Cities Invited to Apply for Hosting the Games of the Future from 2028 to 2030

The Games of the Future: A New Era of Sport

In a groundbreaking move, Phygital International has officially announced the opening of applications for cities to host the Games of the Future from 2028 to 2030. This event not only represents a new frontier in sports but also aims to attract a younger, digitally-savvy audience by seamlessly merging physical competitions with engaging digital gameplay.

The Games of the Future is designed to inspire a generation to embrace physical activity, pushing them away from screens and into action. By leveraging phygital disciplines, these games aim to bridge the gap between traditional sports and the digital world. This initiative focuses on encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle among the youth, promoting public health alongside physical engagement.

For the host cities, the Games serve as a strategic opportunity to strengthen their sports ecosystems while enhancing youth participation in athletics. As a catalyst for innovation, the event incorporates advanced technologies and next-generation entertainment formats, allowing host cities to position themselves as frontrunners at the intersection of sport, technology, and youth culture.

Interested cities and organizations are urged to partake in this international selection process, with a deadline for the submission of a letter of intent set for July 1, 2026. Applicants will need to obtain early approval from relevant governmental or administrative bodies, with additional requirements and timelines outlined later in the selection process.

The launch of this application phase follows the successful Games of the Future 2025 hosted in Abu Dhabi, which attracted over 40,000 on-site spectators and achieved substantial global outreach. An independent report by IPSOS highlights that the event garnered 461 million broadcast views and reached 137 unique viewers, with 59 million hours viewed—not to mention an additional 388 million views on social media. This level of engagement connects the Games of the Future with established international competitions, showcasing both a broad global audience and the rising momentum of phygital sports.

The upcoming Games of the Future 2026, scheduled for July 29 to August 9 in Astana, Kazakhstan, has already built up significant interest and excitement. Applications for 2027 have also been pouring in, with submissions from countries such as Brazil, Serbia, and Uzbekistan highlighting the rapid international expansion of phygital sports.

John Hewitt, the International Marketing Communications Director at Phygital International, comments, "Hosting the Games of the Future offers more than just a major global event; it provides a platform to foster youth engagement, propel digital transformation, and enhance international visibility through the channels of sports and technology."

As the organization seeks ambitious partner cities that have the vision, infrastructure, and dedication to host a version of the games that reflects local cultures while contributing to the development of sports, the opportunities for cities are profound. Each event gathers elite athletes from various sports, intertwining physical sports with digital gaming in an unprecedented format.

In addition to traditional venues, city-wide fan zones, innovation showcases, and community activities will broaden the experience, providing tangible benefits in tourism, investments, and youth engagement for host cities.

Stéphane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE and a member of the Local Organizing Committee for Games of the Future 2025 in Abu Dhabi, notes, "The hosting of the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 demonstrated that sport is not solely a physical contest; it is a realm where digital skills and human achievement converge. The event, featuring approximately 850 participants from over 60 countries, sparked youth interest in rapidly growing sectors like gaming, AI, and robotics, while also creating a global platform for collaboration within the industry. Abu Dhabi has set a credible benchmark for how future host cities can transform this format into economic success and technological progress."

Cities will be evaluated in a competitive international bidding process based on a series of comprehensive criteria that will include the readiness to utilize infrastructure, capacity for execution, digital innovation, community engagement, and alignment with the values of phygital sports. These applications will be reviewed by an independent panel of experts assembled by Phygital International, ensuring a transparent and performance-driven selection process.

For more information on hosting the Games of the Future starting in 2028, visit phygitalinternational.com or contact [email protected]

About Phygital International (PI)
Phygital International is the global organizer of Phygital Sports, dedicated to the continued development and redefinition of sports. As the manager and rights holder of the Games of the Future, they oversee the host city application process.

Further information can be found at Phygital International or by contacting via email at [email protected].

About the Games of the Future (GOTF)
The Games of the Future are an annual international event that merges the physical and digital realms, epitomizing Phygital Sports. This tournament brings together the next generation of phygital sporting heroes to compete in various phygital disciplines and challenges. The Games of the Future 2025 took place in Abu Dhabi, while the Games of the Future 2026 will be hosted in Astana.

More information is available at gofuture.games.