The upcoming Games of the Future 2026 took center stage on Monday, July 14, as Phygital International CEO Nis Hatt and Founder, René Fasel joined an official meeting in Astana with Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov. The meeting was followed by a press conference led by the event’s key representatives including Serik Zharasbayev, Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Alibek Khassenov, President of Kazsportinvest JSC where they unveiled exciting new details for Games of the Future 2026 (GOTF 2026), which will be hosted in the capital from 18 July to 1 August 2026.
Key announcements included the unveiling of a $10 million prize fund and the introduction of 13 official phygital disciplines which will be part of GOTF 2026. Among the confirmed disciplines will be Phygital Football, Phygital Basketball, Phygital Dancing, and Phygital Shooter, alongside exciting additions such as Phygital Hockey, Phygital Fighting (MMA and Boxing) and Drone Racing.
Around 1,500 athletes are expected to compete across major venues in Astana, highlighting Kazakhstan’s emergence as a leader in sport-tech and digital innovation.
Beyond the arena, GOTF 2026 will also feature the Games of the Future City – a dynamic space with fan zones, interactive exhibitions, and community-led tech initiatives designed to grow the phygital movement and inspire the next generation.
“The phygital format creates exciting new opportunities to engage talented youth in sports, aligning with the evolving expectations of the modern sports community. These innovative competition formats are shaping a dynamic and relevant agenda at the intersection of sports and technology” emphasized Serik Zharasbayev, Vice Minister of Tourism of Kazakhstan.
“Astana’s world-class infrastructure and track record in hosting international sporting events made it clear to our expert committee that this city is the ideal host for the Games of the Future 2026,” said Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International. “Now, that vision is becoming reality. Hearing the city’s ambitions for the Games of the Future and how it plans to position Astana and the entire country at the forefront of phygital sport is truly inspiring. We can’t wait to witness the Games of the Future here next year and experience the incredible sporting spectacle Astana is preparing for us.”
Kazakhstan was appointed as the host for GOTF 2026 by the Phygital International Expert Committee in October last year, following a competitive bid process. Delivery will be managed by JSC Kazsportinvest, known for its successful execution of events like the Asian Winter Games 2011, 2017 Winter Universiade, and World Nomad Games. Astana 2024.
