Juan Carlos Ruiz, Known as Profe Jugon, Passes Away at Age of Cancer
The popular educator and advocate for game-based learning died following a battle with cancer.
Juan Carlos Ruiz, a prominent educator and digital creator widely recognized under the moniker Profe Jugon, has passed away after battling cancer during his final months of life. His death was officially announced by the Aula en Juego editorial team and the board of Atomo Games through shared statements on digital channels, drawing an outpouring of grief from friends, family members, and education professionals.
Before establishing himself as a leading voice in modern pedagogy, Ruiz began his professional journey in Cordoba by managing Tolaria, a local hobby shop focused on the sale and distribution of collectible card games. This early venture eventually paved the way for his transition into formal education and game-publishing ventures.
Driven by a strong passion for interactive teaching methods, Ruiz co-founded the publishing house Atomo Games alongside Jorge Rodriguez and Raul Lopez. He also launched the educational project Aula en Juego and helped create the Congress of Education and Play under the Abejorro initiative, cementing his status as an influential figure in the Spanish educational community.
His outreach efforts centered primarily on promoting Game-Based Learning, a methodology he defended as vital for modern students. Throughout his career, he published theoretical books, designed numerous children's board games, and led various teacher training sessions aimed at integrating play into everyday classroom environments.
The news of his passing prompted widespread tributes from across the educational and publishing sectors. The Edelvives Group released a public statement expressing condolences and highlighting the privilege of collaborating with him on teaching initiatives driven by creativity and enthusiasm.
In their official farewell, the team at Atomo Games remembered their colleague not only as a visionary founder, but also as a cherished friend. "Juan Carlos was a person who made you enjoy every day, who put as much passion as judgment into everything he did, and who was always willing to help those who shared that passion for play and for a different way of educating," his colleagues stated.
Both his family and editorial colleagues expressed profound gratitude for the immense affection and support received throughout his medical treatments. Although his loss leaves an enormous void in the educational community, those who worked alongside him emphasized that his legacy and the memories they shared will continue to inspire future generations of educators.