Phygital Basketball kicks off Games of the Future 2026 with thrilling opening-day action
The Games of the Future 2026 Powered by SAMRUK-KAZYNA officially got underway as Phygital Basketball presented by Halyk Fund opened the competition with eight high-quality contests.
While several teams made an immediate statement with commanding victories, others were forced to dig deep in closely fought encounters that highlighted the strength of competition the tournament promises. Here’s how it all went down.
Group A
GTB KZ vs Zagrebacki mališani NITUI
The honor of opening Games of the Future Astana 2026 belonged to home side GTB KZ and reigning Phygital Contenders champions Zagrebacki mališani NITUI. Backed by the Astana crowd, GTB KZ set out to make a strong start, but their opponents immediately demonstrated why they’re one of the favourites.
ZM NITUI controlled the digital stage from the opening minutes, building a 19-10 advantage through disciplined defence and efficient shooting. The momentum continued on court, with ZM NITUI consistently finding success from beyond the arc. They maintained their undefeated streak from Phygital Contenders by securing the first victory of the tournament.
Digital stage: GTB KZ 10-19 ZM NITUI
Physical stage: GTB KZ 7-15 ZM NITUI
Final result: GTB KZ 17-34 ZM NITUI
Filip Pejovic from GTB KZ said: "Competing at the Games of the Future is a fantastic experience. This is my first phygital competition, and I've really enjoyed combining basketball with the digital stage. I actually stopped playing video games after high school, so returning to them after 20 years has been a unique challenge."
Dangerous vs HandsomeMDMX
The day's most dramatic contest saw Dangerous overturn a seven-point deficit to defeat HandsomeMDMX in front of an animated Astana crowd.
HandsomeMDMX looked in control after producing a composed digital stage to establish a 13-20 lead. However, Dangerous transformed the match on the court through relentless defensive pressure and aggressive drives to the basket. After closing to within two points with just 90 seconds remaining, Dangerous caught fire from long range, knocking down three consecutive shots from downtown to complete a remarkable comeback and claim a memorable opening-day victory.
Digital stage: Dangerous 13-20 HandsomeMDMX
Physical stage: Dangerous 24-11 HandsomeMDMX
Final result: Dangerous 37-31 HandsomeMDMX
Group B
Liga Pro Team vs MINSK
One of the most anticipated matches of the opening day saw reigning Games of the Future 2025 champions Liga Pro Team against Phygital Contenders runners-up MINSK.
MINSK made the stronger start, building a valuable 19-11 lead during the digital stage. Liga Pro Team responded decisively on the court, increasing the intensity and gradually reducing the eight-point deficit. Back-to-back free throws brought the overall score level at 23-23, setting up a tense finish in which the lead changed hands several times.
The defending champions remained composed in the closing moments, edging ahead to complete the comeback and secure a 30-27 victory.
Digital stage: Liga Pro Team 11-19 MINSK
Physical stage: Liga Pro Team 19-8 MINSK
Final result: Liga Pro Team 30-27 MINSK
"That was a tough match for us. We had a strong first half and won it by 8 points, but the second half was difficult since we were up against the current Liga Pro champions. Still, I think we gave them a real battle. Our journey to get here has been a long one and we feel well prepared," said Vaclav Bugaev from MINSK
Team Apex vs Flow Game Basketball
The match between Flow Game Basketball and Team Apex highlighted the importance of building a strong advantage in the digital stage. Flow Game Basketball produced a dominant opening performance, taking a commanding 20-5 lead before the teams stepped onto the court.
Team Apex responded with a much-improved level of control in the physical stage, battling until the final whistle. However, the early deficit proved too much to overcome – Flow Game Basketball maintained their comfortable cushion to secure a 34-22 victory.
Digital stage: Team Apex 5-20 Flow Game Basketball
Physical stage: Team Apex 17-14 Flow Game Basketball
Final result: Team Apex 22-34 Flow Game Basketball
Francisco Celentano from Flow Game Basketball said after his first match: "We're really excited to be here. This experience is completely new for us, but we've enjoyed every minute of it. We're stronger on the physical side, while the digital stage is where we still need more practice, but we're improving step by step. We came here to enjoy the experience, try something new, and that's exactly what we are set to do. Vamos, Flow Game!"
