Latest news with #GamesoftheFuture2025


Al Etihad
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Football: Six clubs book ticket to Games of Future in Abu Dhabi
31 July 2025 00:58 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Latin American football club México Quetzales – Armadillos clinched the Abu Dhabi qualifying title and secured their positions along with five other clubs to the Games of the Future 2025, which will also take place in the emirate from December the final whistle blew at the five-day 'Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi' at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Armadillos emerged from a thrilling finale against CM Contenders: Abu Dhabi took centre stage, as 21 elite clubs from around the world went head-to-head over five days of competition – a mix of physical and digital versions of from July 25-29, the city skyline was the backdrop for the some of the leading phygital football athletes ranging from 19-40 years old showing off their skills. In the summit clash, Armadillos edged out Jardim in a hard-fought contest that brought together lightning-fast digital gameplay and high-impact physical was nothing to separate fro both teams in the first stage with a 3-3 draw at the break. But the Mexican outfit found another gear with a partisan crowd behind them and finished the second stage 3-1 to win by an aggregate of 6-4.'We have had a lot of pressure from day 1 and it would have been such a disappointment if we didn't get a spot, we brought our A-game, and we know we are a fan favourite team,' said Rodrigo Ulibarri, player, México Quetzales - Armadillos battle for third place was also packed with a lot of drama and, yet, inversely to the direction of the final. Greni Smith dominated Zero Tenacity in the digital round with a 6–2 scoreline. But Zero Tenacity pushed back fiercely on the field, scoring four goals in an attempt to flip the match. However, Greni Smith held their ground and found the net once more to seal a dramatic win at the finish line with a 7-6 edge on the semi-finals were also close affairs, indicating the intense competition throughout. Armadillos defeated Zero Tenacity in a dramatic penalty shootout after both stages ended in a 4–4 tie. On the other hand, Jardim earned their place in the final by beating Greni Smith, securing a 3–1 digital round win and drawing 2–2 on the field, for a final score of Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi - Football tournament, was brought to life by ASPIRE in collaboration with Ethara and global rights holder Phygital Hatt, the Chief Executive Officer of Phygital International, said: 'The stage is now set for the Games of the Future in Abu Dhabi. It is the culmination of year-long dedication from athletes from around the world and we celebrate with them in this moment and look forward to what they, and many other athletes, will achieve later in the year. 'Abu Dhabi is the perfect international platform. It's future-focused, tech-driven, and already deeply invested in both sports and cyber competitions. It has the appetite, ability and infrastructure to host entirely new sport formats and do it well.' Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi


Korea Herald
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Korea Herald
México Quetzales - Armadillos FC Crowned Champion at Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI, UAE, July 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The final whistle has blown on Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi – Football, and México Quetzales - Armadillos FC has emerged victorious, claiming the title after a thrilling finale. Held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the conclusion of the five-day tournament sees six elite clubs officially qualifying for the Games of the Future 2025, which will take place in Abu Dhabi from 18–23 December 2025. Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi – Football took center stage as 21 elite clubs from around the world went head-to-head for six spots at the Games of the Future 2025. Held from 25–29 July at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi was the backdrop for some of the leading phygital football athletes ranging from 19–40 years old showing off their skills. Now, the best of them will return to Abu Dhabi in December to compete in the Games of the Future. In the final showdown, México Quetzales - Armadillos FC overcame CM Jardim in a hard-fought contest that brought together lightning-fast digital gameplay and high-impact physical skill. After a 3-3 draw in the first stage, the clubs clashed on the pitch with 3-1 to cap off an unforgettable final, with the total score of 6-4. "We have had a lot of pressure from day 1, and it would have been such a disappointment if we didn't get a spot. We brought our A-game, and we know we are a fan favorite team," said Rodrigo Ulibarri, player, México Quetzales - Armadillos FC. The battle for third place was anything but routine. Greni Smith dominated Zero Tenacity in the digital round with a 6–2 scoreline. But Zero Tenacity pushed back fiercely on the field, scoring four goals in an attempt to flip the match. However, Greni Smith held their ground and found the net once more to seal a dramatic win and third-place finish with a total score of 7-6. "The team is proud. We know we still have a lot of work to do before December. Everything we've gone through to get here has been worth it, and we'll be back stronger and aiming to win," said Nizam Omeragić, player, Greni Smith. The semifinal matchups delivered excitement and intensity, successfully setting the tone for the finale: Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International said: "With the conclusion of Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi – Football, the stage is now set for the Games of the Future in Abu Dhabi in December. It is the culmination of year-long dedication from athletes from around the world and we celebrate with them in this moment and look forward to what they, and many other athletes, will achieve later in the year." The Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi – Football tournament, was brought to life by ASPIRE in collaboration with Ethara and global rights holder Phygital International. With Abu Dhabi continuing to assert itself as a global hub for innovation and next-gen sports, all eyes now turn to December when the Emirate hosts the world's best phygital athletes from diverse backgrounds and across multiple disciplines at the Games of the Future 2025. Nis Hatt continued: " Abu Dhabi is the perfect international platform. It's future-focused, tech-driven, and already deeply invested in both sports and cyber competitions. It has the appetite, ability and infrastructure to host entirely new sport formats and do it well." About Phygital International (PI): Phygital International is the promoter of phygital sports globally and is focused on innovating and redefining sports. It is the custodian and rights holder of the Games of the Future and oversees the bidding process for each host city. For further information please visit: https:// About the Games of the Future: The Games of the Future is an annual international event that fuses the worlds of physical and digital and is the pinnacle of phygital sport. The tournament brings together the next generation of phygital sporting heroes from all over the world to compete in a diverse range of phygital disciplines and challenges. The Games of the Future 2025 will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE while the Games of the Future 2026, will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan. About ASPIRE: ASPIRE drives the creation of future transformative technologies as the innovation accelerator arm of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). ATRC is responsible for defining Abu Dhabi's research and development strategy, consolidating funds for efficient investment, and driving policy and regulation. ASPIRE works in consultation with cross-sector industry stakeholders, universities, and research institutes to frame problem statements. It also launches grand challenges and international competitions to solve some of the world's most pressing issues. ASPIRE brings together exceptional people, ideas, resources, and technologies to solve complex challenges. For more information, visit About Ethara: Ethara is shaping the future of entertainment, sport, culture, event services, and asset management regionally and internationally. With offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh, the company employs over 300 professionals who offer an unrivalled wealth of expertise, experience, knowledge and skills. Ethara, meaning 'thrill' in Arabic, operates an impressive portfolio of assets, including Yas Marina Circuit, Etihad Park, Etihad Arena, Yas Conference Centre, Zayed Sports City, and the House of Sustainability. The company works with leading events companies, IP owners, and entertainment partners locally and internationally to deliver world-class, first-to-market events and experiences.


