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In Astana, after five days of intense Phygital competition, over 60 athletes qualified for the 2026 The Games of the Future. The competition blended physical performance with esports skills across three disciplines.
ASTANA, KazakhstanJune 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 2026 Phygital Contenders Astana concluded with a spectacular showcase, crowning champions in three disciplines and finalizing the latest list of clubs and athletes qualifying for the 2026 The Games of the Future. Over five days in Astana, more than 200 competitors from over 20 countries and regions battled fiercely for tickets to the 2026 The Games of the Future in Phygital Football, Phygital Basketball, and Phygital Dancing.
ACF x Allur celebrating after their win at Phygital Contenders Astana 2026.
The event, held at world-class venues in Astana, brought together some of the top competitors from Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. The qualification process for the entire season entered a decisive phase.
Team ACF x Allur secured their spot in Phygital Football with dominant performances in both the group stage and knockout rounds at the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace. The team demonstrated the blend of digital precision and physical execution that defines competition at this level. NS Team, KMF Titograd, and FC OLYMPIC PHYGITAL also claimed their places, showing strong form throughout the intense five-day schedule.
In Phygital Basketball, ZM NITUI claimed the title with an undefeated record, combining digital precision with outstanding on-court performance at the Alau Ice Palace to take the crown. MINSK, Valencia Basket, and Triada also successfully qualified for the 2026 The Games of the Future. They emerged from a highly competitive field and will return to Astana later this summer.
Jan Kroflin of ZM NITUI, reflecting on the achievement, said: “We faced a strong team and knew we had to bring our best. We stayed focused, executed our game plan, and got the result we wanted. Now our attention turns to The Games of the Future.“
In Phygital Dancing, Andres Guardo claimed the title with a series of performances showcasing the rhythm, precision, and consistency required at the highest level of Phygital sport. Runner-up Sagdi, along with third-place finisher Susan Huertas and fourth-place Sergio Mayta, also broke through the intense competition to secure their spots. Reflecting on the victory, Andres Guardo said: “When I step on stage, I become a completely different person. I think that shift in mindset is what set me apart on the floor. I hope to perform even better at the 2026 The Games of the Future.“
John Hewitt, Director of International Marketing and Communications at Phygital International, said: “The 2026 Phygital Contenders Astana showcased the extraordinary talent, determination, and competitive spirit that define Phygital sport. This event brought together athletes and clubs from around the world, highlighting both the global appeal of the format and the strength and diversity of Phygital competition. Looking ahead to the 2026 The Games of the Future, the performances we witnessed in Astana have fans eagerly anticipating the spectacle of the world’s top Phygital athletes competing together later this summer.“
The top four finishers in each discipline at the 2026 Phygital Contenders Astana earned qualification. The final two spots in each of the three disciplines will be allocated in the coming weeks based on overall season rankings. Once all spots are confirmed, the full roster of qualifiers for the 2026 GOTF from this series will be finalized, recognizing clubs and athletes who have consistently excelled throughout the 2025/26 competitive season.
With the 2026 Phygital Contenders Astana concluded, attention now turns to the 2026 The Games of the Future, set to take place in Astana from July 29 to August 9. As the pinnacle event on the global Phygital calendar, this competition will bring together over 800 participants from more than 50 countries and regions to compete in Phygital Football, Phygital Basketball, Phygital Dancing, Phygital Shooter, Phygital Fighting, MOBA PC, MOBA Mobile, and Battle Royale, vying for a prize pool of over $4 million, showcasing the future of sport on the world’s largest Phygital stage.
For the latest updates on the 2026 The Games of the Future, visit the official website. Fans can watch all the action from the 2026 Phygital Contenders Astana, as well as relive highlights from the 2025 GOTF, on Phygital+.
Media professionals interested in attending the 2026 The Games of the Future can now register here.