If sports had a dating profile, “phygital” would be the exciting new match everyone’s swiping right on. And guess what? The UAE just scored big by becoming the 100th member of the World Phygital Community (WPC) — the official global club for those who live at the intersection of sweaty jerseys and slick gaming rigs.
Yes, you read that right — phygital sports are where the thrill of physical play meets the precision of digital gameplay, making it the coolest mashup since coffee met caramel.
From Zero to 100 in One Year (Literally)
The WPC didn’t just tiptoe into the scene; it sprinted. In just 12 months, it’s gone from newborn to globe-trotter, roping in members from Germany to Saudi Arabia, Lesotho to Malawi, and now — drumroll, please — the UAE. And the timing? Perfect. Abu Dhabi just wrapped the Phygital Contenders: Football tournament, and December’s Games of the Future 2025 are looming large, with $5 million in prizes spread over 11 adrenaline-pumping disciplines.
As His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Sports, put it — this is all about embracing innovation and helping shape “a new era of sports.” Translation: the UAE isn’t just showing up; it’s bringing the party.
All Eyes on Abu Dhabi
With the Games of the Future 2025 hitting the UAE capital, the country’s phygital ambitions are about to be broadcast worldwide. Expect clubs, athletes, and fans from every corner of the planet, plus enough high-energy competition to power an esports arena and a football stadium at the same time.
Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Sultan bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Emirates Esports Federation, called it “an honour” to join at such a milestone moment — and you can bet the team is ready to make the UAE a regional hub for phygital sports.
The Road to 180
Dan Merkley, the WPC boss, is already eyeing the next big number — 180 members by 2030. And with six continents now in the fold (yes, even Australia’s in), the network’s reach is massive:
- Asia: 31 countries
- Africa: 27 countries
- Europe: 23 countries
- South America: 10 countries
- North America: 8 countries
- Australia: 1 country (but hey, quality over quantity)
The mission? Keep growing, keep innovating, and keep making phygital sports a force in both global athletics and entertainment.
Bottom line
The UAE didn’t just join the club — it hit the scoreboard in style. Now, with the Games of the Future heading to Abu Dhabi, the world’s about to see just how exciting the phygital era can be. Buckle up, sports fans — it’s game on, both on the field and on the screen.
