Phygital International has announced that Abu Dhabi will host the 2025 edition of the Games of the Future, a global esports and phygital sports event. Revealed by release on Thursday, May 29, the capital of the UAE will welcome the tournament from December 18–23, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) , bringing together athletes and gamers for a unique mix of virtual and real-world competition.
The second edition of the Games of the Future, organized by UAE-based Phygital International and led by CEO Nis Hatt , will feature teams competing in both popular video games and hybrid phygital disciplines such as football, basketball, and dancing.
Image: Phygital International
Phygital International first confirmed the UAE as the host country in June 2024, but the specific city and dates were only revealed on May 29. Along with that update came fresh details on the event lineup, which includes returning and new disciplines like Phygital Football, Phygital Shooter, tech sports, and esports.
As the name suggests, the event’s focus is on combining physical and digital elements. In each discipline, participants first play a digital version of the sport, then transition into competing in the same sport in real life. Final results are calculated based on both performances. It’s a hybrid format that mirrors concepts like chess boxing, where players alternate between mental and physical rounds in a single match.
Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, commented on the announcement:
“We’re thrilled that Abu Dhabi will welcome thousands of phygital athletes, clubs, and fans for the Games of the Future 2025,” said Hatt.
The event is being coordinated with support from UAE-based organizations. ASPIRE has been appointed as the official Delivery Authority , overseeing innovation, stakeholder alignment, and funding. Meanwhile, Ethara has been named the event delivery partner , handling the full execution and operations of the Games.
Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, added:
“As the UAE Delivery Authority, ASPIRE is proud to help shape the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 – a global platform where sport, technology, and imagination converge. From AI-powered mobility to immersive digital experiences, Abu Dhabi is where innovation meets impact. We look forward to welcoming the world to ADNEC this December for an event that will inspire the future of sport and technology.”
Games of the Future 2025 is an international event and is not affiliated with any government or political entity. The competing teams are independent clubs from across the globe , coming together to celebrate sport, technology, and innovation in one unified competition.
While last year’s edition did see a few team withdrawals, particularly within the Dota 2 community, the 2025 tournament in Abu Dhabi signals a fresh start, with a focus on global participation and a forward-looking approach to how we experience both digital and physical sports.
However, the Games of the Future event has faced criticism in the past due to its alleged links to the Russian Federation. The 2024 edition also saw multiple teams withdraw from the event, especially within the Dota 2 community. These included Nigma Galaxy, Nouns, and Heroic.
And with the UAE continuing to grow its presence in tech and entertainment, Games of the Future 2025 adds another noteworthy entry to the region’s evolving events calendar.
This article was updated on May 30, 2025, to correct factual inaccuracies regarding the event’s organizers and affiliations, and to provide additional context about the Games of the Future 2025.
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