The World Phygital Community continues to expand through the work of its members, with local organizers playing a central role in introducing and developing phygital sport within their respective ecosystems.
As part of a new interview series, WPC is highlighting the experiences, challenges, and initiatives of members working on the ground to grow the sport and build sustainable competitive structures.
In this first feature, the presidents of Phygital Peru, Renzo Cordiglia Rojas and Cesar Holguin Eyzaguirre, share insights into the launch of phygital competitions in their market, the response from local audiences, and the steps being taken to engage athletes, partners, and institutions. Their experience reflects the early-stage development of a national ecosystem and the opportunities that exist as phygital sport continues to scale globally. Phygital Peru is also represented by a third president, Pedro Revilla.
When you first launched your first event, how was phygital sport received in your country, and what opportunities did you see for growing it locally?
R.C. Rojas: We have taken on the challenge of introducing Phygital to the Peruvian public with great optimism. The first event was held at our country’s leading video game festival, where many people were able to discover what the Games of the Future (GOTF) are all about.
The opportunities are there and we will make the most of them; in our first year, we have marked a turning point for Phygital’s growth in our country.
And what about the biggest challenges that you have faced in your country?
RC Rojas: The biggest challenges lie in presenting the project to all our partners, securing their commitment and carrying it out as professionally as possible.
How do you engage with local authorities to support the development of phygital sport in your country?
RC Rojas: The president of Phygital Peru is also the president of the country’s Electronic Sports Federation, which is recognized and supported by the Peruvian government. So, the authorities are aware of Phygital’s existence and its exponential growth.
What specific initiatives or activities have you introduced to attract new athletes and engage your local community?
RC Rojas: At Phygital Peru, we have launched an initiative involving professional and former professional footballers, amateur gamers, professional gamers, influencers, singers and public figures. All of them are committed to and dedicated to the project; we also have two ambassadors who serve as role models for the project.
Can you share an idea, format, or approach your team has developed that you’re especially proud of?
C.H. Eyzaguirre: The enthusiasm to adapt to the new phygital format is key. Without excitement and motivation, things don’t turn out well. When we had the vision to organize it, we embraced the challenge with great enthusiasm. That’s why we handled every detail and planning step with great care, ensuring the event lived up to what Phygital International and the Games of the Future represent.
How do you explain phygital sport to people who are experiencing it for the first time, and how do you convince them to get involved?
C.H. Eyzaguirre: As a healthy form of entertainment, it is an activity that requires physical movement and is a fun way to encourage sports, which is very positive for health. It’s the perfect combination: having fun and competing in the digital world while leading you to engage in physical activity.
Looking ahead, what role do you see your country playing in the global development of Games of the Future and the wider phygital movement?
C.H. Eyzaguirre: From the very first event we aimed to do things in a big way, involving well-known football players and influencers, which generated a lot of buzz. On top of that, we received coverage from the most important media outlet in the country, which meant that we introduced phygital with maximum impact.
If we manage to reach the Games of the Future, the impact will be even greater, as it will not just be one team but an entire country paying attention to what our representatives can achieve. In Peru, people are very passionate when it comes to having representatives competing in major international events.
