Latest news with #GamesOfTheFuture
Zawya
12-08-2025
- Sport
- Zawya
World Phygital Community welcomes 100th member, accelerating the growth of phygital sports worldwide
DUBAI, UAE: The World Phygital Community (WPC), the only official global network of phygital organizations, has officially welcomed the UAE as its 100th member. This milestone comes just one year after the founding of the WPC and underscores the growing global interest and momentum surrounding the phygital sports movement. Under the banner of the UAE, the announcement of the Emirates Esports Federation as the 100th member comes at a pivotal time, following the recent conclusion of the Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi - Football tournament and with the Games of the Future 2025 on the horizon, which will see clubs and phygital athletes compete for a share of a $5 million prize pool across 11 official disciplines. In just its first year of operations, the World Phygital Community has expanded its reach to encompass all corners of the globe, including the recent addition of other members from Germany, Saudi Arabia, Lesotho as well as Malawi and Sierra Leone. This rapid growth is a testament to the unstoppable global popularity of phygital sports, the innovative new sports format that combines physical and digital competition in ways that engage athletes, fans, and entire communities. His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Sports said: ' The UAE's membership of the World Phygital Community reflects our wider, steadfast commitment to embracing innovation in both technology and sport, and our ambition to be part of the driving force that is shaping a new era of sports. As we prepare to welcome athletes and fans from around the world to Abu Dhabi this December for the Games of the Future 2025, we are honoured to be the 100th member of this forward-looking community and be part of the exciting future of phygital sports.' His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Sultan bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Emirates Esports Federation said: " The Emirates Esports Federation is proud to join the World Phygital Community as its 100th member, an especially meaningful milestone considering the Games of the Future is coming to Abu Dhabi later this year. It's an honor to be part of this growing global movement and to support the rise of phygital sport in the region. We look forward to contributing to the community and being part of this next chapter for international competition." Dan Merkley, Chairperson and Managing Director of the World Phygital Community said: ' Reaching 100 members is a significant milestone for our World Phygital Community as well as the wider phygital movement. It's incredible that in one year, we've achieved such fast and enthusiastic uptake from around the world – far exceeding our hopes and expectations. We are delighted to welcome the Emirates Esports Federation as our 100th member, joining at a time where phygital sports popularity in the UAE is exploding and the Games of the Future 2025 in Abu Dhabi is just around the corner.' Looking ahead, the World Phygital Community is setting its sights on reaching 180 members by 2030, reflecting the growing global interest in phygital sports and the community's commitment to broadening its reach. The WPC's rapidly expanding network now spans six continents, with organizations in 100 partner countries including 31 countries in Asia, 27 in Africa, 23 in Europe, 10 in South America, eight in North America, and one in Australia. As the community continues to grow, it remains committed to fostering innovation and ensuring that phygital sports play a key role in shaping the future of global athletics and entertainment. About the World Phygital Community (WPC): The World Phygital Community (WPC) is a non-profit, international organization that aims to promote phygital sport worldwide by uniting physical and digital members globally. It is responsible for providing guardianship of the rules and regulations of phygital sport and hosting ranking tournaments for the Games of the Future: For further information please contact: press@ About the Games of the Future (GOTF): The Games of the Future is an annual international event that fuses the worlds of physical and digital and is the pinnacle of phygital sport. The tournament brings together the next generation of phygital sporting heroes from all over the world to compete in a diverse range of phygital disciplines and challenges. The Games of the Future 2025 will be held in the Abu Dhabi, while the Games of the Future 2026 will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan. For more information please visit:
Yahoo
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Abu Dhabi Powers Up The Games of the Future 2025 with a Lineup of Phygital Disciplines
11 phygital disciplines announced as Abu Dhabi prepares to host phygital athletes and fans this December $5 million prize pool up for grabs in global showcase blending physical skill and digital mastery ABU DHABI, UAE, Aug. 7, 2025 /CNW/ -- The Games of the Future 2025 is set to ignite the global sports calendar with a high-octane lineup of phygital disciplines; a fusion of physical athleticism and immersive digital gameplay. Taking place from 18-23 December at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), this hybrid tournament brings together the world's top phygital athletes for six days of action-packed competition across 11 cutting-edge disciplines. With a total prize pool of $5 million on offer, phygital clubs and athletes from all across the world will be fighting for their right to be champions of the discipline they're participating in. The Games of the Future is the pinnacle of the phygital sports calendar, and every element of the tournament is curated to engage both physical and digital