Montenegro is increasingly taking an important place on the global esports scene, and one of the most interesting participants of the recent Montenegro Future Festival was Dan Merkley, a representative of the growing international community. World Phygital Community, which stands behind the concept of competitions that combine physical and digital components.
"Phygital builds bridges between esports and traditional sports"
In an exclusive interview for our portal, Merkley reveals why the Balkans have a special energy, how phygital is redefining the role of sports federations, and why he believes that hybrid formats like this can become the new future of sport, perhaps even Olympic.
Positive culture of the Balkan esports community
At the beginning of the conversation, Merkley expressed his enthusiasm for the atmosphere he found in the region:
"One of the most positive experiences I've had is the friendly and supportive culture among esports organizers and industry people. There's a strong spirit of collaboration. People want everyone to succeed, there's not that toxic competition that we see in other environments. That's something I've noticed not just in Montenegro, but throughout the Balkan region."
The new role of esports federations and how phygital is changing the rules of the game
Merkley took part in a panel dedicated to the work of esports federations and their future. He points out that, as representatives phygital movement, they have a different philosophy.
"While for game publishers esports organizers and competitors are just users, for us they are partners. We cannot expect publishers to deal with things like athlete protection, education, health or establishing fair rules. This is where we, the federations, or in our case, the Phygital community, have to step in."
As he explains, the advantage phygital structure is precisely that it is not burdened by old models.
"We don't have bureaucratic systems established for decades like traditional sports federations. This makes us faster, more flexible and more ready to introduce innovations in accordance with the needs of young people."
The meeting of the physical and digital worldsa
Phygital competitions combine physical sports with a digital component - and it is this combination that brings freshness, energy and inclusiveness that attracts more and more attention.
"It's fun. It's inclusive of all generations. Kids who love esports and parents who still appreciate physical sports all have a reason to follow and participate. It's not just a bridge between sports, but a bridge between generations," says Merkley.
The first tournament, held in Bar, Montenegro, was met with enthusiasm from the audience.
Olympic potential or something even bigger?
When asked if phygital could one day become part of the Olympics, Merkley remains open, but also cautious.
"A format like phygital has all the elements of an Olympic competition, physical preparation, sportsmanship, international character. And unlike typical esports titles that are privately owned, our format is open, inclusive and can be adapted to different environments."
However, he adds that he will not agree to a compromise if it means stifling innovation:
"We constantly analyze and improve. After every tournament, we ask ourselves how we can be even better? We would not like to become part of a system where good ideas die because of tradition and slow decision-making."
Partner to public institutions – health, education and youth
One of the key strengths of the phygital format is its potential to serve broader social goals from health and education to youth policy.
"With us, 80% of the competition is physical activity. Health preparation and physical training are an integral part of the program not only for professionals, but for all participants, from beginners to top athletes."
This is precisely why, as he says, phygital immediately generates interest among institutions.
"The ministries of sports, education, health - they all recognize the potential to achieve their own strategic goals through our support. Phygital is a tool for joint progress."
A new era of competition
Dan Merkley leaves no doubt that phygital is not a passing trend, but a serious and sustainable movement that offers a new vision of sport and community. The combination of physical and digital competition not only modernizes the approach, but also creates space for a new generation of athletes and spectators.
"If Montenegro and the region continue on this path, the question is no longer if phygital will take center stage – but when."
