México Quetzales - Armadillos FC Crowned Champions at Phygital Contenders in Abu Dhabi Football

México Quetzales - Armadillos FC Crowned Champions at Phygital Contenders

In a thrilling conclusion to the Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi - Football, México Quetzales - Armadillos FC has claimed the championship title. Held from July 25 to July 29 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), this prestigious tournament saw 21 elite clubs compete fiercely across both physical and digital arenas. As a result, six premier teams earned their spots for the upcoming Games of the Future 2025, which will take place in December in Abu Dhabi.

A Clash of Titans

The event culminated in a nail-biting final where México Quetzales faced off against CM Jardim. This gripping match showcased a unique blend of rapid digital gameplay alongside traditional skills, setting the stage for an unforgettable showdown. After an intense match that ended in a 3-3 tie during the first phase, the teams battled again. Ultimately, México Quetzales triumphed with a score of 3-1 in the final, totaling 6-4 over the two matches.

Rodrigo Ulibarri, a player from México Quetzales, expressed his team's relief and excitement, saying, "The pressure was immense from day one, and we would have been very disappointed not to secure our ticket. We gave it our all and know we are the fan favorites."

Competing for Glory

The race for third place was equally fierce. Greni Smith put on a stellar performance against Zero Tenacity in an exhilarating digital battle, winning 6-2. Although Zero Tenacity fought back fiercely on the field, scoring four goals in an attempt to overturn the scoreline, Greni Smith held firm and clinched the final victory at 7-6 overall.

Nizam Omeragić from Greni Smith shared, "Our team is proud. We are aware that there is still a lot of work ahead of us before December. Everything we've gone through to reach this point was truly worth it, and we will return even stronger, determined to win."

Path to Victory

The semi-finals were filled with excitement and intensity, setting the stage for the final. México Quetzales secured their place by overcoming Zero Tenacity after a dramatic penalty shootout, following a 4-4 aggregate score. Meanwhile, CM Jardim advanced by defeating Greni Smith 3-1 in the digital match and securing a 2-2 draw in the physical confrontation, resulting in a 5-3 aggregate score.

Nis Hatt, General Manager of Phygital International, reflected on the event, stating, "The outcome of the Phygital Contenders Abu Dhabi - Football sets the stage for the Games of the Future in December. This is the culmination of a year of dedication from athletes around the world. We celebrate this moment with them and are eager to see what they will accomplish by the end of the year alongside many other athletes."

Looking Ahead

As Abu Dhabi continues to establish itself as a global hub for innovation and next-gen sports, the spotlight now shifts to December. The emirate will host top phygital athletes from diverse backgrounds and disciplines for the Games of the Future 2025. According to Nis Hatt, "Abu Dhabi is the perfect international gateway. It is future-oriented, technology-driven, and already deeply invested in both sports and cyber competitions. The city possesses the passion, capability, and infrastructure to host entirely new sporting events effectively."

About Phygital International

Phygital International serves as the global promoter of phygital sports, focusing on innovation and redefining competitive experiences. The organization manages the rights to the Games of the Future and oversees the bidding process for prospective host cities. To learn more, visit Phygital International.

Games of the Future

The Games of the Future is an annual international event merging physical and digital realms, showcasing the pinnacle of phygital sports. It brings together the next generation of phygital sport heroes from around the world across various disciplines and challenges. The 2025 Games will occur in Abu Dhabi, with the 2026 Games planned for Astana, Kazakhstan. For more information, visit Games of the Future.

About ASPIRE and Ethara

ASPIRE accelerates future transformative technologies as part of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) of Abu Dhabi, coordinating research, investments, and policy. Ethara shapes the future of entertainment, sports, culture, and asset management on a regional and global scale.

For more details about ASPIRE, visit ASPIRE and for Ethara, check Ethara.