As part of the BSAFF sports film festival in Budva, the first in a series of Phygital Basketball Origins qualifying tournaments for next year was held, and the dominance on both the virtual and real court was once again demonstrated by the OG-Unit team from Bar.
Eight teams competed on the basketball courts of Slovenska plaza, and the current champions defeated Dangerous in a dramatic final with a score of 29:27.
The Phygital concept involves a combination of NBA2K25 (2v2) and physical 2x2 basketball, while in the event of a tie, the winner is decided by a series of free throws. It was this dynamic that attracted the attention of the audience and showed how traditional and digital sports can complement each other.
The teams were divided into two groups, with Dangerous and Lavovi dominating Group A, while OG-Unit and Dežurni Krivci showing the most in Group B. After not so uncertain matches in the group stage, the grand final brought real sports drama in the NBA2K25 match. OG-Unit was marginally better (19:17), while on the court in the 2x2 game a draw was seen 10:10, so the total score 29:27 brought the title to the current champions OG-Unit. Their calmness in key moments and ability to balance digital and physical play confirmed them as the most complete team of the tournament, and the competition was strong considering that the interest in phygital is growing day by day.
“The hype around phygital seems to be growing very quickly. Since the information about the prize pools that await us in Abu Dhabi came out, the interest in phygital has increased a lot, and I don't think it's even close to what it will be. There were a lot of new teams in Budva, and for the next tournament in Podgorica, which will be held in the middle of next month, as many as 16 teams are expected, so I'm sure that phygital in Montenegro will only grow from tournament to tournament. In Budva, we met our expectations, and I hope the expectations of the organizers as well. Honestly, by the finals, we had a big advantage in the gaming part, so we didn't have to try very hard on the court, while in the finals, we were faced by the well-known team Dangerous, with whom we had fought big battles before in 3x3 basketball tournaments. The final was exactly as it should be, uncertain until the very end, but we managed to emerge as winners. All in all, it was a nice gathering," said a member of the OG Unit team Marko DabanovicIn addition to him, the team also includes Milos Milosevic i Mario Paladin.
This format is particularly interesting because it combines the virtual and physical parts of the game. Although professional basketball players like the members of the OG Unit team naturally prefer the physical court, it is important not to relax during the digital part of it. A big advantage in NBA2K25 can bring additional pressure on the real court, so the ability to balance the virtual and physical parts of the game becomes crucial for success.
"The first part is gaming and it is very important because that is where the difference is made that means a lot later on the field. We are a team that has equal strength in the gaming part and on the field, so I am sure, since we are only at the beginning of preparations for Abu Dhabi, that we will reach enviable form and achieve a great result at the world competition," Dabanović is sure, and the World Championship awaits them in December, for which they are preparing extensively.
Vijesti's interviewee points out that the phygital format has the potential to interest young people in sports in a completely new way, through a combination of digital gaming and a real, physical basketball experience. Therefore, those who enjoy virtual games can be motivated to get on the court and develop real sports skills.
"Of course, I invite everyone, both young and old, to join this phygital caravan because I am sure that this format has a bright future. A tournament is expected in Bar in January, which again leads to the world championship, which will be held in Astana in the middle of next year, so phygital is growing rapidly," concludes Dabanović.
The regional audience was able to follow the entire tournament live on the Adriatic TV YouTube channel.
The organizers have announced the continuation of the tournament series, with the next one scheduled for October 19 in Podgorica, while the grand finale is planned for January next year in Bar. The best team from Montenegro will secure a place at the Contenders World Club Championship Games of the Future 2026 in Astana, Kazakhstan.
"This is just the beginning of phygital sports in our country. Thank you to the BSAFF festival for its support and promotion. We hope that this will become a tradition, because we are combining the best of sports and esports, and opening new doors for young talents," said the director of the Electronic Sports Association of Montenegro. Filip Šoć.
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