Games of the Future 2025 Unveils Line-Up of 11 Groundbreaking Phygital Disciplines in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, 7 August 2025 – The Advanced Technology Research Council’s (ATRC) delivery arm, ASPIRE, has officially launched the highly anticipated Games of the Future 2025, featuring an innovative lineup of 11 phygital sports disciplines. Scheduled to take place from 18 to 23 December 2025 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), this six-day global event promises to redefine competitive sport by seamlessly blending physical and digital experiences.
A Pioneering Phygital Sports Festival
The Games of the Future represents a pioneering platform where traditional athleticism meets cutting-edge technology, creating a novel sports ecosystem that engages both physical and digital audiences worldwide. Organised by ASPIRE in collaboration with Ethara, the official Event Delivery Partner, and Phygital International, the global rights holder of the phygital sport movement, the tournament showcases the future of global sports competition.
A lucrative prize pool of USD 5 million awaits the phygital clubs and athletes competing, underscoring the event’s stature as the pinnacle of the phygital sporting calendar.
The 11 Phygital Disciplines
The disciplines fuse digital gaming elements with physical sports, offering a revolutionary spectator and participant experience. The line-up includes:
- Phygital Football: Athletes begin with a football video game challenge followed by traditional gameplay on the pitch.
- Phygital Basketball: Competitors face off with a basketball video game round before transitioning to physical court action.
- Phygital Fighting: A hybrid fight format that starts with a virtual fighting video game match and culminates in a physical bout.
- Phygital Dancing: Participants synchronize live dance movements with an interactive rhythm video game.
- Phygital Shooter: Clubs duel first in a digital shooter game then engage in laser tag battles.
- Battle Royale: A survival-style format where clubs compete to be the last team standing.
- MOBA PC: A Multiplayer Online Battle Arena tournament held on PC platforms.
- MOBA Mobile: A similar MOBA competition designed for mobile devices.
- Drone Racing: Pilots race high-speed drones through complex obstacle courses using first-person view (FPV) headsets.
- VR Games: Immersive virtual reality competitions that test reflexes and spatial awareness.
- Battle of Robots: Remote-controlled robots engage in fast-paced, head-to-head combat matches.
Leadership Perspectives
Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, reflected on the unique merging of sport and technology: “This tournament is where elite clubs and future-facing experiences converge. Hosting the Games of the Future in Abu Dhabi reflects our commitment to elevating the global conversation around the future blend of sport and technology. Abu Dhabi is the perfect host for this bold experiment. Aligning with UAE Vision 2031 and the Year of Community, we aim to foster diverse participation, shared innovation, and connections spanning cultures and generations.”
Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, highlighted the importance of the event: “With confirmation of these 11 disciplines and the substantial prize pool, Abu Dhabi is set to become the global center for phygital sports during this exciting Games of the Future edition. Athletes and fans alike will immerse themselves in a high-octane experience designed for the next generation. As custodians of the phygital movement, we take pride in bringing this global stage of innovation, inclusion, and imagination to life.”
Precursor Event and Venue
Before the main event, the Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi – Football qualifier took place at the ADNEC Centre, transforming the venue into a dynamic arena. This qualifying stage featured 21 clubs battling for entry into the phygital football discipline, showcasing a thrilling mix of tactical and athletic skill within a hyper-interactive environment. This successful precursor highlighted the potential energy and excitement that will define the December Games.
The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre is being specially adapted into a futuristic arena designed for innovation and scalability, perfectly suited to stage this groundbreaking global showcase. Its advanced infrastructure and operational capabilities reaffirm Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier destination at the intersection of technology, sport, and culture.
About the Advanced Technology Research Council and ASPIRE:
The ATRC drives the development and deployment of advanced technologies supporting the UAE’s leadership in technological innovation. ASPIRE, as the Local Delivery Authority, is responsible for executing the Games of the Future and fostering the growth of phygital sports within the region.
For more information on the Games of the Future 2025 and to stay updated, visit the official ASPIRE and ADNEC websites.
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