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COUNTDOWN TO THE GAMES OF THE FUTURE 2026 ASTANA BEGINS: DATES, DISCIPLINES AND MORE REVEALED

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COUNTDOWN TO THE GAMES OF THE FUTURE 2026 ASTANA BEGINS: DATES, DISCIPLINES AND MORE REVEALED
Business

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COUNTDOWN TO THE GAMES OF THE FUTURE 2026 ASTANA BEGINS: DATES, DISCIPLINES AND MORE REVEALED

2025-07-14 22:02 Last Updated At:22:25

World's biggest phygital sports tournament set to be held in Kazakhstan capital from 18 July to 1 August 2026 .

The tournament is expected to welcome around 1,500 athletes, with events in 13 phygital disciplines hosted across the city.

Athletes and clubs will compete for share of $10 million prize fund.

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phygital International, promoter and rights holder of the Games of the Future (GOTF), has officially confirmed Astana as the host city for the 2026 edition, taking place from 18July to 1 August 2026.

The announcement was made during an official meeting with Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 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; Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International; and Alibek Khassenov, President of Kazsportinvest JSC.

Renowned as the ultimate fusion of physical athleticism and digital gaming, the Games of the Future 2026 will transform Astana into a hub of elite competition and cutting-edge innovation. The 2026 edition will feature 13 disciplines, including fan-favorites like Phygital Football, Phygital Basketball, Phygital Dancing, and Phygital Shooter, while also showcasing the phygital versions for Hockey, Fighting (MMA and Boxing) and more. In each discipline, athletes first compete in a digital version of the sport to later switch to its physical counterpart; final results are determined by the combined performance across both stages.

A $10 million prize fund is set to raise the stakes at GOTF 2026, drawing global attention and attracting top-tier talent. With around 1,500 participants expected to compete across multiple venues in Astana, the tournament marks a major milestone for the growing phygital movement. To further amplify its impact and highlight Kazakhstan's leadership in sport-tech and digital innovation, the city will host the Games of the Future City, a celebration of innovation featuring fan zones, interactive exhibitions, and community-driven tech activations.

"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 is a city that embodies the spirit of the future. With its world-class infrastructure, proven track record in hosting global events, and deep investment in youth and technology, Astana is the perfect stage to help shape the future of phygital sport on the global stage," commented Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International .

Kazakhstan was selected as the host for 2026 by the Phygital International Expert Committee following a competitive international bidding process in late 2024. Kazsportinvest JSC - whose track record includes the Asian Winter Games 2011, 2017 Winter Universiade, and World Nomad Games. Astana 2024 - has been appointed to organize and deliver the event, bringing deep expertise in producing high-profile sporting competitions.

"This tournament has tremendous international potential and stands as a flagship event in the emerging world of phygital sports. Technology is rapidly reshaping the future of sport, and the Games of the Future represents a unique opportunity for us to contribute meaningfully to its evolution and help generate global excitement around this exciting new frontier of competition , " said Alibek Khassenov, President of Kazsportinvest JSC.

While the Games of the Future 2026 in Astana are still a year away, anticipation continues to build as Abu Dhabi prepares to host the 2025 edition from December 18 to 23. Following the successful debut of the tournament in 2024, Abu Dhabi is ready to deliver another unparalleled global showcase of phygital sports. The event will blend the best of phygital sports and technological innovation, bringing together thousands of athletes and fans from the global phygital community, paving the way for Astana to carry the momentum forward in 2026.

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://Phygitalinternational.com 

About the Games of the Future (GOFT):

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 while the Games of the Future 2026, will be held in Astana.

For more information please visit: https://gofuture.games/

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 the qualifying rankings tournament for the Games of the Future: https://worldphygital.org/ 



World's biggest phygital sports tournament set to be held in Kazakhstan capital from 18 July to 1 August 2026 .

The tournament is expected to welcome around 1,500 athletes, with events in 13 phygital disciplines hosted across the city.

Athletes and clubs will compete for share of $10 million prize fund.

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phygital International, promoter and rights holder of the Games of the Future (GOTF), has officially confirmed Astana as the host city for the 2026 edition, taking place from 18July to 1 August 2026.

The announcement was made during an official meeting with Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 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; Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International; and Alibek Khassenov, President of Kazsportinvest JSC.

Renowned as the ultimate fusion of physical athleticism and digital gaming, the Games of the Future 2026 will transform Astana into a hub of elite competition and cutting-edge innovation. The 2026 edition will feature 13 disciplines, including fan-favorites like Phygital Football, Phygital Basketball, Phygital Dancing, and Phygital Shooter, while also showcasing the phygital versions for Hockey, Fighting (MMA and Boxing) and more. In each discipline, athletes first compete in a digital version of the sport to later switch to its physical counterpart; final results are determined by the combined performance across both stages.

