Phygital Basketball Final: ZM NITUI crowned champions at Phygital Contenders Astana 2026

ZM NITUI claimed the Phygital Basketball title at Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 as an action-packed final brought the qualification race for the Games of the Future 2026 to its conclusion. With silverware and places at phygital sport's biggest event on the line, the competition delivered a fitting conclusion to a tournament that had already produced some standout performances and unpredictable results.

The day began with the battle for the remaining Games of the Future 2026 qualification places, which got underway with a high-stakes clash between two of the tournament's most consistent teams – Voždovac and Valencia Basket. Valencia Basket quickly showed why they had been among the standout performers in Astana, building a commanding 19-8 advantage in the digital stage. Voždovac responded with a spirited fightback on the court and, with just over two minutes remaining, had cut the deficit to five points. The outcome remained firmly in the balance, but Valencia Basket held their nerve in the closing stages to secure a 28-21 victory and become the first team of the day to qualify for the Games of the Future 2026.

Marcos Reos from Valencia Basket: "We prepared extremely well for this match. We knew we were facing a very strong team, so we spent time analyzing both their games and our own to build the best possible strategy. We expected the digital stage to be decisive, as both teams are very strong on the court, and our team executed the plan perfectly. That gave us the confidence we needed heading into the physical stage. Qualifying for the Games of the Future was our main goal in entering the tournament, so we're thrilled to have achieved it. It's been an incredible experience competing here, and we're excited to return for the Games of the Future 2026."

The second qualification match produced a masterclass on holding your nerve as Triada faced ARENA BULLS. After ARENA BULLS claimed a 16-12 advantage in the digital stage, all eyes turned to the court.

Triada wasted little time erasing the deficit. Less than five minutes into the physical stage, the scoreboard had already swung in their favor. Controlling the tempo and finding success around the basket, Triada completed their comeback to secure a 36-27 victory and earn their ticket to the Games of the Future 2026.

A champion crowned

The last and most anticipated match of the day, the Super Final brought together two unbeaten teams as ZM NITUI and MINSK went head-to-head for the Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 title. The digital stage reflected the quality of the occasion. Neither side gave an inch, with ZM NITUI edging ahead 19-18 to take the slimmest of advantages onto the court.

With just one point separating the teams, the title was still up for grabs. But ZM NITUI raised their level when it mattered most. MINSK repeatedly threatened to close the gap, but ZM NITUI always had an answer. Their sharp movement, clinical shooting and strong team chemistry gradually increased the gap, turning a finely balanced contest into a championship-winning performance.

By the final buzzer, ZM NITUI had completed a dominant 38-27 victory, finishing the tournament unbeaten and being crowned Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 champions.

Jan Kroflin of ZM NITUI: "Our experience at Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 has been excellent. Today we faced a strong team and knew we would have to be at 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. We'll keep working to strengthen every aspect of our game, and for anyone planning to beat us, I hope they're doing the same."

Games of the Future 2026

So that’s it for this year’s Phygital Basketball event and all eyes now turn to the Games of the Future 2026 beginning next month. If the quality and determination shown at Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 is anything to go by, it will be the mother of all showdowns when these teams meet again – along with those who have already qualified directly.

You can relive all the action from this year’s competition on our streaming platform Phygital+ and see all the results on the official Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 platform.

For more information on Phygital Contenders: Astana and the Games of the Future 2026, check our website or contact press@phygitalinternational.com.