Hosting a Games of the Future (GOTF) Major offers an unparalleled opportunity to create something extraordinary for your community, athletes, clubs, and supporters. The Omani Gaming and Esports Committee and the Guatemalan Esports Association have both recently hosted successful GOTF Majors and have been kind enough to share some of their wisdom and experience with us as a helpful and informative guide, and best-practice blueprint for WPC members and prospective members to follow.
The GOTF Major in Oman for Phygital Football, held from the 12th to 14th of August 2024, was the first-ever compliant GOTF Major, delivering a groundbreaking showcase of innovation and excellence, paving the way for future Phygital Football tournaments around the world. While the Guatemalan Esports Association hosted the GOTF Major for Phygital Football, Phygital Dancing, and Phygital Basketball in Guatemala on January 11th and 12th, 2025.
As part of the qualifiers for the highly anticipated Games of the Future 2025, both GOTF Majors in Oman and Guatemala highlighted the diversity and excitement of phygital sports but also set a new benchmark for competitions worldwide. Let’s explore how they achieved it and how you can too.
Securing Financial Resources
Funding your tournament is all about building relationships and showcasing the value of phygital sports. For the GOTF Majors in Guatemala, the Guatemalan Esports Association worked with a variety of sponsors—some provided financial backing, while others supplied sporting equipment and technology such as screens, monitors, gaming devices, and even balls. As Pablo Melgar, CEO of the Guatemalan Esports Association, puts it, “It is important to be well-organized to deliver a good quality tournament. Take any help as possible from sponsors—monetary and non-monetary; any help is welcome.” This collaborative approach was key to ensuring the success of their event.
In Oman, sponsors played a pivotal role. By emphasizing the innovative nature of phygital sports, the Omani Gaming and Esports Committee secured funding from both the government and private sector. Showing potential partners how phygital tournaments engage audiences in new ways is key to earning their backing. It’s not just about funding; it’s about building a shared vision and long-lasting partnerships.
Securing the Venue
Your venue can make or break your tournament’s atmosphere. In Guatemala, the Guatemalan Esports Association collaborated with the Ministry of Culture and Sports to secure a suitable venue, which worked seamlessly to keep expenses manageable while delivering a professional-grade experience for players and supporters alike. In Oman, the team chose the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre for its cutting-edge facilities and spacious halls. Hamed Al Jahwari, Board Member of the Omani Gaming and Esports Committee, emphasized, “When organizing a tournament that combines both physical and digital elements, it’s important to choose a venue that ensures the safety and comfort of everyone involved, including players, fans, media, organizers, referees, and other participants. When choosing your venue, think about what will amplify both the virtual and real-life components of your event.”
Engaging Teams and Participants
Recruiting teams requires outreach that highlights your tournament’s unique appeal. In Guatemala, the Guatemalan National Basketball Federation brought in 16 basketball teams, while the Guatemalan Mini-football Association also invited a few of their football teams to participate. Additionally, 16 content creators and influencers were involved, boosting visibility and excitement among fans.
Oman’s approach centered in visually compelling campaigns. Eye-catching registration announcements emphasized the tournament’s groundbreaking concept, leveraging the universal love of football in both electronic and physical forms. By showcasing what sets your tournament apart, you can attract interest and ensure strong participation.
Overcoming Challenges
Every tournament faces challenges, but each hurdle presents an opportunity to adapt and pivot. In Guatemala, extreme heat necessitated moving all games indoors, requiring meticulous organization to maintain the schedule. The effort paid off, illustrating the importance of flexibility and detailed planning. Both federations agree: the more organized you are, the better equipped you’ll be to handle surprises!
Spreading the Word
Promotion is at the heart of a successful tournament. Guatemala’s grassroots strategy relied on influencers and participating teams to spread the word to generate excitement and anticipation to drive audience engagement and attendance.
Oman amplified its reach through a comprehensive marketing strategy. Official media outlets, digital platforms, and extensive coverage from local media brought phygital sports to the forefront. The unique blend of digital and physical elements captivated audiences, driving strong turnout and engagement. Whether your event is large or small, sharing your story and highlighting the innovation behind phygital sports will draw people in.
Final Thoughts
Through phygital sports, the Guatemalan Esports Association and the Omani Gaming and Esports Committee have crafted unforgettable GOTF Major moments for players, fans, and sponsors. Through a range of engaging tactics, organizational planning and strategic partnerships, both teams hosted superb events that truly lead the way for others to follow, elevating phygital tournaments to the next level.
As the GOTF Majors draw to a close at the end of this month, we can’t wait to see what GOTF Major tournaments our WPC members from around the world will be hosting as part of their hotly contested journey to qualify for the Games of the Future 2025 in the UAE.
