The Emirates News Agency reported that the minister participated in the event held at Barys Arena as the tournament combining physical and digital sports commenced its third edition. He joined other dignitaries in marking the launch of the 12-day international competition that features hybrid athletic and electronic elements. The occasion drew leaders from across the region with presidents of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan also present for the official start. Organisers positioned the gathering as a key moment for advancing innovative sports formats on a global scale.
Phygital International, the promoter and rights holder of the Games, has confirmed that the 2026 edition runs from July 29 to August 9 and brings together more than 900 athletes from over 50 nationalities. The tournament offers a prize pool of approximately 4.75 million U.S. dollars across eight phygital disciplines that fuse physical sports with digital gameplay. These include phygital football, basketball, fighting and shooter events staged at various Astana venues such as Beeline Arena and the Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace. The organisation previously held the inaugural Games in Kazan in 2024 and the second edition in Abu Dhabi last year.
A statement on the opening detailed additional speakers at the ceremony including Kazakhstan Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabosynov, HH Princess Sophia Wolkonsky of Castillia and Ursula Romero, CEO of International Sports Broadcasting. The event is powered by Samruk-Kazyna and features an interactive fan zone called the Games of the Future City with technology exhibitions and experiences for spectators. Russia’s Ministry of Sport noted the high-level regional attendance at the launch in Kazakhstan’s capital.
Kazakhstan was selected as host following a proposal made by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev while attending the 2024 Games in Kazan, Qazinform reported. The country was chosen in October 2024 over competing bids from Peru and Chile during an official meeting with Phygital International leaders. This marks the third edition of the tournament that continues to expand its global footprint in the emerging field of hybrid sports.
The Games of the Future concept has gained traction for bridging traditional athletic competition with esports and innovative technologies. Official data from the organisers places expected spectator numbers above 100,000 throughout the competition period. Live coverage of the opening and main events is available on designated channels and digital platforms including Phygital+ and YouTube.
