This summer, Kazakhstan will host one of the most innovative sporting events of our time - Games of the Future, an international competition that combines traditional sports and gaming. The competition will be held in Astana from July 26 to August 4 and will bring together the best teams and individuals from various phygital disciplines. Montenegro currently has two sure representatives at the Games of the Future - the Phygital Basketball team “Dangerous Meridianbet”, as well as dancer Dion Visser, who will represent our country in Phygitl Dancing this year. Last year was the first year that Montenegro participated in this competition, and our athletes recorded excellent results even though they had no experience in the phygital format.
“Our athletes and teams performed exceptionally well. Perhaps the best indicator of this is the fact that this year at the Games of the Future we will be represented by “Dangerous Meridianbet” 3x3 in phygital basketball and Dion Visser in phygital dancing, while “OG Unit” is currently one of the best-ranked teams in the world rankings in phygital basketball. This practically means that they are first on the waiting list if any team from the main draw withdraws from participating. When you look at the fact that a small country like Montenegro has two teams among the four or five best-ranked teams in the world in this discipline, then it is clear that we are talking about a great success. Especially if we take into account that many countries invest many times more resources and have a much longer tradition in phygital sports,” says Filip Šoć, president of the Electronic Sports Association of Montenegro, in an interview with “Vijesti”.
The “KMF Titograd” team is currently in Astana, and tomorrow they will play the first qualifying match for the Games of the Future in the Phygital Football category against the “FC Olympic Phygital” team from Uzbekistan. Last year, the “KMF Titograd” team also finished the competition in the qualifications. Regarding how much the qualification process creates additional pressure and that last year’s inexperience in this branch of the sport affected the result, Šoć says:
"Last year, we saw that the qualifications in certain disciplines were almost as strong, and perhaps even better, than the final tournament itself. That speaks volumes about how difficult the road to the Games of the Future is. There was certainly some inexperience last year, because it was the first time for all of us with this competition format. However, it is precisely through these experiences that the teams mature and become more competitive. This year, they will face an even greater challenge, because more experienced and financially stronger teams from all over the world are coming. However, I believe that 'KMF Titograd' has the quality to deal with the competition on an equal footing and I expect it to fight for a place among the top four teams and a place at the Games of the Future," Šoć is confident.
Last year we also had a competitor in Phygital Dancing. This year, we are also represented by Dion Visser, and according to Šoć, this is the most difficult discipline to judge.
"Phygital dancing is probably one of the most complex disciplines to judge precisely because the result does not depend solely on objective indicators such as goals, points or time. A large part of the score is made by the judges, which always leaves some room for different interpretations and subjectivity. Unfortunately, we have had situations in previous years that have caused some controversy among the participants. However, Dion has already shown that he has the quality for the biggest stage and I believe that he will represent Montenegro in the best possible way", Šoć is confident.
However, it is possible that Montenegro will be represented by more teams at the Games Of The Future in Astana, as additional slots are expected for several more Montenegrin teams. It would mean a lot to our delegation if the number of representatives was significantly higher than currently confirmed.
"We are awaiting decisions on additional slots through the direct invitation system. As a Gold Status member of the WPC, we had the right to nominate additional teams for phygital football, phygital basketball, phygital dancing and Dota 2. These are mainly international teams and combinations of some of the best players from the region and Europe. Whether their applications will be accepted depends on the final decision of the commission. If we get additional slots, it would be a huge success for Montenegro. A larger number of representatives means greater international visibility, more experience for our athletes, additional opportunities for promoting the country and strengthening Montenegro's position in the global phygital movement," emphasizes Šoć, adding that the success of our teams at the Games of the Future can be seen as an indicator of the broader digital transformation of sports.
"Digitalization is entering all segments of society, including sports. Phygital sports represent a combination of traditional sports and digital technologies, and that is why they are attracting more and more attention around the world. Montenegro is currently using the opportunity to take its place while this sector is still in the development phase. When the market becomes fully developed and when the world's largest organizations take their positions, it will be much more difficult to fight for space and influence," he emphasizes, adding:
"It should be particularly noted that Montenegro was ranked number one in the WPC Incentive program this year among more than 120 members from around the world. This is confirmation that our work is recognized and that we are among the most active organizations in the development of phygital sports," Šoć boasted.
European eSports deserves an organization that will be focused on concrete results
The President of the European Federation, Adam Krzesinski, resigned after failing to ensure the financial stability of the organization, even though this task was one of the key reasons for his election to the position. However, the resignation of one man cannot be a sufficient measure of accountability, but a discussion should also be opened about the accountability of the Board of Directors.
"Financial stability is certainly an important segment of the work of every international organization, but it is not the only, nor perhaps the most important indicator of success. Equally important are building an ecosystem, working with members, developing projects, organizing competitions, attracting partners, creating new opportunities for members, international cooperation, education, promoting e-sports and everyday communication with the community. Today, many things can be solved through quality communication, contacts and active work with members," explains Šoć, adding that the organization does not exist only to have a budget, but to create value for its members and develop the European e-sports ecosystem.
"That's why I believe that responsibility cannot rest solely with the president. Responsibility also lies with the Board of Directors, as well as the Secretary General and all the people who have been elected to lead the organization and work on its development. Each of them has accepted a certain function and responsibility towards the members, and many have gained positions and influence in other international organizations precisely thanks to these functions," adds the interlocutor of "Vijesti".
He believes that it is first necessary to determine where mistakes were made, repair the damage, and restore the trust of members.
"Only after that is it possible to build something new and sustainable," he claims.
A large number of members have turned to their own projects and regional initiatives in recent years because, as Šoć points out, they have not seen enough concrete results from the European federation.
"It is particularly problematic when positions are used primarily for personal promotion and gaining positions in other international organizations, while at the same time there are no visible results in the organization from which this legitimacy derives. Therefore, representatives of the organization cannot represent European esports at the international level if they have not managed to achieve results in their home organization," he believes.
If serious reforms are desired, he argues that it is necessary to start from the ground up - greater transparency, more active involvement of members in decision-making, and changes to the management system.
"It is particularly important to review the model in which the Board of Directors makes almost all key decisions without significant influence from the membership. Ultimately, European e-sports deserves an organization that will be active, transparent, accountable and focused on concrete results. Unless serious reforms are implemented, it is difficult to expect the return of member trust and the long-term development of the organization," concludes Šoć.
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