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México Quetzales - Armadillos FC: Champions of Phygital Contenders 2025

The excitement in Abu Dhabi reached its peak as the Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi - Football concluded with México Quetzales - Armadillos FC emerging as champions. Over the course of five days, from July 25 to 29, 2025, this thrilling tournament featured 21 clubs competing for just six coveted spots at the upcoming Games of the Future scheduled for December.

An Unforgettable Showdown

In the grand final held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Armadillos FC faced off against CM Jardim in a hard-fought match that showcased both physical and digital skills. After an intense 3-3 draw during the initial stages, the second phase saw Armadillos secure a noteworthy victory, concluding with a total score of 6-4.

Rodrigo Ulibarri, a key player for Armadillos, expressed the pressure his team felt throughout the tournament, stating, "We have had a lot of pressure from day 1, and it would have been such a disappointment if we didn't get a spot. We brought our A-game, and we know we are a fan favorite team."

The Battle for Third Place

The competition for third place was equally compelling as Greni Smith routed Zero Tenacity in the digital phase, achieving a 6-2 win. However, Zero Tenacity showed resilience during the physical challenge, scoring four times to close the gap significantly. Ultimately, Greni Smith clinched the third spot with a narrow overall victory of 7-6. Nizam Omeragić, player for Greni Smith, noted: "The team is proud. We know we still have a lot of work to do before December."

Semifinal Drama

The semifinals were filled with anticipation and excitement. Armadillos FC triumphed over Zero Tenacity in a dramatic penalty shootout after both rounds ended in a 4-4 stalemate. Meanwhile, CM Jardim reached the finals by defeating Greni Smith through a commendable performance that resulted in a 5-3 total score.

Looking Forward

Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, praised the athletes' dedication and announced that the stage was set for the future games. "With the conclusion of Phygital Contenders Abu Dhabi, we now eagerly await the Games of the Future in December," he stated, emphasizing the significance of this event for the sports world.

The Phygital Contenders Abu Dhabi tournament, a collaborative effort by ASPIRE and Ethara, demonstrated Abu Dhabi’s commitment to being a leader in the realm of innovative sports. This prestigious Emirate continues to garner attention as a global center for next-gen sports, with the anticipation of hosting elite phygital athletes later this year at the Games of the Future.

Both technology and sports intersect in unique ways during these events, showcasing a future where traditional and digital sports coexist. The upcoming Games of the Future in December is set to bring global attention, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a pioneer in the integration of new sporting formats.

As the excitement builds for the Games of the Future, all eyes will be on the talented athletes who will once again take to the stage, vying for victory and showcasing the potential of phygital sports.