Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025, a global phygital sport event powered by ADNOC, were announced to take place from 18 to 23 December at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for 17 December. It will introduce one of the most diverse athlete line-ups reported in phygital sport. The event brings physical performance and digital skill together under the theme “Next Gen Human. Play the Future.”

Phygital sport combines traditional athletic competition with its digital counterpart in a single format. Clubs first compete in virtual rounds. They then face each other in physical arenas. Combined scores determine winners. This format reflects the growing connection between technology and real-world performance.

More than 850 participants from 60 countries are confirmed to compete. They will take part across 11 disciplines. The field includes champion clubs, emerging talent, and new competitors from the global phygital ecosystem.

Faisal Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President and Secretary-General of the Advanced Technology Research Council, said phygital sport represents a new generational mindset. He noted that the event aims to empower youth, support innovation, and build communities around future technologies.

The Games of the Future will feature athletes who demonstrate both physical and digital proficiency. Star players, esports professionals, and phygital specialists are expected to compete. The event reflects the evolution of sport in a connected world and marks a milestone for the expanding phygital movement.

Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, said the Games of the Future continues to set global benchmarks for phygital sport. He added that confirmed clubs across all disciplines highlight the rapid growth of hybrid competition.

Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, said technology is reshaping sport through digital platforms, immersive gaming environments, and real-time analytics. He stated that the Games of the Future demonstrates how innovation can redefine competition and audience engagement.

The draw ceremony has confirmed opening group-stage matchups for most disciplines. As the tournament progresses, full competitive pathways will be revealed. Clubs will compete for progression and a place in the finals, with a total prize pool of US$5 million.

• Over 850 athletes from 60 countries will compete
• Matches will span 11 phygital sport disciplines
• The event features a US$5 million pooled prize

Alongside the competition, Abu Dhabi will host the Phygital Sports Summit on 17 December. The summit will bring together athletes, innovators, policymakers, and experts to discuss the future of hybrid sports.

The programme includes keynote sessions, panel discussions, and fireside talks. Topics will include sport and technology convergence, human AI synergy, youth engagement, athlete wellbeing, and the long-term impact of phygital competition.

The summit will be hosted by Amy Jane Gillingham, Mohammed Al Hosani, and Sabine Sassine. Participants will include representatives from Phygital International, Games of the Future partners, and global contributors to the phygital ecosystem.

Expected attendees include UAE Minister of Sports Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Bahrain’s Minister of Youth Affairs Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfeeqi, Sheikha Dina bint Rashed Al Khalifa, and Türkiye’s Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Osman Aşkın Bak.

The Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025, powered by ADNOC, is organised by ASPIRE in collaboration with Ethara and Phygital International. It is supported by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the UAE Ministry of Sports.

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