Phygital Dancing has crowned its first champion at Phygital Contenders Astana 2026, as the tournament heads into a decisive finals weekend in Phygital Football and Phygital Basketball.
The first title of the tournament was decided in Phygital Dancing, where Andres Guardo secured victory and earned qualification for Games of the Future 2026, which takes place 29 July-9 August.
Attention now turns to the final stages of Phygital Football and Phygital Basketball, where a total of 14 teams remain in contention across the two disciplines. With further qualification places still to be decided, finals weekend will determine which athletes and teams will compete at Games of the Future 2026.
Three days of competition have brought together more than 200 participants from over 20 countries, delivering high-level action while providing a valuable opportunity to test operations, venues and systems ahead of Games of the Future 2026 in Astana next month.
“The level of competition in Astana demonstrates the continued growth of phygital sport and the increasing importance of the qualification pathway to Games of the Future. With qualification places still on the line, finals weekend will showcase some of the best emerging phygital talent from around the world,” said John Hewitt, International Marketing & Communications Director at Phygital International.
As the competition reaches its climax, Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 is also providing valuable insights for organizers and stakeholders as preparations continue for Games of the Future 2026. From competition delivery and athlete services to venue operations and spectator experience, the event represents an important milestone in the city’s readiness program ahead of hosting the world’s premier phygital sporting event.
“Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 has been an important milestone on the road to Games of the Future 2026,” said Alibek Khassenov, President of Kazsportinvest JSC, the Local Organizing Committee for Games of the Future Astana 2026. “Over the past few days, we have welcomed participants from more than 20 countries and seen first-hand the excitement, talent and competitive spirit that define phygital sport. Alongside the competition, the tournament has also provided a valuable opportunity to test key operational elements and continue building readiness as we prepare to welcome the global phygital community to Astana next month.”
The concluding stages of Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 will be streamed live on Phygital+, bringing the action to audiences around the world as the remaining qualification places and tournament titles are decided in Phygital Football and Phygital Basketball. Finals weekend begins tomorrow (13 June) with Phygital Football at 12:00 local time (UTC+5), before Phygital Basketball tips off at 15:00 local time (UTC+5).
All results, highlights and key moments from across all disciplines will be shared throughout the week on the official Games of the Future website and on social media @gamesofthefuture.