Group C
Voždovac Beograd vs Triada
The first match after the break saw Voždovac Beograd take on Triada in a contest that showcased high-intensity defence and impressive shooting from both sides.
Triada established control in the digital stage, building a valuable 20-11 advantage. Voždovac fought to reduce the deficit through their trademark chemistry and quick ball movement. However, Triada remained disciplined defensively, forcing their opponents into difficult shots from beyond the arc. Although the physical stage ended level at 14-14, Triada's digital lead proved the decisive factor, giving them a welcome victory.
Digital stage: Voždovac Beograd 11-20 Triada
Physical stage: Voždovac Beograd 14-14 Triada
Final result: Voždovac Beograd 25-34 Triada
PBC Astana vs Paris Phygital
Home side PBC Astana came close to producing one of the biggest comebacks of the day before Paris Phygital held on to claim victory.
Led by former Olympic 3x3 player Mister Nice, Paris Phygital took control early, producing a composed digital stage to open up a 19-9 advantage. The momentum shifted dramatically on the court, however, as PBC Astana fed off the home crowd to start the physical stage with four unanswered points and steadily chip away at the deficit. With just one minute remaining, the scoreboard showed a narrow 23-20 lead for Paris Phygital, but the French side remained composed to close out a hard-fought 25-22 victory.
“It was a tough match. Building an advantage in the digital stage proved crucial because PBC Astana pushed us all the way on the court. Personally, this match was special as it marked my return to basketball after two years away and now our focus is on keeping the momentum going." - Dominique Gentil from Paris Phygital
Digital stage: PBC Astana 9-19 Paris Phygital
Physical stage: PBC Astana 13-6 Paris Phygital
Final result: PBC Astana 22-25 Paris Phygital
Boca Juniors vs Valencia Basket
Two of the tournament's most recognisable clubs met much earlier than many had expected.
Both sides displayed excellent composure during a closely contested digital stage, where Valencia Basket gradually edged ahead to establish a 15-20 lead against Boca Juniors. The intensity continued on the court, with both teams producing skilful attacking play and disciplined defence. Valencia's partnership of Marcos Reos and Lu proved decisive, working together effectively to extend the advantage and secure a deserved 26-32 victory.
Digital stage: Boca Juniors 15-20 Valencia Basket
Physical stage: Boca Juniors 11-12 Valencia Basket
Final result: Boca Juniors 26-32 Valencia Basket
Club Pepesqueros vs Wilders
Wilders completed an impressive opening-day performance with a composed victory over Club Pepesqueros, although it was their digital superiority that helped them to victory after a very tight physical game.
Wilders raced into an early lead, finishing the digital stage with a commanding 20-10 advantage. Club Pepesqueros responded with a determined display on the court and edged the physical stage by a single point, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
Digital stage: Club Pepesqueros 10-20 Wilders
Physical stage: Club Pepesqueros 11-10 Wilders
Final result: Club Pepesqueros 21-30Wilders
Key Takeaways
The opening day of Phygital Basketball presented by Halyk Fund delivered exactly what the Games of the Future is known for – elite competition, dramatic momentum swings and the unique challenge of mastering both the digital and physical stages.
With the group stage only just underway, there’s still everything to play for as teams continue their pursuit of a place in the knockout rounds. The action continues tomorrow at 2pm local time with another full schedule of Phygital Basketball matches as the race to become Games of the Future champions gathers momentum.
Full schedule here.
Where to Watch
Whether you're cheering from the stands or following from the other side of the world, Phygital+ is the home of the Games of the Future 2026. Subscribers can enjoy live coverage of every discipline, full event and day-pass access, video-on-demand replays, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content throughout the tournament.
Alongside Phygital+, Games of the Future 2026 is being broadcast by leading media partners across the globe, including Fox Sports Mexico (Mexico), StarTimes (Africa), BIGG TV (France/Worldwide), ESR TV (USA/Worldwide), Play TV (Brazil), Unbeaten (Australia) and QazSport (Kazakhstan), ensuring fans around the world can follow the action as it unfolds.
The Games of the Future experience continues beyond the live action, with celebrity host Matt Richardson bringing fans exclusive behind-the-scenes access, updates and highlights throughout the tournament via @gamesofthefutureofficial.
