A New Era Unfolds: The Fusion of Physical and Digital Worlds – Where Strength, Technology, and Intelligence Converge
In a world where traditional sports and entertainment are intertwined, a new category of sports is emerging with full force: phygital sports.
The Rise of Phygital Sports
Phygital sports, a fusion of physical and digital elements, is not just a passing trend but a global phenomenon with its own tournaments, athletes, and clubs. Spearheading this movement is Merkley, a veteran of the Olympic world who is now fully invested in shaping the sport of the future.
From organizing Olympic Villages to creating innovative events like the Valkyrie Relay™ and the Endurance Sports Summit™, Merkley has transitioned from being an organizer to a visionary. He believes that phygital sports are not meant to replace traditional sports but to complement them, offering a new way to play, compete, and connect in today’s digital age.
Phygital sports appeal to younger generations who are accustomed to video games, social media, and mobile devices. However, Merkley emphasizes that anyone can become a phygital athlete, regardless of age or location. The blending of physical and digital elements in sports opens up new possibilities for entertainment, education, social inclusion, and public health.
The Future of Phygital Sports
Looking ahead, Merkley envisions a future where phygital sports will have professional leagues, school clubs, local tournaments, and a global audience following competitions like the Champions League or the Olympics. Cities like Bogotá, Nairobi, Istanbul, and Mexico City are already competing in local and regional phygital sports leagues, with meta-cities forming digital communities that train and compete internationally.
In this new era of sports, the network replaces the traditional stadium as the epicenter of competition. As Merkley puts it, “We are already seeing the future. It just doesn’t look like the sports of the past. It is more flexible, more open, more inclusive. And above all, more connected to how people live, play, and learn today.” In 2025, the best clubs will compete in exciting tournaments, shaping the future of global sports for generations to come.
