GOTF 2025 ignites Abu Dhabi with a spectacular opening

The wait is over. On 17 December, the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC officially went live with an unforgettable Opening Ceremony marking the start of the planet’s biggest phygital sports event.

A celebration of the global rise of phygital sport – and Abu Dhabi’s role as host city – the ceremony welcomed guests and phygital enthusiasts from across the world, setting the stage for a bold, future-facing celebration of sport where physical and digital worlds collide.

Following a welcome address from H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President on Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs (ATRC), the Opening Ceremony burst into action with a spectacular show introducing all 11 phygital disciplines that will feature at this year’s event. Striking visuals, inspiring athlete moments and tech-driven storytelling were united under the theme “Next Gen Human. Play the Future,” setting the vibe for six days of competition.

The opening ceremony was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.

With the Opening Ceremony over, the tournament now moves into competition mode. Starting tomorrow (December 18), GOTF 2025 bursts into action. Phygital Football powered by ADNOC kicks off, alongside Phygital Basketball. 3on3 FreeStyle brought to you by M42. Battle Royale.Featuring Fortnite and Battle of Robots, also go live as competitors push skill, speed and strategy to the limit.

Esports action ramps up too. MOBA Mobile. launches via livestream from Pixoul, while MOBA PC.Dota 2 steps onto the live stage at ADNEC, as the tournament heats up with semi-finals and playoffs following a series of thrilling early group stage matches.
Don’t miss a second - tickets are on sale now! You can also follow all the action live on tv.gofuture.games, our new streaming hub and digital home for live broadcasts, replays, highlights and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. You’re just a click away.