How VR Is Changing Water Polo – Tony Azevedo on Innovation, Youth Training & the Champions League

“Virtual Reality, Analytics & Youth Development” – Tony Azevedo on the 6-8 Academy, Final Eight & the Future of Water Polo
In this special live episode of the Waterpolo Expert Talk, former Olympic medalist and world-class player Tony Azevedo gives an exclusive update on the latest developments inside his innovative 6-8 Water Polo Academy in the United States and explains how virtual reality, digital analytics and modern sports science are already transforming the way young athletes learn and understand water polo.

Tony reports that the Academy is currently completely booked, with athletes coming from seven different US states as well as from Hungary and Spain. A recent showcase tournament in St. George, Utah, where players were drafted into fantasy-style teams based on performance analytics, even resulted in several athletes signing with colleges directly after the event. This data-driven approach allows players to finally understand their real value beyond subjective coach impressions.

A central focus of the conversation is the use of VR technology in water polo training. Tony explains how players are placed directly into real game scenarios using VR goggles, allowing them to repeat tactical situations dozens of times within just a few minutes. Similar systems are already used by NFL quarterbacks, baseball players and even surgeons to improve decision-making under pressure. For water polo athletes, this means learning positioning, vision, timing and decision-making far faster than traditional video analysis ever allowed.

Another major innovation is the individual performance analytics system of the Academy. Instead of focusing only on teams and tournaments, every athlete receives detailed personal statistics such as plus-minus values, turnovers, exclusions drawn and defensive impact. Players can now objectively evaluate their own performances and directly identify areas for improvement after each match.
The episode also covers the global availability of the VR system. Athletes from places with little water polo infrastructure, such as rural US states, can now train tactically at a level that previously was only possible in Europe’s top academies. Soon, this system will also be accessible through a dedicated online shop, allowing players worldwide to integrate professional tactical education into their daily routine.

In the second part of the conversation, Tony shares his honest thoughts on the recent Champions League Final Eight. While he appreciated the professional presentation and the growth of live streaming, he also felt that the overall level was slightly below previous years, likely due to the heavy physical and mental load caused by Corona and the upcoming Olympic Games. At the same time, he proudly highlights Ben Hallock as the first American ever to win the Champions League.
Tony also criticizes that major events are still too often hosted only in traditional water polo countries. For him, global growth requires visibility in new markets such as France, the United States or Asia, where water polo could attract huge new audiences with the right promotion.

This episode delivers a fascinating look into the digital future of water polo, combining elite sport, innovation, youth development, analytics and international growth.