audiences. The 11 disciplines that will be competed at the event are: Phygital Football: Begins with a football video game before the athletes play football on a pitch Phygital Basketball: A basketball video game round followed by physical on-court action Phygital Fighting: Athletes first compete in a fighting video game, then continue the bout in a physical arena Phygital Dancing: Athletes match their live movements to an interactive rhythm video game Phygital Shooter: Clubs face off in digital shooter round followed by a round of laser tag Battle Royale: A competitive format where clubs fight to be the last club standing MOBA PC: A Multiplayer Online Battle Arena tournament played on PC MOBA Mobile: A Multiplayer Online Battle Arena tournament played on mobile Drone Racing: Pilots navigate high speed drones through an obstacle course using first-person view headsets VR Games: Virtual environments where players rely on reflexes and spatial awareness Battle of Robots: Remote-controlled robots face off in fast-paced, head-to-head combat To be at the top of these disciplines requires a new class of athlete – combining physical prowess and digital dexterity, performing under intense pressure in a ground-breaking and exciting new event format that will attract fans of all ages. Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, said: "This tournament is where elite clubs and future-facing experiences converge. Hosting the Games of the Future in Abu Dhabi reflects our commitment to elevating the global conversation around the future blend of sport and technology, and Abu Dhabi makes the perfect host for this bold experiment. With UAE Vision 2031 and the Year of Community in mind, we're fostering diverse participation, shared innovation, and new connections across cultures and generations." Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, said: "With confirmation of these 11 disciplines and the prize pool, the stage is set for Abu Dhabi to be the center of phygital sports in this year's exciting, global Games of the Future. Athletes and fans will join us in experiencing the immersive and high-octane experience of phygital sports, which are built for the next generation. As the guardians of the phygital movement, we are proud to bring the Games of the Future to life. It is a global stage for innovation, inclusion, and imagination." Before the spotlight turns to the Games of the Future this December, Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi – Football took place at ADNEC, transforming the venue into a dynamic arena where global contenders participated in the final qualifying stage to fight for a place in the Phygital Football discipline at this year's Games of the Future. The tournament set the stage for the 21 participating clubs in a hyper-interactive space where tactical smarts and athletic precision collided in sync. As the action unfolded, athletes and enthusiasts alike got a first taste of the energy that will define the Games of the Future 2025. ADNEC will also serve as the arena for the Games of the Future in December. As a dynamic space purpose-built for innovation and scale, it will be transformed into a futuristic arena suitable for this ground-breaking global event - offering the ideal environment to deliver a world-class phygital sports showcase. Its strategic infrastructure and operational excellence continue to position Abu Dhabi as a leading destination for international events at the intersection of technology, sport, and culture. About Phygital International (PI): Phygital International is the promoter of phygital sports globally and is focused on innovating and redefining sports. It is the custodian and rights holder of the Games of the Future and oversees the bidding process for each host city. For further information please visit: https:// About the Games of the Future: The Games of the Future is an annual international event that fuses the worlds of physical and digital and is the pinnacle of phygital sport. The tournament brings together the next generation of phygital sporting heroes from all over the world to compete in a diverse range of phygital disciplines and challenges. The Games of the Future 2025 will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE while the Games of the Future 2026, will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan. For more information please visit: About ASPIRE: ASPIRE drives the creation of future transformative technologies as the innovation accelerator arm of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). ATRC is responsible for defining Abu Dhabi's research and development strategy, consolidating funds for efficient investment, and driving policy and regulation. ASPIRE works in consultation with cross-sector industry stakeholders, universities, and research institutes to frame problem statements. It also launches grand challenges and international competitions to solve some of the world's most pressing issues. ASPIRE brings together exceptional people, ideas, resources, and technologies to solve complex challenges. For more information, visit About ETHARA: Ethara is shaping the future of entertainment, sport, culture, event services, and asset management regionally and internationally. With offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh, the company employs over 300 professionals who offer an unrivalled wealth of expertise, experience, knowledge and skills. Ethara, meaning 'thrill' in Arabic, operates an impressive portfolio of assets, including Yas Marina Circuit, Etihad Park, Etihad Arena, Yas Conference Centre, Zayed Sports City, and the House of Sustainability. The company works with leading events companies, IP owners, and entertainment partners locally and internationally to deliver world-class, first-to-market events and experiences. For further information, visit: Photo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Games of the Future View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Gulf Business
