#Abu Dhabi #United Arab Emirates #Phygital Football #Quetzales FC

Mexico Quetzales - Armadillos FC Crowned Champions at Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi

The much-anticipated finale of the Phygital Contenders Abu Dhabi - Football has concluded, and the champions are none other than Mexico's Quetzales - Armadillos FC. This monumental event unfolded at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) over the course of five days, showcasing an innovative blend of physical and digital gameplay that defines the phygital sports experience.

With 21 elite clubs from around the globe competing for supremacy, the tournament served as a precursor to the upcoming Games of the Future 2025, set to take place this December in the same city. The drama culminated when Mexico Quetzales - Armadillos FC triumphed over CM Jardim in a thrilling final match, a testament to their skill and resilience in both digital and physical formats.

In the decisive showdown, the first stage ended in a nail-biting 3-3 tie, leading to a face-off on the field. Here, the Armadillos clinched a 3-1 victory, resulting in an aggregate score of 6-4 for the match. Rodrigo Ulibarri, a key player for the champions, expressed the team's determination: "We faced immense pressure from day one, and missing out on a spot in the final would have been disappointing. Our fans support us wholeheartedly, and we gave it our all."

The battle for third place between Greni Smith and Zero Tenacity was no less dramatic. After dominating the digital phase with a 6-2 score, Zero Tenacity fought back fiercely in the physical arena, netting four goals in an attempt to reverse the outcome. However, Greni Smith held their ground, securing a narrow victory of 7-6 with a late score by Nizam Omeragić, expressing his confidence in the team's potential for improvement before the Games of the Future.

The semifinal rounds set the stage for intense confrontation, with Mexico Quetzales - Armadillos FC defeating Zero Tenacity in a thrilling penalty shootout after both stages ended tied at 4-4. Meanwhile, CM Jardim advanced to the finals by besting Greni Smith with a final score of 5-3.

Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, shared insights on the event's significance: "As we conclude the Phygital Contenders Abu Dhabi - Football, we are ready for the Games of the Future in December. This year-long dedication from athletes worldwide has reached a celebratory moment, and we eagerly await their future achievements."

The tournament, co-hosted by ASPIRE, Ethara, and Phygital International, highlighted Abu Dhabi's evolving role as a premier hub for phygital sports innovation. With major investments in technology and sports infrastructure, the emirate is set to welcome the best phygital athletes from diverse backgrounds for the Games of the Future 2025.

"Abu Dhabi is the ideal international platform for these events. It's future-oriented, technology-driven, and well-equipped to host entirely new sports formats successfully," remarked Hatt.

About Phygital International

Phygital International is dedicated to promoting phygital sports globally, focusing on innovation and redefining sporting experiences. They oversee the organization of the Games of the Future and manage the bids from host cities.

About the Games of the Future

The Games of the Future is an annual international event merging physical and digital worlds, representing the zenith of phygital sports. The 2025 edition will take place in Abu Dhabi, with the next in Astana, Kazakhstan in 2026.

Conclusion

The Phygital Contenders has set an electrifying tone for what lies ahead in December. With a rich showcase of talent and dedication, the anticipation for the Games of the Future continues to build, promising a thrilling competition for all involved.