The phrase "virtual tie" means that two or more competitors or options are very close in terms of their performance, popularity, or outcomes, making it difficult to determine a clear winner. Full definition
Virtual tie goes to the conference with the champ, right? (sbnation.com)
The Donald and Carson climate deniers beat Hillarity handily, with several other Republican also - rans in virtual ties with the candidate the Demos are going to be stuck with. (judithcurry.com)
TechnoLawyer posts a status report on voting for its Technolawyer @ Awards, and it's neck and neck among blawgers, with virtual ties for first place in both categories, favorite practice management blog and favorite practice area blog. (lawsitesblog.com)