Astana to Host 2026 Games of the Future in Bold Phygital Sports Spectacle

Astana, the vibrant capital of Kazakhstan, has been confirmed as the host city for the 2026 Games of the Future—a global event that fuses traditional athletics with digital gaming in the rapidly emerging world of phygital sports. The event will take place from July 18 to August 1, 2026.The announcement followed a high-level meeting with Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and was unveiled during a joint press briefing by Phygital International and Kazsportinvest JSC. Approximately 1,500 athletes are expected to take part in the competition, which will offer a record-breaking prize pool of $10 million. Thirteen unique hybrid disciplines will be featured, including Phygital Football, Basketball, Shooter, and Dancing.Phygital sports, a blend of physical and digital performance, require competitors to showcase their skills in both virtual simulations and real-life play, with combined results determining the winners.Alibek Khassenov, President of Kazsportinvest JSC, emphasized the scale and global significance of the event. “The Games of the Future will mark a milestone in the evolution of sport, and we’re ready to deliver a world-class experience,” he said. Kazsportinvest will lead the organization of the event, drawing on its experience from previous international competitions like the Asian Winter Games.Astana will also host the “Games of the Future City,” a vibrant festival running alongside the main tournament. The citywide celebration will include interactive tech installations, fan zones, and exhibitions aimed at promoting sport innovation and engaging local communities.Phygital International CEO Nis Hatt praised Astana for its cutting-edge infrastructure and strong focus on youth development and technology. The city was selected after a competitive bidding process in 2024, triumphing over several global candidates.As the world looks forward to Abu Dhabi’s edition in December 2025, excitement is already mounting for Astana 2026—a groundbreaking event poised to redefine the sports landscape for a new generation.