Cision Canada
a day ago
- Sport
- Cision Canada
México Quetzales - Armadillos FC Crowned Champion at Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi
In the span of 5 days, 21 clubs battled it out on both physical and digital stages to crown an overall winner Six clubs head to the Games of the Future 2025 this December taking place at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi ABU DHABI, UAE, July 30, 2025 /CNW/ -- The final whistle has blown on Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi – Football, and México Quetzales - Armadillos FC has emerged victorious, claiming the title after a thrilling finale. Held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the conclusion of the five-day tournament sees six elite clubs officially qualifying for the Games of the Future 2025, which will take place in Abu Dhabi from 18–23 December 2025. Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi – Football took center stage as 21 elite clubs from around the world went head-to-head for six spots at the Games of the Future 2025. Held from 25–29 July at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi was the backdrop for some of the leading phygital football athletes ranging from 19–40 years old showing off their skills. Now, the best of them will return to Abu Dhabi in December to compete in the Games of the Future. In the final showdown, México Quetzales - Armadillos FC overcame CM Jardim in a hard-fought contest that brought together lightning-fast digital gameplay and high-impact physical skill. After a 3-3 draw in the first stage, the clubs clashed on the pitch with 3-1 to cap off an unforgettable final, with the total score of 6-4. "We have had a lot of pressure from day 1, and it would have been such a disappointment if we didn't get a spot. We brought our A-game, and we know we are a fan favorite team," said Rodrigo Ulibarri, player, México Quetzales - Armadillos FC. The battle for third place was anything but routine. Greni Smith dominated Zero Tenacity in the digital round with a 6–2 scoreline. But Zero Tenacity pushed back fiercely on the field, scoring four goals in an attempt to flip the match. However, Greni Smith held their ground and found the net once more to seal a dramatic win and third-place finish with a total score of 7-6. "The team is proud. We know we still have a lot of work to do before December. Everything we've gone through to get here has been worth it, and we'll be back stronger and aiming to win," said Nizam Omeragić, player, Greni Smith. The semifinal matchups delivered excitement and intensity, successfully setting the tone for the finale: México Quetzales - Armadillos FC defeated Zero Tenacity in a dramatic penalty shootout after both stages ended in a 4–4 tie. CM Jardim earned their place in the final by beating Greni Smith, securing a 3–1 digital round win and drawing 2–2 on the field, with a final score of 5-3. Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International said: "With the conclusion of Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi – Football, the stage is now set for the Games of the Future in Abu Dhabi in December. It is the culmination of year-long dedication from athletes from around the world and we celebrate with them in this moment and look forward to what they, and many other athletes, will achieve later in the year." The Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi – Football tournament, was brought to life by ASPIRE in collaboration with Ethara and global rights holder Phygital International. With Abu Dhabi continuing to assert itself as a global hub for innovation and next-gen sports, all eyes now turn to December when the Emirate hosts the world's best phygital athletes from diverse backgrounds and across multiple disciplines at the Games of the Future 2025. Nis Hatt continued: " Abu Dhabi is the perfect international platform. It's future-focused, tech-driven, and already deeply invested in both sports and cyber competitions. It has the appetite, ability and infrastructure to host entirely new sport formats and do it well." About Phygital International (PI): Phygital International is the promoter of phygital sports globally and is focused on innovating and redefining sports. It is the custodian and rights holder of the Games of the Future and oversees the bidding process for each host city. For further information please visit: https:// About the Games of the Future: The Games of the Future is an annual international event that fuses the worlds of physical and digital and is the pinnacle of phygital sport. The tournament brings together the next generation of phygital sporting heroes from all over the world to compete in a diverse range of phygital disciplines and challenges. The Games of the Future 2025 will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE while the Games of the Future 2026, will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan. For more information please visit: About ASPIRE: ASPIRE drives the creation of future transformative technologies as the innovation accelerator arm of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). ATRC is responsible for defining Abu Dhabi's research and development strategy, consolidating funds for efficient investment, and driving policy and regulation. ASPIRE works in consultation with cross-sector industry stakeholders, universities, and research institutes to frame problem statements. It also launches grand challenges and international competitions to solve some of the world's most pressing issues. ASPIRE brings together exceptional people, ideas, resources, and technologies to solve complex challenges. For more information, visit About Ethara: Ethara is shaping the future of entertainment, sport, culture, event services, and asset management regionally and internationally. With offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh, the company employs over 300 professionals who offer an unrivalled wealth of expertise, experience, knowledge and skills. Ethara, meaning 'thrill' in Arabic, operates an impressive portfolio of assets, including Yas Marina Circuit, Etihad Park, Etihad Arena, Yas Conference Centre, Zayed Sports City, and the House of Sustainability. The company works with leading events companies, IP owners, and entertainment partners locally and internationally to deliver world-class, first-to-market events and experiences.