A $10 million prize fund is set to raise the stakes at GOTF 2026, drawing global attention and attracting top-tier talent. With around 1,500 participants expected to compete across multiple venues in Astana, the tournament marks a major milestone for the growing phygital movement. To further amplify its impact and highlight Kazakhstan's leadership in sport-tech and digital innovation, the city will host the Games of the Future City, a celebration of innovation featuring fan zones, interactive exhibitions, and community-driven tech activations.

"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 is a city that embodies the spirit of the future. With its world-class infrastructure, proven track record in hosting global events, and deep investment in youth and technology, Astana is the perfect stage to help shape the future of phygital sport on the global stage," commented Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International .

Kazakhstan was selected as the host for 2026 by the Phygital International Expert Committee following a competitive international bidding process in late 2024. Kazsportinvest JSC - whose track record includes the Asian Winter Games 2011, 2017 Winter Universiade, and World Nomad Games. Astana 2024 - has been appointed to organize and deliver the event, bringing deep expertise in producing high-profile sporting competitions.

"This tournament has tremendous international potential and stands as a flagship event in the emerging world of phygital sports. Technology is rapidly reshaping the future of sport, and the Games of the Future represents a unique opportunity for us to contribute meaningfully to its evolution and help generate global excitement around this exciting new frontier of competition , " said Alibek Khassenov, President of Kazsportinvest JSC.

While the Games of the Future 2026 in Astana are still a year away, anticipation continues to build as Abu Dhabi prepares to host the 2025 edition from December 18 to 23. Following the successful debut of the tournament in 2024, Abu Dhabi is ready to deliver another unparalleled global showcase of phygital sports. The event will blend the best of phygital sports and technological innovation, bringing together thousands of athletes and fans from the global phygital community, paving the way for Astana to carry the momentum forward in 2026.

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://Phygitalinternational.com 

About the Games of the Future (GOFT):

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 while the Games of the Future 2026, will be held in Astana.

For more information please visit: https://gofuture.games/

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 the qualifying rankings tournament for the Games of the Future: https://worldphygital.org/ 

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

COUNTDOWN TO THE GAMES OF THE FUTURE 2026 ASTANA BEGINS: DATES, DISCIPLINES AND MORE REVEALED

COUNTDOWN TO THE GAMES OF THE FUTURE 2026 ASTANA BEGINS: DATES, DISCIPLINES AND MORE REVEALED

COUNTDOWN TO THE GAMES OF THE FUTURE 2026 ASTANA BEGINS: DATES, DISCIPLINES AND MORE REVEALED

COUNTDOWN TO THE GAMES OF THE FUTURE 2026 ASTANA BEGINS: DATES, DISCIPLINES AND MORE REVEALED

NEW YORK, March 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2026, Portugal will begin a World Cup journey with special significance. After missing the last World Cup hosted in the United States back in 1994, this storied national team now has the chance to create a new chapter on American soil, one that could become a defining moment in Portugal's football history. And for this exciting stage, preparation is about more than training alone. Beyond the usual partnerships in kits and performance gear, Portugal has teamed up with innovative technology brand TORRAS, bringing it on as a partner to document the journey and help capture the moments that shape it.

Recently, the Portugal national football team and rising consumer electronics brand TORRAS unveiled a new collaboration titled "Record Your Passion." At the heart of the partnership is TORRAS' innovative Ostand Case, inspired by a habit that has become increasingly common in the everyday lives of athletes and sports enthusiasts: using their phones to capture the ordinary moments of training and competition. Unlike many sports brands that focus on match-day intensity and immediate results, TORRAS recognized that progress is rarely visible in a single day. It is through the steady act of recording those everyday moments that many athletes begin to see their growth, build deeper confidence, and strengthen their passion for sports.

In many ways, the partnership speaks directly to the long-standing spirit of Portuguese football. Instead of celebrating talent, instinct, or individual heroics alone, it points to something many Portuguese players — Cristiano Ronaldo among them — have come to represent over the years: a grounded willingness to face reality, and to pursue greatness through relentless focus, discipline, and daily commitment. The real effort and sacrifice they make, both in training and life, often resonate more deeply with fans and the public than the final result itself. That is exactly why it matters to capture the moments behind the scenes.

To empower the passion that carry through every moment, TORRAS is also releasing a limited-edition Portugal national team Q3 AIR Ostand case, honoring the dedication and courage that defines Portuguese football through the whole visual design. Drawing inspiration from the team's new kit, the case features a red, green, and gold palette, while the wavy texture reflects Portugal's enduring maritime spirit and legacy of adventure. The case's signature airbag structure is further elevated with the iconic Quinas crest and football-inspired graphics.

