Dota 2, one of the world’s most popular esports titles, will return to the Games of the Future 2026 in Kazakhstan this summer, where it will once again take centre stage in the MOBA PC competition.
From 31 July to 5 August 2026, the world’s top teams will compete in the nation’s capital Astana for a US$1 million prize pool, placing the tournament among the most significant Dota 2 competitions of the season. Matches will take place at the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace, a 5,000-seat arena built to host world-class sporting spectacles.
Dota 2 proved a major driver of engagement at the Games of the Future 2025 in Abu Dhabi last year, attracting more than 40 million viewers worldwide across television broadcasts and online streams.
The return of Dota 2 reflects the Games of the Future’s broader strategy of collaborating with globally recognised game titles and publishers, creating a competitive environment that resonates with both traditional sports audiences and the global gaming community.
By integrating iconic titles , GOTF continues to demonstrate how digital and physical competition can coexist within a single, scalable international event.
William Al-Badeesh, Publisher Relations Manager at Phygital International, said, “We are thrilled to bring Dota 2 back to the Games of the Future. As one of the most widely played and passionately followed esports titles in the world, Dota 2 represents the very highest level of competitive play. Following the unforgettable tournament at GOTF 2025, we are excited to welcome the world’s best teams to Astana this year for what promises to be another exceptional competition.”
The Games of the Future 2026 will feature a total of eight disciplines across esports and phygital sports, bringing together over 900 participants from more than 50 nationalities. With more than 100,000 spectators expected across venues in Astana, the event continues to demonstrate how phygital sport is shaping a new model for global competition.
Further details on upcoming publisher announcements, team qualification pathways, and broadcast information will be shared via Phygital International and Games of the Future site.
To relive the action from 2025, fans can watch Dota 2 matches from Abu Dhabi on the official OTT platform.
