Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, has been selected to host the 2026 edition of the Games of the Future, an innovative international phygital sports tournament blending traditional athletic competition with digital gaming.
The announcement was made by Alibek Khasenov, head of the Directorate for the Organization and Conduct of the Games of the Future in Kazakhstan, during the World Phygital Summit 2025 held in Dubai. The event is expected to draw participants from over 100 countries and a large global audience of fans and digital sports enthusiasts.
“We are confident the tournament will be held at the highest level, given Kazakhstan’s extensive experience in organizing major international events,” said Khasenov, expressing optimism about Astana’s preparedness to deliver a world-class event.
Phygital Sports: A New Frontier
The Games of the Future showcase phygital sports, a growing format that merges physical and digital competition — such as combining real-world running or cycling with virtual reality or gaming challenges. This hybrid model is gaining momentum, particularly among younger demographics and esports fans.
The inaugural Games of the Future were held in 2024 in Kazan, Russia, and featured around 2,000 athletes competing across 21 disciplines that fused real-world athleticism with popular video games. The event also attracted global attention with a $10 million prize fund. Kazakhstan fielded competitors in 13 disciplines, demonstrating the country’s early commitment to this emerging sports genre.
A Global Stage
Astana’s selection as host underscores Kazakhstan’s ambition to position itself at the forefront of the evolving global sports landscape. The city has already proven itself capable of organizing major events, and the tournament is likely to boost tourism and digital industry visibility.
The World Phygital Community (WPC), which oversees the tournament’s structure and qualification process, includes members from nearly 100 countries. Local qualifying tournaments in phygital sports disciplines are already underway, with winners earning spots at the 2026 finals in Astana.
Background and Vision
Kazakhstan’s bid to host the event was championed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who attended the 2024 Games and proposed bringing the tournament to Astana. The 2026 edition is anticipated to expand on the success of its predecessor with new disciplines, enhanced fan interactivity, and greater integration of technology in sports entertainment.
With preparations underway, Astana is poised to become a global capital for phygital sports this summer, blending innovation, competition, and culture in what organizers describe as the next evolution of the international sports arena.
Azerbaijan is stepping up efforts to strengthen its position as a regional hub for investment and connectivity ahead of the second Azerbaijan Inter...
Standing amidst the shattered concrete, twisted reinforcing bars...
Nigeria’s anti-drug agency says it has dismantled a methamphetamine production syndicate in what officials describe as the country’s la...
Iran and Pakistan discussed developments in stalled Iran-U.S. negotiations during a visit to Tehran by Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsen Raza Naqv...
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday (21 May), with both leaders di...
Nigeria’s anti-drug agency says it has dismantled a methamphetamine production syndicate in what officials describe as the country’s largest drugs seizure of its kind.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday (21 May), with both leaders discussing bilateral ties, regional developments and ongoing peace efforts in the South Caucasus.
After many years, reams of regulatory paperwork and a well-timed presidential visit, Tesla has finally launched its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system in China, the world’s largest electric vehicle market and one in which competitors have been rapidly advancing their autonomous driving capabilities.
Officials and urban development experts at WUF13 in Baku examined how conflict, displacement and climate disasters are intensifying the global housing crisis and placing increasing pressure on cities worldwide.
Asian stocks surged on Thursday as some vessels resumed passage through the Strait of Hormuz, while forecast-beating results at Nvidia and a suspended workers' strike at Samsung Electronics lifted shares of chipmakers.
At least 21 people have been killed and thousands evacuated after torrential rain triggered flooding, landslides and transport disruption across southern and central China, with authorities warning that more heavy rainfall is expected along the Yangtze River.
The penultimate day of the World Urban Forum 13 in Baku will see Azerbaijan's Pavilion highlight post-construction efforts in Garabagh and East Zangezur, as well as host events on the future of Baku and architectural education.
Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya warned on Tuesday (19 May) that Moscow could retaliate against Baltic states if Ukraine launches military drones from that region. Latvia, the United States and Ukraine responded strongly during a UN Security Council meeting.
Russia is considering the possibility of joint projects with the United States and China, Kirill Dmitriev, Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, (Russia's sovereign wealth fund), was quoted as saying by state media on Wednesday.
Azerbaijan is stepping up efforts to strengthen its position as a regional hub for investment and connectivity ahead of the second Azerbaijan International Investment Forum in Baku this September.
Iran and Pakistan discussed developments in stalled Iran-U.S. negotiations during a visit to Tehran by Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsen Raza Naqvi, amid Islamabad’s ongoing mediation efforts.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday (21 May), with both leaders discussing bilateral ties, regional developments and ongoing peace efforts in the South Caucasus.
Georgia’s parliament speaker has accused Britain of “blatant hypocrisy” after London quietly allowed Russian-origin oil products into the country - a move UK officials had reportedly urged Tbilisi to avoid.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in the Swedish city of Helsingborg on Thursday and Friday, diplomatic sources said.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment