Games of the Future kick off in Astana
The Games of the Future have officially begun in Astana, reports 24KZ. Over the next ten days, Kazakhstan's capital will become the global hub of phygital sports, where digital technologies meet traditional sporting disciplines. Around 800 participants from South Korea, Saudi Arabia, China, the Philippines, Argentina, Spain, and dozens of other countries will compete for victory. The opening ceremony was attended by the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Gulnara Khasan, correspondent:
- Here, everything is decided in fractions of a second. You need to make the pass at the right moment, catch the perfect timing, and think several moves ahead of your opponent. One mistake, and the ball is already with the other team. But at the Games of the Future, this is only the first half. After the digital match, athletes step onto a real football pitch, where they must prove their virtual advantage through real-life performance.
That is the essence of phygital sports: to win not only behind the screen but also to demonstrate your skills on the field or the tatami. This year, Astana is hosting the new-format sporting event. Around 800 participants from more than 34 countries have gathered in the city. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev personally attended the opening of the competition. The Head of State welcomed the participants and guests of the tournament, noting that such events combine modern technology with traditional sporting values.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan:
- Distinguished heads of state, fellow citizens, dear friends! Today, our beloved capital is hosting a truly unique event. It is a fusion of sport and intellect, as well as a contest between physical strength and intellectual potential. As it turns out, these two elements do not contradict each other but rather complement one another. This is the profound philosophical meaning behind the upcoming competitions. The World Games symbolize the harmonious and peaceful future of all humanity. Together with the international community, Kazakhstan stands for peace, security, justice, and development.
Phygital is not simply a new competition format. It reflects how digital technologies are becoming an integral part of everyday life. This was one of the key points emphasized by the President of Kazakhstan. According to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the development of artificial intelligence and the digital environment now determines the competitiveness of nations, and Kazakhstan intends to remain among the leaders of these transformations.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan:
- The world is undergoing profound changes. Advanced technologies are entering every sphere of life and increasingly shaping the way people live. To meet the demands of this new era, we have begun building a digital state. Our Parliament has adopted a special law on the Digital Code and Artificial Intelligence. These laws provide a major boost to the development of this crucial sector and demonstrate that Kazakhstan is joining the ranks of the world's most advanced nations. On July 1, our country's new Constitution came into force. It is no exaggeration to say that this was a historic event for our people. The Basic Law has established clear boundaries for the rapid development of artificial intelligence in our country while safeguarding the rights of citizens in the digital world.
The opening ceremony brought together not only athletes and fans. Alongside the Head of State, it was attended by the presidents of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, and Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon. Russian President Vladimir Putin joined the ceremony online. Such high-level participation once again confirms that phygital sports have already gone beyond the experimental stage and are becoming an international movement. Its history began only a few years ago. The first Games of the Future were held in a test format in 2022, followed by Kazan, and then Abu Dhabi a year later. Now, Astana has taken over the baton.
Daniel Merkley, CEO of Phygital International:
- We use the phygital movement to bring physical activity back into the lives of young people who may be losing it because they spend too much time playing video games. Over the coming days, you will witness an impressive level of production, excitement, and drama. Even if you are excellent at the digital game, you may still lose if you perform poorly in the phygital part of the competition. I believe that the transition from digital to physical competition adds excitement and tension, making it fascinating to watch in the arena.
The tournament's main feature is that neither virtual skills nor excellent physical fitness alone are enough anymore. Victory belongs only to those who are equally strong behind the screen and on the sports field.
Scott Mann, Secretary General of the Kazakhstan Football Federation:
- I think it's a fantastic way for the younger generation to engage with football and become involved at every level. We have just seen young people playing EA Sports and football simulation games. For many of them, this is their first introduction to football, helping spark their interest in the sport.
That is why the program includes eight disciplines, ranging from phygital football and basketball to Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, PUBG, Mobile Legends, phygital dance, and martial arts. This format helps young people take their first step into traditional sports through the digital environment they are already familiar with. For many participants, these Games represent a chance to make a name for themselves on the international stage. Kazakhstan is represented in the PUBG discipline by DIGA Esports. For the team's players, this tournament marks their debut at an event of this level.
Nurzhan Koyanakov, member of DIGA Esports /Kazakhstan/:
- The qualification process was organized together with the Kazakhstan Esports Federation League, which held open qualifiers, and our team came out on top. All the participating teams are considered Tier 1—the strongest teams in the world—but we believe anything is possible. We will do our best to deliver a достойный performance and hope for a strong result.
Young people make up the majority of the tournament's participants. This is a generation that feels equally confident in both the digital world and on the sports field. Addressing them, the President of Kazakhstan emphasized that they are the ones who will shape the country's future.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan:
- Today, this arena is filled mainly with young people. Your knowledge, talent, hard work, and determination form the solid and unshakable foundation of tomorrow. The road to new heights of progress will not be easy. But every journey becomes easier when you travel side by side with like-minded people and trusted friends.
The competitions are already underway. The first event to begin was the phygital basketball tournament. Eight more days of competition lie ahead, featuring dozens of matches and thousands of fans. Around 800 athletes from 34 countries will compete for the titles, with a total prize pool of US$4.64 million.
Authors: Gulnara Khasan, Yerzhan Kanapiyuly, Ernar Nysanbay