Kenya to host inaugural Phygital Cup, fusing traditional sports and esports for a shot at global glory

Esports Kenya has announced the inaugural Kenya Phygital Cup, set to take place on January 25, 2025, at the Uhuru Sports Complex in Nairobi.

This groundbreaking event will feature 32 teams vying to represent Kenya at the Games of the Future 2025 in Dubai, UAE.

The Kenya Phygital Cup introduces a cutting-edge sports concept that merges traditional physical sports with esports, a fusion governed by the World Phygital Community (WPC).

Participants will compete in two distinct categories: phygital football and phygital basketball, each accommodating 16 teams.

In phygital football, teams will engage in a 5v5 soccer match combined with a PlayStation 5 game, while phygital basketball pairs a 2v2 basketball game with its virtual counterpart.

This innovative format tests players’ abilities in both physical and digital arenas, offering a unique challenge that bridges the gap between traditional and digital sports.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Ronny Lusigi, President of Esports Kenya, described the event as a revolutionary step for sports in the country.

"Phygital is an innovative and exciting concept. In this era of digital advancement, fusing the digital and physical worlds of sports is very important to humanity. We look forward to seeing an exciting national competition and a good performance for those who make it to Dubai for the Games of the Future 2025 courtesy of the World Phygital Community (WPC)," Lusigi said.

The event is expected to attract teams from across the country and a lively fan base eager to experience this trailblazing fusion of sports. By adopting the phygital model, Kenya aligns itself with a global movement combining traditional athleticism with technological innovation, further solidifying its standing in esports.

Esports Kenya has encouraged teams to register early, as the event promises to showcase a thrilling blend of athleticism, gaming prowess, and sportsmanship. Fans can anticipate a day of unparalleled excitement, skill, and innovation as Kenya takes its place on the global phygital stage.