#Abu Dhabi #United Arab Emirates #Phygital Sports #GOTF 2025

The Games of the Future 2025 Concludes

The Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025, powered by ADNOC, came to a thrilling conclusion after six unforgettable days filled with energy and action. This spectacular event not only showcased an impressive array of physical and digital sports but also emphasized the significance of the Phygital Movement in redefining the future of athletic competitions.

From December 18-23, the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi played host to over 850 participants from more than 60 countries, competing across 11 disciplines including Phygital Sports, Tech Sports, and E-Sports. Spectators filled the arenas, with thousands present to support their favorite competitors, while hundreds of millions tuned in worldwide through broadcasts, social media, and livestreams. The age range of participants varied greatly, from 13 to 72, highlighting the broad appeal of the Games across generations.

Highlights of the Event

The tournament featured numerous thrilling moments, where athletic prowess intersected with strategic gameplay and technological innovation. Highlights included spectacular technical showcases such as the Battle of Robots, which saw 2.48-ton robots compete in formidable matches, capturing the audience's imagination. Additionally, popular E-Sports such as MOBA PC.Dota 2, Mobile Mobile.MLBB, and Battle Royale's Fortnite tournaments added to the excitement.

Innovative Phygital formats like Phygital Football powered by ADNOC, Phygital Basketball: 3on3 FreeStyle presented by M42, and Phygital Shooter: CS 2 captivated fans, along with creative competitions such as Phygital Dancing: Just Dance and Phygital Fighting: FATAL FURY City of the Wolves. State-of-the-art technology was showcased with Phygital Drone Racing, featuring precision pilots competing like elite athletes, raising the stakes and intensity of the event.

The introduction of the VR-Game HADO Global Invitation marked a significant milestone, being its inaugural event in the Middle East, and further enhanced the immersive experience for fans and participants alike. The heavily populated venues and engaging fan experiences underscored the event's unique ability to intertwine live sports with cutting-edge technology, creating a format that is fast-paced, accessible, and deeply engaging for a new generation of fans globally.

Looking Ahead

Nis Hatt, the CEO of Phygital International, expressed extensive pride in the event's accomplishments, stating, “The success of the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation, ambition, and collaboration come together.” He also emphasized the profound contributions of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, ASPIRE, and Ethara in elevating Abu Dhabi's global sports profile and leadership in innovation.

The conclusion of the Games provides a glimpse into the future of sports, where physical performance, technology, and digital culture converge to inspire a new generation of fans and athletes.

The reach of the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 extended globally, broadcast live through the new Games of the Future OTT platform supported by 27 partners tracking in over 13 languages. This extensive participation achieved unprecedented global accessibility and positioned the event as a benchmark for digital, cross-platform sporting broadcasts.

With the conclusion of these Games, eyes now turn to Astana, Kazakhstan, which prepares to host the Games of the Future 2026 next summer. Prior to this, Astana will also conduct Phygital Contenders Tournaments in June, showcasing a variety of disciplines and bringing together both local and international participants. Furthermore, Phygital International has confirmed that the application process for future host cities is now open for candidates interested in hosting the event in 2028, 2029, or 2030, as the Games continue to expand its global presence.

Nis Hatt remarked, “The handover of the Phygital flame to Astana begins an exciting new chapter for the Phygital Movement and the Games of the Future. The upcoming Games in 2026 will build on the impressive foundation laid here in Abu Dhabi and continue pushing the boundaries of what Phygital Sports can achieve on a global scale.”

For full results and additional information on the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025, visit gotfabudhabi.com. Highlights can also be accessed at tv.gofuture.games.