Beyond its design and strong protection, the innovative magnetic stand is what makes the TORRAS Ostand case an ideal companion for documenting and sharing everyday training moments. With 180-degree flip, 360-degree rotation, and a secure magnetic hold, this magnetic stand gives athletes an effortless and hands-free way to capture their routines in almost any setting. The phone can be placed steadily on a flat court, attached to nearby fixtures, or mounted on gym equipment, all without bulky filming gear or interrupting the flow of training. The limited-edition case is now available at [https://bit.ly/40TcAWJ].

Recording is not only for athletes, it is also for everyone. For football fans, what could feel more natural than carrying a football-inspired Ostand case into the energy of the game? Whether watching a match or sharing experience with friends, anyone with their phone and Ostand case can capture their own football moments. After all, the chance to take part in, connect with, and share in a global event is itself a moment worth remembering.

Throughout the World Cup season, TORRAS will introduce a series of football-themed activities, bringing fans and sports enthusiasts together to take part in, share, and record the moments of passion that define this global event.

About TORRAS

TORRAS is a global consumer technology brand focused on designing innovative, high-performance mobile accessories that enhance everyday life. Known for its user-centric approach and premium design, TORRAS continues to deliver products that combine functionality, style, and reliability for modern consumers worldwide.

NEW YORK, March 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2026, Portugal will begin a World Cup journey with special significance. After missing the last World Cup hosted in the United States back in 1994, this storied national team now has the chance to create a new chapter on American soil, one that could become a defining moment in Portugal's football history. And for this exciting stage, preparation is about more than training alone. Beyond the usual partnerships in kits and performance gear, Portugal has teamed up with innovative technology brand TORRAS, bringing it on as a partner to document the journey and help capture the moments that shape it.

Recently, the Portugal national football team and rising consumer electronics brand TORRAS unveiled a new collaboration titled "Record Your Passion." At the heart of the partnership is TORRAS' innovative Ostand Case, inspired by a habit that has become increasingly common in the everyday lives of athletes and sports enthusiasts: using their phones to capture the ordinary moments of training and competition. Unlike many sports brands that focus on match-day intensity and immediate results, TORRAS recognized that progress is rarely visible in a single day. It is through the steady act of recording those everyday moments that many athletes begin to see their growth, build deeper confidence, and strengthen their passion for sports.

In many ways, the partnership speaks directly to the long-standing spirit of Portuguese football. Instead of celebrating talent, instinct, or individual heroics alone, it points to something many Portuguese players — Cristiano Ronaldo among them — have come to represent over the years: a grounded willingness to face reality, and to pursue greatness through relentless focus, discipline, and daily commitment. The real effort and sacrifice they make, both in training and life, often resonate more deeply with fans and the public than the final result itself. That is exactly why it matters to capture the moments behind the scenes.

To empower the passion that carry through every moment, TORRAS is also releasing a limited-edition Portugal national team Q3 AIR Ostand case, honoring the dedication and courage that defines Portuguese football through the whole visual design. Drawing inspiration from the team's new kit, the case features a red, green, and gold palette, while the wavy texture reflects Portugal's enduring maritime spirit and legacy of adventure. The case's signature airbag structure is further elevated with the iconic Quinas crest and football-inspired graphics.

Beyond its design and strong protection, the innovative magnetic stand is what makes the TORRAS Ostand case an ideal companion for documenting and sharing everyday training moments. With 180-degree flip, 360-degree rotation, and a secure magnetic hold, this magnetic stand gives athletes an effortless and hands-free way to capture their routines in almost any setting. The phone can be placed steadily on a flat court, attached to nearby fixtures, or mounted on gym equipment, all without bulky filming gear or interrupting the flow of training. The limited-edition case is now available at [https://bit.ly/40TcAWJ].

Recording is not only for athletes, it is also for everyone. For football fans, what could feel more natural than carrying a football-inspired Ostand case into the energy of the game? Whether watching a match or sharing experience with friends, anyone with their phone and Ostand case can capture their own football moments. After all, the chance to take part in, connect with, and share in a global event is itself a moment worth remembering.

Throughout the World Cup season, TORRAS will introduce a series of football-themed activities, bringing fans and sports enthusiasts together to take part in, share, and record the moments of passion that define this global event.

About TORRAS

TORRAS is a global consumer technology brand focused on designing innovative, high-performance mobile accessories that enhance everyday life. Known for its user-centric approach and premium design, TORRAS continues to deliver products that combine functionality, style, and reliability for modern consumers worldwide.

** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

Record Your Passion: TORRAS Partners with Portugal Football for the Season Ahead

Record Your Passion: TORRAS Partners with Portugal Football for the Season Ahead

Record Your Passion: TORRAS Partners with Portugal Football for the Season Ahead

Record Your Passion: TORRAS Partners with Portugal Football for the Season Ahead

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