The Journey to Becoming a Pro Phygital Athlete
Phygital Football star Omar Al Aamri has one goal – to lead his club, JR Style, to victory on the global stage at the Games of the Future 2025 in the UAE.
Omar’s passion for professional gaming was ignited when he clinched third place in his first-ever gaming tournament in Oman. Determined to rise through the ranks, he set a clear path for himself. He would excel in local tournaments, dominate the GCC region, and ultimately conquer the global gaming world.
He committed to 8 hours of daily practice, honing his skills by competing against top players, analyzing his wins and losses, and studying opponents’ strategies through social media.
Reflecting on his journey, he says, “I became convinced that the most important thing for my development as a pro gamer was to always learn new things, whether from my own mistakes or by observing others.”
Omar’s breakthrough came when he joined the Omani Gaming and Esports Committee delegation at the Games of the Future 2024. Witnessing the fusion of physical and digital sports left him spellbound. The innovative blend of real-world athletics and virtual competition was unlike anything he had seen before. Inspired by this cutting-edge movement, Omar knew he wanted to be part of it.
Still buzzing from the experience, Omar returned home with a mission to build a Phygital Football team capable of competing at the Games of the Future 2025. This vision gave birth to JR Style, a team of talented players united by their dedication to mastering both digital and physical challenges.
The team jumped straight in to training and their hard work soon paid off when in the summer of 2024, JR Style won a Phygital Football tournament in Oman. “The competition was fierce, but the club’s determination and skills shone through, especially in the digital segments where we outperformed our rivals time and again,” recalls Omar proudly.
But for Omar, Phygital Football wasn’t just about the competition. It was a life-changer.
“As a professional gamer, I used to spend long hours behind a screen, only interacting with people in a virtual world. Stepping into the world of phygital sports made this experience much more dynamic and exciting with a whole new way to build connections, make friends and feel a sense of community.
“We even organised our own pre-tournament competitions to help warm up, and to just enjoy social time together.”
It also inspired him to become more physically active through his fitness and football training.
Training for matches has improved his agility, coordination, and fitness, helping him excel in both physical and digital gameplay. These improvements have also boosted his energy levels and enhanced his mental sharpness, especially when making fast-paced decisions in-game.
“Phygital Football’s fast-paced nature forced me to think on my feet, sharpening my strategic thinking and quick decision-making.”
With the Games of the Future 2025 on the horizon, Omar and the JR Style team are setting their sights even higher. He anticipates fierce competition along the way but is ready to push the limits of what’s possible.
Omar’s story is proof that dreams can become reality, and that phygital sports are far more than just a passing trend. From inspiring people to get active, to building deep connections with others, the phygital world is a unique platform to collaborate, grow, learn, unlock potential, inspire and connect. On and off the field.
Stay tuned for more stories from trailblazing Phygital Athletes like Omar, who are redefining the future of sports and turning dreams into reality.
Photos: Omar Al Aamri’s Photos