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Business
Abu Dhabi to host Games of the Future 2025; read details
Image: Games of the Future Abu Dhabi has been officially confirmed as the host city for the The announcement was made by Phygital International, the global governing body of the event, which merges physical athleticism with digital gaming to create a new class of competitive sport. The games will feature hybrid disciplines such as Phygital Football and Phygital Shooter, where athletes compete in both virtual and real-world formats, with final results determined by combined performances. Image: Supplied Games of the Future: Venue and games coordinator The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) has been selected as the official venue, providing a world-class stage for the multi-sport event. The competition is expected to attract thousands of athletes, clubs, and spectators from across the globe. ASPIRE, the programme development arm of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has been appointed as the UAE Delivery Authority for the games. ASPIRE will lead coordination among stakeholders, oversee the event's innovation agenda, and align government and sponsor funding frameworks. Ethara, a leading regional live event management company, has been named the Event Delivery Partner. Ethara will be responsible for end-to-end event execution including venue operations, logistics, fan experience, and commercial activation. 'We're thrilled that Abu Dhabi will welcome thousands of phygital athletes, clubs, and fans for the Games of the Future 2025,' said Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International. 'With its bold vision for sport and technology, the UAE is the ideal stage for this groundbreaking event.' Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, added: 'As the UAE Delivery Authority, ASPIRE is proud to help shape the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 – a global platform where sport, technology, and imagination converge.' Beyond competition, the event will also include VR fan engagement zones, cultural activations, and technology showcases. The inaugural edition of the Games attracted over 2,000 athletes from more than 100 countries, reaching a global broadcast audience and drawing more than 300,000 fans. The 2025 edition in Abu Dhabi marks a significant step for the phygital movement, expanding its global footprint into the Middle East, where innovation and technological experimentation are rapidly evolving. Read:
Trade Arabia
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Trade Arabia
Abu Dhabi to host Games of the Future 2025 in December
Phygital International, the global governing body for the Games of the Future (GOTF), has announced Abu Dhabi as the Host City for the Games of the Future 2025, taking place from December 18 to 23. Bringing together cutting-edge innovation and elite competition, the Games of the Future will transform Abu Dhabi into the epicenter of phygital sport and feature a dynamic fusion of physical athleticism and immersive digital gaming. The multi-sport event includes a variety of ground-breaking phygital disciplines, including Phygital Football and Phygital Shooter, as well as tech sports and esports. Each phygital discipline sees athletes first compete in a digital version of their sport, followed by competing in the same sport in real-life. Final results are determined by combining performance across both stages - blending the physical and virtual into one seamless competitive experience. Aspire, the driving force behind grand challenges and global competitions for Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), is appointed as the UAE Delivery Authority. In this role, Aspire will lead the delivery of the event's innovation agenda, ensure alignment across multiple stakeholders, and coordinate funding frameworks with government partners and sponsors. Ethara, the region's leading live event management organisation, will serve as the Event Delivery Partner, leading end-to-end execution including venue operations, logistics, and fan experience. In addition, Ethara will drive event promotion and play a key commercial role by securing sponsorships and partnerships to support the event's success. The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) has been confirmed as the official venue, providing a world-class stage for the full spectrum of phygital sporting competitions and fan experiences. 'We're thrilled that Abu Dhabi will welcome thousands of phygital athletes, clubs, and fans for the Games of the Future 2025,' said Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International. 'With its bold vision for sport and technology, the UAE is the ideal stage for this groundbreaking event. Since the inaugural Games, phygital sports have grown into a global movement, and this year's edition promises to be our most exciting yet.' Stephane Timpano, CEO of Aspire said: 'As the UAE Delivery Authority, ASPIRE is proud to help shape the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 - a global platform where sport, technology, and imagination converge. From AI-powered mobility to immersive digital experiences, Abu Dhabi is where innovation meets impact. We look forward to welcoming the world to ADNEC this December for an event that will inspire the future of sport and technology.' In addition to elite competitions, the event will feature virtual reality immersive fan engagement zones, cultural activations, and technology showcases. The inaugural edition of the Games of the Future, saw over 2,000 athletes from more than 100 countries take part, broadcast to global audience, and attracting over 300,000 spectators and fans.
