Phygital International proudly announces that competition has started at the Games of the Future 2025, and so Abu Dhabi becomes the global focal point for phygital sport for the next six days. The first day of the event also saw a significant moment as it was confirmed that the international bidding process for the 2028, 2029 and 2030 editions of the Games of the Future is now officially open.
The search for hosts for future editions of this pinnacle event was announced at a press conference held earlier today in Abu Dhabi to mark the official start of this year’s event. Led by Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, the press conference outlined the immediate competitive programme for 2025 and the long-term global expansion of the Games of the Future platform. He was joined Stéphane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE and Niccolò Nicotra, Manager of CEO Office, Strategy & Ops at ASPIRE.
Competitions have now officially begun at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, bringing together more than 850 participants from around the world across phygital sport, esports and tech-driven disciplines. The venue has been transformed into a live arena for hybrid competition, reflecting the convergence of physical performance, digital gameplay and innovation that defines the Games of the Future.
On the first day, several phygital disciplines started their opening rounds, including Phygital Football powered by ADNOC and Phygital Basketball.3on3 FreeStyle brought to you by M42.
Alongside them, esports and technology-led competitions were active as Battle Royale.Featuring Fortnite, Battle of Robots and MOBA Mobile.MLBB saw their opening battles including a raft of teams from across the world.
Meanwhile, MOBA PC.Dota 2 progressed into its later stages, with decisive matches set to determine who will compete in tomorrow’s final.
Speaking at the launch of competition, Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, said: “We are thrilled to be commencing the Games of the Future 2025 in Abu Dhabi. As competition gets underway, the Games set the benchmark for the next era of global phygital sport—both on the field of play today and in the cities that will host the Games in the years ahead.”