Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 has concluded after five days of competition, completing the qualification process for Games of the Future 2026 (GOTF 2026) and confirming the final athletes and clubs who will compete in Astana this summer.
Bringing together more than 200 participants from over 20 countries, the tournament represented the final opportunity to qualify for the world’s premier phygital sporting event. Athletes and clubs from around the world gathered to compete across three disciplines – Phygital Football, Phygital Basketball and Phygital Dancing.
The competition highlighted the depth of talent emerging through the phygital community, with participants having progressed from local and national tournaments to earn the chance to compete on one of the biggest stages in sport and technology.
Qualified Teams and Athletes
Phygital Football
- Champion: ACF x Allur
- Qualifiers: KMF Titograd, NS Team, FC OLYMPIC PHYGITAL
Phygital Basketball
- Champion: ZM NITUI
- Qualifiers: MINSK, Valencia Basket, Triada
Phygital Dancing
- Champion: Andrés Guardo
- Qualifiers: Sagdi, Susan Huertas, Sergio Mayta
John Hewitt, International Marketing & Communications Director at Phygital International: “The level of competition on display at Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 reflects the strength and diversity of the global phygital movement. With Games of the Future 2026 now on the horizon, Astana is preparing to welcome the world’s leading phygital competitors for what promises to be a landmark celebration of sport, technology and innovation.”
With qualification now complete, attention turns to Games of the Future 2026, taking place in Astana from 29 July to 9 August. More than 800 participants from over 50 nationalities will compete across phygital and esports disciplines as they battle for global titles and a share of the event’s prize pool.
Fans can re-live the action from Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 on Phygital+. All results, highlights and key moments from across the tournament will be available on the official Games of the Future website and on social media @gamesofthefuture.
