Counter-Strike 2 will be the official game title for Phygital Shooter at the Games of the Future 2026 in Astana. This marks the second consecutive year the globally recognized title will feature in the competition and reinforces the continued alignment between leading esports publishers and the phygital movement.
The confirmation builds on recent announcements of Dota 2 and Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves as official titles for the 2026 edition, further strengthening the Games of the Future’s position as a platform that brings together established global IP, elite athletes, and next-generation competition formats.
As one of the most recognized titles in gaming, Counter-Strike 2 brings a proven competitive ecosystem and a deeply engaged global audience. Its continued inclusion reflects the growing credibility of phygital sport.
Taking place in August at Beeline Arena, Phygital Shooter will see teams compete in a 5v5 format across two phases. Matches begin in Counter-Strike 2, with in-game results shaping the conditions for the second stage – a live laser tag bout where the outcome of the match is decided in the physical world. The total prize pool for the competition is US$150,000.
At the Games of the Future 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Phygital Shooter generated more than 27 million broadcast views across digital platforms and global broadcasters.
Commenting on the continued inclusion of Counter-Strike 2, William Al-Badeesh, Publisher Relations & IP Licensing Lead at Phygital International, said: “Having Counter-Strike 2 back in our lineup alongside other top-tier titles is a clear signal that the esports world recognizes phygital sport as the next frontier of competition. We are building something new, and the industry is taking notice.”
Following the 2025/26 qualification season, leading Phygital Shooter teams from across the world have secured their places at GOTF 2026. Defending champions xGoat return, featuring Major winner Mikhail “Dosia” Stolyarov, alongside Hybrids, Klan Pedrajas, Liga Pro Team, Minsk House and MIRAGE Shooter, with additional teams to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Phygital Shooter forms part of a broader program of eight disciplines at the Games of the Future 2026, taking place from 29 July-9 August in Astana. The event is expected to bring together more than 900 participants from over 50 countries.
More updates on publishers, team qualifications and broadcast plans will be shared across official Phygital International and Games of the Future channels. Audiences can also revisit highlights from previous editions on Phygital+, Phygital International’s dedicated streaming platform.
Media interested in attending the Games of the Future 2026 can now register for accreditation here.
