Phygital Sports Take Root in Spain, Pointing to the Future of Competition

Valencia, Spain – A new era of athletic competition is dawning in Spain, blending the physical and digital worlds in a way that organizers believe represents the future of sport. Recent tournaments in Valencia, encompassing football, basketball, shooter, and dancing, have marked the official debut of what’s known as “phygital” sports in the country, and are serving as qualifiers for the Games of the Future 2026, set to be held in Astaná, Kazakhstan.

The concept, uniting video gaming and traditional athletic skill, is gaining momentum thanks to the efforts of Phygital Games Spain, led by CEO Juan Anguix, and the World Phygital Community, under the leadership of President Dan Merkley. The inaugural events took place at the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, a location chosen for its facilities and the city’s overall appeal.

“I discovered phygital in Kazan 2023, where my team won in basketball,” explained Anguix. “I loved the idea – it’s the perfect union between traditional sport and esports, something that can be the future.” He highlighted Valencia’s strengths, citing its established sporting culture, top-tier facilities, favorable climate, and strategic partnerships as key factors in selecting the city as the launchpad for this innovative approach.

The initial response from clubs and universities was mixed, but Anguix reports overwhelmingly positive feedback following trial runs. “We promised 16 teams per discipline and they are delighted, even university teams are looking to qualify for Astaná,” he said. The appeal, it seems, lies in the novel challenge and the opportunity to bridge the gap between virtual and real-world athletic prowess.

Anguix describes phygital as the realization of a long-held competitive impulse: “What you always did with your friend – first on the console and then ‘let’s see you do it on the field.’ Now it’s a real discipline.” Participants are finding themselves pushed outside their comfort zones, with footballers encountering video games and gamers stepping onto the pitch. The experience, according to Anguix, is universally enjoyed, regardless of the specific discipline.

The emerging phygital niche attracts a diverse range of athletes, from Olympians using console training to esports players developing their physical conditioning. “The experience is key,” Anguix notes, “they try a new model of sport and they love it.” The message to participating teams is twofold: aim for qualification for the Games of the Future, or simply embrace the opportunity to “live something different.”

Dan Merkley views Spain as “the force of the phygital movement in Europe.” He emphasizes Valencia’s active lifestyle and the community’s appreciation for physical activity. “We’re not asking young people to abandon video games, but to add a physical component to their lives,” Merkley stated. The World Phygital Community currently comprises 119 members across 115 countries.

Looking ahead, Merkley believes Spain has the potential to host continental tournaments and even the Games of the Future within five years. He points to the country’s excellent facilities as ideal for growing the phygital ecosystem and attracting sports tourism. He envisions the event expanding to five continents.

Addressing potential skepticism, Merkley urges people to take phygital as seriously as they do traditional sports federations. “We have 119 members in 115 countries in just two years. We support athletes and teams in ways that digital content creators can’t or won’t,” he argued. He concludes that phygital accelerates the natural evolution of sport, combining the physical and digital as an inevitable part of human development. “How we respond is up to us, but it will be taken seriously: it’s the future of competition and athleticism.”

Anguix aims for Spain to be “at the forefront globally” through the Phygital Schools initiative. “The base is children and schools; we already have alliances with universities, colleges, and campuses.” His key message for Spanish sport is: “Gain out of your comfort zone, open your minds to new trends. Traditional sport is in decline; esports are somewhat stagnant. Phygital is the new way to compete.” Both Anguix and Merkley extend an open invitation: “Come and try it. You’ll enjoy it and repeat.”

The Valencia 2026 events have already qualified Valencia Basket and other talents for the Games in Astaná (July 29 – August 9), solidifying the notion that phygital is not a fleeting trend, but a genuine evolution in the world of sports.

The Games of the Future, scheduled for Astaná, Kazakhstan, represent a significant milestone for the phygital movement. These games will showcase the innovative blend of physical and digital skills, attracting athletes and esports competitors from around the globe. The event is designed to push the boundaries of traditional competition and explore the potential of this emerging sports format.

As phygital sports gain traction, they present a unique opportunity to engage a new generation of athletes and fans. By combining the excitement of esports with the physicality of traditional sports, phygital offers a compelling and dynamic experience that could reshape the future of athletic competition. The success of the initial events in Valencia suggests that Spain is well-positioned to lead this revolution.

Next up, athletes will continue to prepare for the Games of the Future in Astaná, with qualifying events ongoing across various disciplines. Keep an eye on Phygital Games Spain’s Instagram for updates and further announcements.