Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 Set to Showcase Global Phygital Sports Talent

Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025, powered by ADNOC, will be held from 18–23 December at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 17 December, ushering in one of the most diverse and competitive athlete line-ups in hybrid sports, united under the event’s signature identity: Next Gen Human. Play the Future.

The event features phygital sport, a hybrid format combining traditional athletic competition with digital counterparts. Clubs first compete in virtual rounds before meeting in physical arenas, with combined scores determining the winners. This innovative approach reflects the growing intersection of technology and real-world performance, offering an immersive new model of sport. More than 850 participants from 60 countries — including champion clubs, rising talents, and breakout newcomers — will compete across 11 disciplines.

Faisal al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President and Secretary-General of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), said, “Phygital sport represents more than a new format — it represents the mindset of a new generation. Abu Dhabi is proud to host this year’s games, creating a stage where physical excellence and digital mastery come together. Our goal is to empower youth, accelerate innovation, and build communities around the technologies that will shape tomorrow.”

The Games of the Future brings together elite athletes from across the phygital ecosystem, showcasing competitors who excel in both physical performance and digital skills. Star players, esports talents, and rising phygital specialists will converge in Abu Dhabi, promising unprecedented excitement and intensity.

Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, said, “The Games of the Future continues to set a new global benchmark in phygital sport. The rapid growth of this movement is clear, and Abu Dhabi is poised to host an exceptional edition this year, bringing fans closer to the next generation of competition.”

Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, added, “Technology is transforming every aspect of our lives, and sport is no exception. By integrating advanced digital platforms, immersive gaming environments, and real-time analytics, we are creating competitive formats that challenge athletes in new ways and engage audiences like never before. The Games of the Future embodies this evolution, redefining the sporting experience for a global community.”

The draw ceremony confirmed the opening group-stage matchups across most disciplines, shaping the initial storylines for fans. Competitors will vie for progression to the finals, with a pooled prize of US$5 million.

Alongside the Games, Abu Dhabi will host the Phygital Sports Summit on 17 December, a thought-leadership forum bringing together global experts, athletes, innovators, and policymakers to explore hybrid sports’ evolution. The summit will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and fireside conversations on topics including human–AI synergy, athlete wellbeing, youth engagement, and the lasting legacy of phygital competition.

Hosted by Amy Jane Gillingham, Mohammed Al Hosani, and Sabine Sassine, the summit will include contributions from senior representatives of Phygital International, GOTF partners, and leading global voices shaping the phygital movement.

Distinguished guests expected at the summit include Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Sports; Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan; Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfeeqi, Minister of Youth Affairs of Bahrain; Sheikha Dina bint Rashed Al Khalifa, Advisor for Planning and Development of Bahrain; and Dr. Osman Aşkın Bak, Minister of Youth and Sports of Türkiye.

The summit aims to strengthen the global phygital sports community while cementing Abu Dhabi’s role as a leading hub for innovation in next-generation sports and hybrid competition.

The Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025, powered by ADNOC, is organised by ASPIRE, the Local Delivery Authority, in collaboration with Ethara, the Event Delivery Partner, and Phygital International, the Global Rights Holder. The event is supported by key stakeholders, including the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the UAE Ministry of Sports.