Gulf Today
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Phygital Contenders to kick off in Abu Dhabi ahead of Games of Future
The world of Phygital Football will descend on Abu Dhabi this summer, as top clubs vie for qualification to the prestigious Games of the Future 2025. The 'Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi Football' tournament is scheduled to take place from July 25–29 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Twenty-four elite clubs from across the globe are expected to compete, with representation from North and Latin America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Among the notable participants are Team Joga (USA) and LPT Venezuela, defending champions of the Games of the Future 2024 side tournament. This event marks the culmination of a year-long international tournament season, encompassing the Phygital Origins and Phygital Rivals competitions. Abu Dhabi will now serve as the final battleground before the Games of the Future 2025, set for December 18–23 in the UAE capital. Only the top-performing clubs will earn their place on that stage and the chance to be crowned global champions. 'Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi - Football represents the culmination of a season-long qualification process and will set the stage for what promises to be the most competitive Games of the Future to date,' commented Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International. 'We are witnessing unprecedented global engagement in phygital sport, and this tournament reflects its evolution as a legitimate and future-focused athletic discipline.' Stephane Timpano, CEO of Aspire commented "Bringing Phygital Contenders to Abu Dhabi is both a tremendous opportunity and a meaningful responsibility. Abu Dhabi has always championed bold, forward-looking ideas, and phygital sport is no exception. 'We're proud to host some of the world's most elite clubs and serve as the stage where the future of global competition is being defined and look forward to five days of intense competition that will determine the final contenders for the main event this December." The tournament is organized by Aspire, the local delivery authority for the games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025, in collaboration with Ethara, the Event Delivery Partner, and Phygital International, the global rights holder.


Al Etihad
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
World of Phygital Football descends on Abu Dhabi for Phygital Contenders
2 July 2025 22:37 ABU DHABI (WAM) The world of Phygital Football will descend on Abu Dhabi this summer, as top clubs vie for qualification to the prestigious Games of the Future 2025. The 'Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi – Football' tournament is scheduled to take place from July 25 to 29 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).The tournament is organised by ASPIRE, the Local Delivery Authority for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025, in collaboration with Ethara, the Event Delivery Partner, and Phygital International, the global rights elite clubs from across the globe are expected to compete, with representation from North and Latin America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle the notable participants are Team Joga (USA) and LPT Venezuela, defending champions of the Games of the Future 2024 side event marks the culmination of a year-long international tournament season, encompassing the Phygital Origins and Phygital Rivals Dhabi will now serve as the final battleground before the Games of the Future 2025, set for December 18–23 in the UAE the top-performing clubs will earn their place on that stage and the chance to be crowned global of Phygital International, Nis Hatt, commented, 'Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi – Football represents the culmination of a season-long qualification process and will set the stage for what promises to be the most competitive Games of the Future to date.''We are witnessing unprecedented global engagement in phygital sport, and this tournament reflects its evolution as a legitimate and future-focused athletic discipline.' CEO of ASPIRE, Stephane Timpano, commented, 'Bringing Phygital Contenders to Abu Dhabi is both a tremendous opportunity and a meaningful responsibility. Abu Dhabi has always championed bold, forward-looking ideas, and phygital sport is no exception. We're proud to host some of the world's most elite clubs and serve as the stage where the future of global competition is being defined, and look forward to five days of intense competition that will determine the final contenders for the main event this December.'