The countdown is on: 30 days until Games of the Future 2026

Final preparations are now under way for Games of the Future 2026, which begins in Astana, Kazakhstan in 30 days. From 29 July to 9 August, more than 800 participants from over 50 nationalities will compete across eight disciplines, hoping to win the title of GOTF champion and a share of a prize pool worth more than US$4 million.

Following months of qualification events around the world, including the recent Phygital Contenders Astana 2026, the field is almost locked in. The next milestone will be the official Draw Ceremony on 7 July, when the teams and athletes will finally learn who they will be facing in phygital sport’s ultimate showdown.

The world's best are ready:

Qualification tournaments helped shape the lineup for this year's event, with standout clubs and athletes from every discipline securing their place in Astana.

• In Phygital Football, home favorites ACF x Allur booked their place after winning Phygital Contenders Astana 2026. They will be joined by defending champions Armadillos FC, who are looking to retain the title they claimed at GOTF 2025.
• ZM NITUI arrive in Astana as Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 champions, with a roster blending professional basketball, 3x3 and NBA 2K experience. They will be joined by Valencia Basket, whose rich basketball heritage now extends to the phygital arena.
• The Phygital Dancing competition features leading performers from the global Just Dance community, including Andrés Guardo, alongside experienced international competitor Sagdi (Sugdiyona Abdukhalikova).
• In Phygital Shooter, GOTF 2025 Winner Novaq will look to retain their title, while Minsk House returns determined to improve on last year's third-place finish.

Further athlete announcements will follow in the coming days as the final line-up for Games of the Future 2026 is confirmed.

Next stop: the draw

The countdown continues on 7 July, when the official Draw Ceremony will reveal the tournament brackets, revealing the opening match-ups and establishing each team's route to the podium.

With rivalries ready to be renewed and new contenders preparing to make their mark, the draw marks the moment the competition truly comes to life.

A city-wide global celebration

For 12 days, Astana will become the global home of phygital sport, with matches taking place across four iconic venues throughout the city:

• The iconic Barys Arena, home to Kazakhstan's leading ice hockey club.
• The Beeline Arena, often called the “crown jewel of Kazakhstan’s tennis progam” and situated in the heart of the city.
• The Athletics Sports Complex "Qazaqstan", Astana’s famed sports complex for national and international athletics events
• Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace named after Kazakhstan's legendary Olympic champion.

The excitement continues beyond the arenas, with Comic Con Astana happening at the same time (5-9 August) and where Phygital Dancing will also take place – creating a unique crossover of sport, gaming and pop culture across the capital.

Follow @gamesofthefutureofficial for coverage of the official draw, athlete announcements and behind-the-scenes content as the road to Astana reaches its final destination.

Get a taste of what’s to come by watching the best moments from GOTF 2025 and Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 on demand at Phygital+.