Dancing to glory – the Tiago Silva story
One afternoon in 2013, while studying at a friend’s house, Tiago Silva discovered Just Dance. “It was,” he remembers, “love at first sight.” And has been the love of his life ever since.
Today, Tiago is a five-time Brazilian champion, champion of the Just Dance Mac Challenge, and last year was runner-up at the Games of the Future 2025. He will next take the stage at Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 in June, hoping to secure his spot at this year’s GOTF and ultimately go the distance and lift the champion’s trophy. It would be the crowning achievement for a competitive career devoted to dancing.
Three years after that first encounter, in 2016, he entered his first competition. By 2017 he was competing at national level, and in 2020 he became the Latin American ambassador for Just Dance, expanding his role from competitor to community builder – producing and presenting Just Dance stages and championships across the region.
Back then, he was balancing intense daily training with university studies in Advertising and Propaganda. But Tiago found a way to make both worlds work.
"At the time, I was studying hard for college, but I kept up my Just Dance practice schedule," he says. "Luckily, where I lived, they started holding several events with the game, so I had the perfect opportunity to practice and work at the same time."
But his commitments now go beyond just competing. Tiago also holds the status of Ubisoft Creator and is a partner of Ubisoft Brasil. He has also launched dance challenges, including initiatives within Space Today Experience 2026, and uses social media strategically to grow the Just Dance community across Latin America.
"I make the most of social media to build a portfolio of events so that brands or companies that are interested can reach me for more invitations or contracts."
He has also started dance classes with friends to teach movement techniques using Just Dance choreography. "Whenever I'm asked to host a competition or even take part, I try to help other participants in any way I can," he says. "I always tell everyone, especially newcomers, ‘Have as much fun as you can, to the point where you feel that dancing is a part of you."
Although he admits that competing against him – or being judged by his perfectionist eye – can be challenging, Tiago is a very supportive person, especially to those who are starting out on their phygital journey.
"I always tell my community that we should always face everything without fear,” he says, “because losing is also about gaining experience. One day you will need that experience to become a champion. A champion isn't someone who always wins, but someone who knows how to take advantage of weaknesses and transform them into strengths."
At GOTF 2025, Tiago represented Great Team Brazil and Phygital Brazil during the tournament, and for him it was about more than personal success, it was about lifting the entire community. He also believes that Just Dance is the game that best fits the whole concept of phygital because it blends digital and physical in every movement. However, there is always room for improvement.
"I think that in a competition of this level, the inclusion of judging panels is necessary,” he insists. “Because we know that the sensor used to play is not 100% accurate."
If Tiago had never discovered Just Dance, he would probably be in some other sport, most likely volleyball. "I've always loved sports since I was a child." His advertising studies might also have led him down a different path. Interestingly, he has now started another degree – pharmacy and is once again balancing intense study with competition training.
Tiago Silva didn't just find Phygital Dancing, he found himself. From a casual afternoon in a friend’s bedroom in 2013 to the runner‑up podium at the Games of the Future 2025, his journey has been one of passion, discipline, and relentless joy. As Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 approaches, Tiago is once again dancing with purpose – for himself, for Phygital Brazil, and for everyone who believes that the digital and physical worlds can move as one.
