Emirates Esports Federation Joins World Phygital Community As Its 100th Member

The World Phygital Community (WPC) has officially welcomed the UAE as its 100th member. This achievement highlights the growing interest in phygital sports worldwide. The announcement coincides with the recent Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi - Football tournament and anticipates the upcoming Games of the Future 2025, where clubs and athletes will compete for a $5 million prize across 11 disciplines.

The Emirates Esports Federation's inclusion as the 100th member is significant. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Emirates Esports Federation, expressed pride in joining this global movement. He stated, "The Emirates Esports Federation is proud to join the World Phygital Community as its 100th member, an especially meaningful milestone considering the Games of the Future is coming to Abu Dhabi later this year. It’s an honour to be part of this growing global movement and to support the rise of phygital sport in the region. We look forward to contributing to the community and being part of this next chapter for international competition."

The WPC has rapidly expanded since its inception, now including members from Germany, Saudi Arabia, Lesotho, Malawi, and Sierra Leone. This growth reflects the increasing popularity of phygital sports, which blend physical and digital elements to engage participants and audiences alike.

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, highlighted the UAE's dedication to innovation in sports and technology. He remarked, "The UAE's membership of the World Phygital Community reflects our wider, steadfast commitment to embracing innovation in both technology and sport, and our ambition to be part of the driving force that is shaping a new era of sports. As we prepare to welcome athletes and fans from around the world to Abu Dhabi this December for the Games of the Future 2025, we are honoured to be the 100th member of this forward-looking community and be part of the exciting future of phygital sports."

The WPC's first year has seen it reach all corners of the globe. This expansion underscores how phygital sports captivate athletes and communities by merging physical prowess with digital interaction.

The UAE's entry into WPC marks a pivotal moment for phygital sports globally. With events like Games of the Future 2025 approaching, excitement builds around this innovative sporting format that continues to attract worldwide attention.

With inputs from WAM