Reading time: 2 min
Professional football has taken Raziel García across some of Peru’s biggest stadiums and onto the international stage. From representing the Peru national team to establishing himself as one of the country’s most creative midfielders, football has always been central to his career.
That journey recently took him into an entirely new environment at Phygital Rivals:Perú – Football, where García experienced phygital sport for the first time. Competing in UFL on a PlayStation before stepping onto the physical pitch, he quickly discovered a format that combined two worlds he already knew well.
What began as an invitation from a friend soon turned into a winning experience, as García and his team went on to claim the tournament title while experiencing firsthand the pressure, intensity, and atmosphere that make phygital sport unique.
We spoke with Raziel about discovering phygital sport, the similarities between esports and professional football, and why he believes more athletes will soon enter this growing competitive space.
“The truth is, it started through an invitation from my friend Joao. He presented me with a very interesting and fun proposal, and that’s why I decided to participate and live this beautiful experience. Honestly, it had never crossed my mind that something like this existed, but it turned out to be very entertaining, very fun, and above all, highly competitive.”
What was your first reaction when you realized that football skills and gaming could exist in the same competition format?
“It happened during the pandemic, when I had the opportunity to participate with UCV Esports in some short tournaments, especially in football simulations. It was a very fun experience and, above all, a way to escape for a moment from the difficult period caused by COVID.”
What was your experience with esports when you were a professional player?
“Well, first of all, what you enjoy most is football itself. I have loved football since I was very young, both as a professional and as an amateur. At the same time, phygital sport combines my childhood with my professional life. I grew up during the PlayStation era, so being able to compete at this level is something really special.”
Your team recently won Phygital Rivals Perú. Did you expect this victory and how would you describe the level of competition?
“We built the team with the goal of winning. We knew we had strong players both in the digital stage and in the physical stage, so we were fully focused and determined from the beginning. Winning was exactly what we were aiming for.”
“To be honest, it felt very similar in many ways. The broadcast quality, the logistics, and the venue itself were all very impressive. Everything was very comfortable and professionally organized. At the same time, it feels different because it is something new that attracts a lot of attention.”
What surprised you the most when you competed in your first ever phygital tournament?
“What surprised me the most was the level of organization and the opportunity to compete in another country far away from home. The logistics and everything that can come from participating and winning a championship like this really impressed me.”
Many traditional athletes are still discovering phygital sport. What would you say to football players who are curious about entering this world?
“I would tell them to go for it, to enjoy it, and not be afraid to try something new. Here you combine two things we are passionate about: physical football as professionals, and the virtual side that was also part of our childhood.”
Football and esports are often seen as separate worlds. Do you think phygital competition can bring those communities together in a new way?
“Absolutely. Football is the same passion both digitally and physically, and there are many people who enjoy playing both. I really believe this combination of the two disciplines is going to become something huge in Peru. Greetings to Phygital International, and we hope to see everyone in Kazakhstan”.
