Celebrating Phygital Families: The Heart of the World Phygital Community
“Ever since I was young, as a sports lover and video game fan, I dreamed of creating a community where the passion for video games could coexist with the excitement of physical activity,” shared Juan Andres Guzman Wong, President of the Ecuadorian Association of Electronic Sports. The World Phygital Community (WPC) is redefining what it means to connect in the digital age. As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the community members who are the beating heart of the WPC. The WPC goes beyond being a gaming or sports community—it’s a global network fostering real connections and breaking barriers.
Gaming has always been a space where people bond over competition, collaboration, and fun. The WPC builds on these roots and expands them by blending digital gaming with physical action – creating a new category: phygital sports. This phygital approach creates meaningful relationships that extend beyond screens into real life.
The World Phygital Community is distinguished by its global inclusivity, welcoming members from all backgrounds and breaking down borders. Phygital athletes can join WPC members anywhere, regardless of nationality, fostering cultural exchange and diversity. These communities serve as dynamic hubs where teams compete, collaborate, and connect in ways that seamlessly blend online and offline worlds, showcasing the future of gaming and sports.
The Cameroon Association for Technology and Cultural Exchange (CATCE) is leading the charge in bringing phygital sports innovation to Africa. Francline Fonderson, President of CATCE, emphasizes the transformative impact of blending digital and physical sports, stating, “Through phygital initiatives, we’re not just fostering local talent but inspiring neighboring countries to build their own thriving ecosystems.” CATCE’s efforts have already spurred collaborations across West Africa, providing platforms for young athletes to display their skills and build lasting partnerships. With a dedicated team, GOTF Majors and Minors, and a vision for continental growth, CATCE has become a beacon of innovation and collaboration, proving that phygital sports have the power to unite and inspire communities across the globe.
Juan Andres Guzman Wong, President of the Ecuadorian Association of Electronic Sports, shared his aspirations: “Ecuador will consolidate itself as a benchmark in the phygital world, demonstrating how the physical and the digital can coexist harmoniously to transform lives and open new opportunities. Our community will continue to grow, attracting more people and inspiring them to join this exciting sports revolution. We are excited for what is to come and remain committed to constantly innovating and taking phygital sports to even greater horizons.”
Omar Saif Aamir Al Aamri, President of JR Style, who recently won the Oman GOTF Major in Phygital Football, exemplifies the spirit of phygital sports: “Phygital football helped me make new friends and build lasting connections. The online community we created is essential for maintaining these friendships—we stay in close contact, learn from one another, and even organize pre-tournament competitions to prepare for big events,” he shared. His journey, from witnessing the Games of the Future 2024 to founding JR Style, highlights the exciting intersection of gaming and physical activity. Omar’s commitment to building a collaborative team and overcoming challenges serves as an inspiration to the community, proving that the blend of digital and physical truly creates magic.
As the year wraps up, let us honor the phygital families that make WPC special. Whether you are a seasoned member or just starting, there is a place for you. Gear up, connect, and let us create unforgettable memories.
The future of community is here—and it is phygital. Let us play, connect, and win together!
