President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (in the center) officiates the countdown to the Games of the Future Astana
President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has officially launched the country’s countdown to the Games of the Future 2026, marking three months until Astana hosts the world’s premier phygital sports event.
The ceremony took place at the Alem.ai International Center for Artificial Intelligence, where President Tokayev joined officials and sporting leaders to formally begin the final countdown. The Games of the Future 2026 Directorate Director Alibek Khasenov presented a full overview of the tournament concept, highlighting the event’s global scale and Kazakhstan’s growing credentials as an international sports and technology hub.
The Games of the Future Astana 2026 will run from 29 July to 9 August, bringing together more than 900 participants from over 50 countries to compete across phygital disciplines and elite esports competitions. The event carries a prize pool exceeding $4 million and is expected to draw more than 100,000 spectators across venues in the Kazakhstani capital.
Aligning with the country’s designation of 2026 as the Year of Innovation, the tournament supports Kazakhstan’s long-term ambition to deliver world-class events end-to-end at the intersection of sport, technology and innovation.
“Astana brings together the infrastructure, expertise and forward-looking vision needed to advance phygital sport on a global stage. Kazakhstan’s leadership in innovation and its experience delivering major international events make it an ideal host for the next chapter of the Games of the Future.” John Hewitt, International Marketing & Communications Director at Phygital International
The Games of the Future 2026 builds on the success of the Games of the Future 2025 in Abu Dhabi, which drew more than 40,000 spectators and was watched by hundreds of millions worldwide.
Looking ahead, Phygital International has opened the bidding process for host cities for the 2028, 2029 and 2030 editions, inviting forward-thinking cities to be part of a movement shaping the future of global sport.
To keep up to date with the latest news on Games of the Future 2026, visit the official GOTF 2026 Astana website. Fans can also relive the action from previous editions via Phygital+, Phygital International’s official streaming platform.
For media interested in attending, accreditation to GOTF 2026 is now open here.
