With the Games of the Future 2026 set for Astana next July and the WPC 2025/26 season launching next month, now is the perfect time for the global phygital community to look ahead. As clubs and members begin planning for the new season, insights from the recent World Phygital Summit 2025 offer valuable guidance.
In the session “Powering Phygital – Building the Business Infrastructure,” five WPC members shared how they’re bringing phygital sport to life in their regions. From school initiatives to social media strategies, their experiences offer practical ideas you can apply this season.
Key insights included:
Build Your Buzz with Content That Connects
Nicolás Crespo, Head of the Phygital Department at the Asociación de Deportes Electrónicos y Videojuegos de Argentina, showed how influencer-led storytelling can open doors—proving the power of strong content. His team partnered with 10 influencers to promote a phygital football event, reaching 5 million people on social media and drawing over 2,000 fans in person, creating great visibility for phygital sports in Argentina.
Nicolás highlighted the value of working with creators who understand your audience, as well as the importance of building for the long term. His advice? Use member fees, smaller sponsors, and government support to keep projects sustainable. The result: increased reach, engagement, and momentum for phygital sports in Argentina.
Get People Involved in Phygital Early
Saba Al Busaidi, Chairperson of the Omani Gaming and Esports Committee spoke about Oman’s focus on building from the ground up – embedding digital sport into school programs and securing sponsorships with community development at their core. This approach got the attention of sponsors and even the Ministry of Education in Oman.
Saba also shared how media coverage and community engagement helped establish trust in something new, proving early integration can offer a strong foundation for long-term growth.
Community First
In South Africa, Edgar Sandamela, CEO of 1Pro Sports Group emphasised credibility. His team ran frequent local activations – small but impactful events – to build a trusted, visible presence that connected with local communities and gained media attention.
This approach proves that consistent presence can earn lasting support from players, fans, and partners.
Prove It Works, Then Grow It Bigger
Francline Fonderson, President of the Cameroon Association for Technology and Cultural Exchange spotlighted grassroots tournaments as a vital engine for growth. His team began with regional basketball tournaments to create buzz and content. Once results were clear, they attracted sponsors, including telecom and beverage brands.
“We didn’t lead with theory—we showed people what we’d already done“, he said.
Make It Easy to Join In
Milorad Buric of eJadranskaLiga-AdriaticLeague, showcasing success from Bosnia & Herzegovina, recommended aligning event calendars with traditional sports, offering cross-training between physical and digital disciplines, and improving onboarding for non-English speakers.
Making events simpler, more inclusive, and better timed can open participation to more athletes and fans, locally and globally.
Key Takeaways for the season ahead:
From these member case studies, a few clear themes emerge to help you plan for the upcoming season:
- Tell real stories: Good content and personal connections are still the best way to grow awareness and excitement.
- Start small, start local: Schools, communities, and grassroots tournaments are the best proving grounds for phygital sports.
- Keep showing up: Consistency builds trust over time.
- Work smarter with what already exists. Align with school schedules, traditional sports, and community networks.
- Make it easy to understand and join: Language, timing, and onboarding matter more than we often think.
These insights offer practical ways for WPC members to build momentum – at home and on the global stage. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your strategy, the time to act is now.
A big season is ahead. Let’s get ready!
