Over 1.5 million individuals engage in online gaming competitions
The Republic of Kazakhstan is gearing up for a groundbreaking event in the world of sports, with the official hosting of the "Games of the Future" phygital sports tournament scheduled for July 18 to August 1, 2026, in Astana.
This exciting competition, a blend of physical and digital sports, is part of the country's ambitious phygital sports development, as confirmed by the Federation of CyberSports of Kazakhstan. Over 1.5 million Kazakhs are actively engaged in cyber sports, reflecting the nation's growing interest in this innovative field.
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov recently held a significant meeting with Dr. Rene Fasel, the founder of Phygital International, and Nis Hatton, the organization's CEO. The discussion, reported by Vechernyaya Astana and cited by the Government of Kazakhstan, focused on the organisation of the international tournament.
The Games of the Future will feature over 1,500 athletes from 100 countries, competing in a diverse range of disciplines, including Phygital Football, Basketball, Fighting, Dancing, Hockey, Shooter, Battle Royale, MOBA games, Drone Racing, Battle Bots, and more. The unique format of the tournament involves athletes first playing the digital versions of the games, followed by physical counterparts, with combined results determining final scores.
Venues across Astana, such as the Qazaqstan Track and Field Arena, Barys Arena, Saryarka Cycle Track, Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace, Alau Ice Palace, Beeline Arena, and others, will provide extensive facilities for the various events. The tournament promises to use cutting-edge technologies like augmented reality, 3D mapping, and laser shows, ensuring a spectacle of both beauty and innovation.
The Games offer a total prize fund of $10 million, highlighting its scale and competitive allure. The event is expected to further popularise phygital sports among the youth, making it a significant milestone in the development of this unique sporting format.
With detailed plans and schedules announced, venues selected, and preparations on track, the "Games of the Future" 2026 is set to be an international, highly innovative multi-sport phygital competition that Kazakhstan will proudly host.
Technology will play a crucial role in the organization and execution of the Games of the Future, as the tournament will employ cutting-edge technologies like augmented reality, 3D mapping, and laser shows. Sports-analysis will also be a key component, as athletes will first play the digital versions of the games before transitioning to physical counterparts, with combined results determining final scores.
