Latest news with #PhygitalInternational
Korea Herald
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Korea Herald
COUNTDOWN TO THE GAMES OF THE FUTURE 2026 ASTANA BEGINS: DATES, DISCIPLINES AND MORE REVEALED
World's biggest phygital sports tournament set to be held in Kazakhstan capital from 18 July to 1 August 2026. The tournament is expected to welcome around 1,500 athletes, with events in 13 phygital disciplines hosted across the city. Athletes and clubs will compete for share of $10 million prize fund. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phygital International, promoter and rights holder of the Games of the Future (GOTF), has officially confirmed Astana as the host city for the 2026 edition, taking place from 18 July to 1 August 2026. The announcement was made during an official meeting with Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov of the Republic of Kazakhstan, followed by a press conference led by the event's key representatives including Serik Zharasbayev, Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International; and Alibek Khassenov, President of Kazsportinvest JSC. Renowned as the ultimate fusion of physical athleticism and digital gaming, the Games of the Future 2026 will transform Astana into a hub of elite competition and cutting-edge innovation. The 2026 edition will feature 13 disciplines, including fan-favorites like Phygital Football, Phygital Basketball, Phygital Dancing, and Phygital Shooter, while also showcasing the phygital versions for Hockey, Fighting (MMA and Boxing) and more. In each discipline, athletes first compete in a digital version of the sport to later switch to its physical counterpart; final results are determined by the combined performance across both stages. A $10 million prize fund is set to raise the stakes at GOTF 2026, drawing global attention and attracting top-tier talent. With around 1,500 participants expected to compete across multiple venues in Astana, the tournament marks a major milestone for the growing phygital movement. To further amplify its impact and highlight Kazakhstan's leadership in sport-tech and digital innovation, the city will host the Games of the Future City, a celebration of innovation featuring fan zones, interactive exhibitions, and community-driven tech activations. "The phygital format creates exciting new opportunities to engage talented youth in sports, aligning with the evolving expectations of the modern sports community. These innovative competition formats are shaping a dynamic and relevant agenda at the intersection of sports and technology" emphasized Serik Zharasbayev, Vice Minister of Tourism of Kazakhstan. "Astana is a city that embodies the spirit of the future. With its world-class infrastructure, proven track record in hosting global events, and deep investment in youth and technology, Astana is the perfect stage to help shape the future of phygital sport on the global stage," commented Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International. Kazakhstan was selected as the host for 2026 by the Phygital International Expert Committee following a competitive international bidding process in late 2024. Kazsportinvest JSC - whose track record includes the Asian Winter Games 2011, 2017 Winter Universiade, and World Nomad Games. Astana 2024 - has been appointed to organize and deliver the event, bringing deep expertise in producing high-profile sporting competitions. "This tournament has tremendous international potential and stands as a flagship event in the emerging world of phygital sports. Technology is rapidly reshaping the future of sport, and the Games of the Future represents a unique opportunity for us to contribute meaningfully to its evolution and help generate global excitement around this exciting new frontier of competition," said Alibek Khassenov, President of Kazsportinvest JSC. While the Games of the Future 2026 in Astana are still a year away, anticipation continues to build as Abu Dhabi prepares to host the 2025 edition from December 18 to 23. Following the successful debut of the tournament in 2024, Abu Dhabi is ready to deliver another unparalleled global showcase of phygital sports. The event will blend the best of phygital sports and technological innovation, bringing together thousands of athletes and fans from the global phygital community, paving the way for Astana to carry the momentum forward in 2026. 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: About the Games of the Future (GOFT): 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 while the Games of the Future 2026, will be held in Astana. For more information please visit: About the World Phygital Community (WPC): The World Phygital Community (WPC) is a non-profit, international organization that aims to promote phygital sport worldwide by uniting physical and digital members globally. It is responsible for providing guardianship of the rules and regulations of phygital sport and hosting the qualifying rankings tournament for the Games of the Future:
Cision Canada
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Cision Canada
COUNTDOWN TO THE GAMES OF THE FUTURE 2026 ASTANA BEGINS: DATES, DISCIPLINES AND MORE REVEALED
World's biggest phygital sports tournament set to be held in Kazakhstan capital from 18 July to 1 August 2026. The tournament is expected to welcome around 1,500 athletes, with events in 13 phygital disciplines hosted across the city. Athletes and clubs will compete for share of $10 million prize fund. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 14, 2025 /CNW/ -- Phygital International, promoter and rights holder of the Games of the Future (GOTF), has officially confirmed Astana as the host city for the 2026 edition, taking place from 18 July to 1 August 2026. The announcement was made during an official meeting with Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov of the Republic of Kazakhstan, followed by a press conference led by the event's key representatives including Serik Zharasbayev, Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International; and Alibek Khassenov, President of Kazsportinvest JSC. Renowned as the ultimate fusion of physical athleticism and digital gaming, the Games of the Future 2026 will transform Astana into a hub of elite competition and cutting-edge innovation. The 2026 edition will feature 13 disciplines, including fan-favorites like Phygital Football, Phygital Basketball, Phygital Dancing, and Phygital Shooter, while also showcasing the phygital versions for Hockey, Fighting (MMA and Boxing) and more. In each discipline, athletes first compete in a digital version of the sport to later switch to its physical counterpart; final results are determined by the combined performance across both stages. A $10 million prize fund is set to raise the stakes at GOTF 2026, drawing global attention and attracting top-tier talent. With around 1,500 participants expected to compete across multiple venues in Astana, the tournament marks a major milestone for the growing phygital movement. To further amplify its impact and highlight Kazakhstan's leadership in sport-tech and digital innovation, the city will host the Games of the Future City, a celebration of innovation featuring fan zones, interactive exhibitions, and community-driven tech activations. "The phygital format creates exciting new opportunities to engage talented youth in sports, aligning with the evolving expectations of the modern sports community. These innovative competition formats are shaping a dynamic and relevant agenda at the intersection of sports and technology" emphasized Serik Zharasbayev, Vice Minister of Tourism of Kazakhstan. "Astana is a city that embodies the spirit of the future. With its world-class infrastructure, proven track record in hosting global events, and deep investment in youth and technology, Astana is the perfect stage to help shape the future of phygital sport on the global stage," commented Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International. Kazakhstan was selected as the host for 2026 by the Phygital International Expert Committee following a competitive international bidding process in late 2024. Kazsportinvest JSC - whose track record includes the Asian Winter Games 2011, 2017 Winter Universiade, and World Nomad Games. Astana 2024 - has been appointed to organize and deliver the event, bringing deep expertise in producing high-profile sporting competitions. "This tournament has tremendous international potential and stands as a flagship event in the emerging world of phygital sports. Technology is rapidly reshaping the future of sport, and the Games of the Future represents a unique opportunity for us to contribute meaningfully to its evolution and help generate global excitement around this exciting new frontier of competition," said Alibek Khassenov, President of Kazsportinvest JSC. While the Games of the Future 2026 in Astana are still a year away, anticipation continues to build as Abu Dhabi prepares to host the 2025 edition from December 18 to 23. Following the successful debut of the tournament in 2024, Abu Dhabi is ready to deliver another unparalleled global showcase of phygital sports. The event will blend the best of phygital sports and technological innovation, bringing together thousands of athletes and fans from the global phygital community, paving the way for Astana to carry the momentum forward in 2026. 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: About the Games of the Future (GOFT): 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 while the Games of the Future 2026, will be held in Astana. For more information please visit: About the World Phygital Community (WPC): The World Phygital Community (WPC) is a non-profit, international organization that aims to promote phygital sport worldwide by uniting physical and digital members globally. It is responsible for providing guardianship of the rules and regulations of phygital sport and hosting the qualifying rankings tournament for the Games of the Future:
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.'
Al Etihad
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi to host Games of the Future 2025 in December
22 June 2025 14:14 ABU DHABI (WAM)Abu Dhabi is set to host the upcoming edition of Games of the Future in December 2025, following its selection by Phygital International as the first city in the Middle East to stage this global event, and reinforcing the emirate's standing as a leading global hub for innovation in both sports and to the official website of Phygital International, Abu Dhabi was chosen due to its bold vision, cutting-edge infrastructure, and world-class sports venues, making it an ideal location for hosting premier international Abu Dhabi edition will take place over six days at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC), bringing together top global athletes for dynamic competitions blending physical sports and technology-driven video games. Visitors can expect an engaging experience that merges electronic gaming with physical challenges and immersive fan event will be officially organised by Aspire, renowned for its successful track record in event delivery, in collaboration with Ethara, a leading Abu Dhabi-based company known for managing high-profile events with international Al Taher, Secretary-General of the UAE Esports Federation, stated that Abu Dhabi's hosting of this unique event demonstrates its leadership in embracing innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence and technology, placing the emirate at the forefront of global advancement in this added that the Federation is launching several new initiatives to bring the latest developments in esports to players and enthusiasts, including the adoption of the phygital system to enhance player interaction and offer a more holistic sports experience. He also revealed plans to introduce the concept of "phygital" to schools, aligning with the nation's broader digital education Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, said the selection of Abu Dhabi to host Games of the Future 2025 marks a major milestone for the event's global journey. He noted that the choice reflects the confidence placed in Abu Dhabi's capacity to deliver a large-scale, integrated event while further cementing its role as a center for sports and tech Timpano, CEO of Aspire - the innovation arm of the Advanced Technology Research Council in Abu Dhabi - affirmed the importance of supporting Games of the Future 2025 as a global platform where sport, technology and imagination converge. He underlined the growing relevance of this emerging category of competition that blends traditional sports with digital said hosting Games of the Future 2025 reflects the UAE's commitment to shaping the future of sports and technology, while elevating its global innovation inaugural edition of Games of the Future, held in Türkiye in 2024, attracted over 2,000 athletes from 100 countries and drew a crowd of more than 300,000 spectators from around the of the Future is a digital-physical (phygital) sporting event that combines real-world competition with virtual experiences. It features hybrid sports such as physical football and digital shooting, alongside interactive events that blend physical and virtual elements. The upcoming edition is expected to draw thousands of athletes and fans from across the globe for a comprehensive experience that unites athletic performance with advanced technology.
