In November 2020 it unfortunately still was not possible for European hobbyists to physically meet up at Betta Shows due to the situation around COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). After two successful virtual shows in May and August, we collaborated with our friends of Vivarium in order to organize the Virtual Bettas4all Show @ Vivarium Online 2020.

A virtual show is a big challenge for both participants and the organizing team. Participants attempted to make the best possible quality videos to show their fish, according to the options and equipment available to them. On the other hand the Virtual Bettas4all Judging team attempted to judge all the entries in an efficient way in-between their jobs, social and family lives.

All videos were judged according to the Bettas4all Standard©. Here the entire judging team (including apprentices) worked together to: (1) Divide all entries in the right show classes; (2) judge the various show classes and the determine the class winners and (3) decide on the special prizes. Judging fish without being able to see them live is challenging as it is necessary to get a clear impression of the behaviour, color, form and details (e.g. mouth, eye, scaling) on both sides of the fish. It is impossible to judge something which cannot be seen. It therefore is important to note that any fish which could not be judged properly (out of focus, one side visible, not in full flare, etc.) was ranked down or even knocked out along the judging process (even if this fish potentially might have been the best fish of the class in real life). While we are certainly not flawless in our judgement, we did our uttermost best to judge all fish in a consistent way based on our knowledge, experience within all means available.

The organizing team of Vivarium and our sponsors Zoo Med, Domburg Sportprijzen Holland, Kiyomizu and Gerbo have selected their favorite male and female to be awarded with a special Sponsor Choice Award. In addition, a total of 139 people have voted for the public prizes per show class.

At our 3^rd virtual show, the Virtual Bettas4all Show @ Vivarium Online (November 2020), in total 296 fish were entered by 84 hobbyists from 20 European countries!

For an impression of the results of the Virtual Bettas4all Show @ Vivarium Online 2020, please click videos below:

Overview Male Winners (Regular Show Classes):

Overview Female Winners (Regular Show Classes):

Overview of the Sponsor Choice Awards: