I’m interested in the winners effect which is where an increase in testosterone is observed following a victory in physical and non-physical competitions. I’ve seen studies that replicate the effects in sports, chess, and video games.

The studies I have read use face to face competitions in their experiments, I’m wondering if there’s any evidence of the winners effect in non face to face competitions. For example, will winning an online chess game or video against someone who I don’t know at all increase my testosterone? My hypothesis is that it won’t as my mind doesn’t really know if I’m actually playing against another person, which means my mind doesn’t think that my position on the social dominance hierarchy is changing.

Any responses would be appreciated!