports
The integration of athletes into virtual environments isn’t just novelty—it’s the future of engagement. Traditional media limits fan interaction to interviews, press conferences, and matchday viewing. But the metaverse removes those barriers.
- Fans access exclusive content from anywhere in the world.
- Real-time interactions become possible through gamified experiences.
- Players can showcase talents beyond their sport—like Grealish’s musical ambitions.
This shift aligns perfectly with younger, tech-savvy audiences who expect personalized, interactive content. By hosting events like this DJ set, OKX and Manchester City are setting a new benchmark for how sports organizations can use digital spaces to build community and loyalty.
Behind the Music: Grealish’s Journey into DJing
While many athletes have side passions, few get the chance to develop them publicly. Jack Grealish’s interest in music has been evident through his social media presence and pre-match playlists. Now, with Oliver Heldens—a pioneer of future house known for hits like Gecko (Overdrive)—as his mentor, Grealish has taken a serious step into music creation.
Their collaboration track blends upbeat house rhythms with playful melodies, reflecting Grealish’s vibrant personality. Though details about a potential release are under wraps, sources suggest the track may be available as a limited NFT drop for participants in future OKX campaigns.
👉 Explore how athletes are using Web3 to launch creative side projects.
How to Access the OKX Collective Metaverse
Entering the experience requires no specialized hardware or software. Fans can access the OKX Collective metaverse directly through a web browser by visiting the dedicated portal. Once inside, users can:
- Watch replays of the Grealish x Heldens DJ set
- Explore interactive zones featuring Manchester City players
- Participate in skill-based challenges and mini-games
- Enter prize draws for real-world rewards like match tickets and training session passes
No account creation or cryptocurrency wallet is needed—making it one of the most accessible metaverse experiences to date.
What This Means for Web3 in Sports
This event underscores a growing trend: sports franchises are no longer just entertainment providers—they’re digital experience creators. With partners like OKX, clubs can offer value beyond live games, tapping into fans’ desire for exclusivity and participation.
Core keywords naturally integrated throughout:
metaverse, Jack Grealish, Oliver Heldens, OKX Collective, Web3, Manchester City, virtual DJ set, future house
These keywords reflect strong search intent around athlete collaborations, digital concerts, and blockchain-powered fan engagement—all areas seeing rapid growth in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Was Jack Grealish actually DJing during the performance?
A: Yes—though performed via avatar, Grealish actively participated in mixing under Oliver Heldens’ guidance. The set was pre-recorded but based on real-time inputs from both artists.
Q: Can I listen to the new collaboration track outside the metaverse?
A: Not yet. The track debuted exclusively within the OKX Collective metaverse. Future availability may include streaming platforms or NFT releases.
Q: Do I need cryptocurrency or a digital wallet to enter?
A: No. The experience is free and accessible via web browser without any blockchain requirements.
Q: Is this part of a larger series of events?
A: Yes. This is the third major experience in OKX’s metaverse series with Manchester City, following educational fan zones with Ruben Dias and Ilkay Gündogan.
Q: Will there be more musical collaborations like this?
A: While not confirmed, OKX has signaled interest in expanding跨界 (cross-industry) events between athletes and artists in virtual spaces.
Q: Can I rewatch the DJ set after the live event?
A: Absolutely. The full 15-minute performance remains available on-demand within the metaverse environment.
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Looking Ahead: The Future of Virtual Fan Experiences
As technology evolves, so too will how fans connect with athletes. Events like the Grealish x Heldens collaboration prove that the metaverse isn’t just a speculative space—it’s a platform for real creativity, community, and culture. With OKX leading innovation at the intersection of Web3 and sports, we’re witnessing the dawn of a new era in digital fandom.
Whether you're a football enthusiast, electronic music fan, or tech explorer, this moment represents something bigger: the blending of passions in ways previously unimaginable. And with more surprises likely on the horizon, one thing is clear—the game has moved beyond the pitch.