Cities Invited to Bid for Hosting the Games of the Future 2028-2030

Opening Bids for the Games of the Future 2028-2030

Phygital International (PI), the global promoter of phygital sports and titleholder of the Games of the Future rights, has officially opened the invitation for cities to bid to host the upcoming editions of the Games from 2028 to 2030. This innovative event, which integrates immersive digital gameplay with real-world competition, aims to play a pivotal role in the future of sports and offers a unique opportunity for cities to showcase their commitment to health, technology, and youth engagement.

The Games of the Future serve as a global platform aimed at reconnecting the digital generation with physical activity and sports. This event utilizes phygital disciplines to bridge the gap between virtual and traditional sports, encouraging youth to move from screens to active participation, thus promoting long-term healthy lifestyles.

For host cities, the Games represent a strategic tool for enhancing both grassroots and elite sports ecosystems, increasing youth engagement in physical activities, and promoting public health. Furthermore, it accelerates innovation agendas by integrating advanced technologies, digital platforms, and cutting-edge entertainment formats, positioning host cities as forefront players at the intersection of sports, technology, and youth culture.

Interested cities and organizations are invited to take part in this competitive international bidding process to host one of the fastest-growing global sports events. The first requirement is to submit a Letter of Intent by July 1, 2026. Candidate cities must also secure initial support from a relevant governmental authority or official. Further requirements and deadlines will be communicated as the process progresses.

The opening of the bidding process follows the successful Games of the Future 2025 held in Abu Dhabi, which attracted over 40,000 live attendees and achieved significant global reach and engagement. An independent report by IPSOS indicated that the event garnered 461 million television views, with 137 million unique viewers and 59 million hours of viewing time, alongside an additional 388 million views across social media platforms. This level of engagement places the Games of the Future on par with established international competitions and highlights the increasing appeal of the phygital movement, particularly among young audiences, with 90% of viewers aged 18 to 34 years old.

With the upcoming Games of the Future 2026 scheduled in Astana, Kazakhstan, from July 29 to August 9, and strong interest already shown for the 2027 host city selection—candidates include Brazil, Serbia, and Uzbekistan—the launch of the bidding process for 2028-2030 further cements the rapid international expansion of phygital sports.

"Hosting the Games of the Future offers more than just a global event; it provides a platform to drive youth engagement, accelerate digital transformation, and enhance international visibility through sport and technology," stated John Hewitt, International Marketing and Communications Director at Phygital International. "Building on the success of Abu Dhabi and looking ahead to Astana this summer, we invite ambitious cities to help shape the next chapter of this global movement. We seek partner cities with the vision, infrastructure, and commitment needed to host an edition of the Games that reflects local culture and simultaneously contributes to the evolution of sport."

Each edition of the Games gathers elite athletes across various phygital disciplines, combining physical sports with video games into a single format. Fan zones, innovation showcases, and community activities extend the experience beyond traditional venues and audiences, providing tangible benefits for host cities in areas such as tourism, investment, and youth participation.

Stéphane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE and member of the Local Organizing Committee for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025, remarked, "Organizing the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 showcased that sports are no longer confined to physical competition but are an arena where digital capability and human performance converge. By bringing together nearly 850 competitors from over 60 nations, the event spurred youth participation in high-growth sectors like gaming, AI, and robotics while creating a global platform for industrial collaboration. This way, Abu Dhabi established itself as a reliable benchmark for how future host cities can transform this format into economic impact and technological advancement."

Host cities are chosen through a competitive international bidding process assessed according to a comprehensive set of criteria, including infrastructure preparedness, execution capability, digital innovation, legacy planning, community engagement, and alignment with phygital sport values. All bids are evaluated by an independent committee of experts convened by Phygital International, comprising specialists in sports, technology, event organization, and governance to ensure a transparent, robust, and merit-based selection process.

For more details on how to organize the Games of the Future from 2028 onwards, visit phygitalinternational.com or contact us at [email protected].

About Phygital International (PI)

Phygital International is the global promoter of phygital sports, focusing on innovating and redefining the essence of sport. It is the custodian and rights holder of the Games of the Future and oversees the bidding process for each host city.

About the Games of the Future (GOTF)

The Games of the Future represent an annual international event merging the physical and digital worlds, culminating in the celebration of phygital sports. The tournament gathers the next generation of phygital sports heroes worldwide to compete across a wide range of phygital disciplines and challenges. The Games of the Future 2025 were held in Abu Dhabi, while the Games of the Future 2026 are scheduled for Astana. For more information, visit gofuture.games.