Games of the Future hybrid sport competition curated to engage both physical and digital audiences

August 8, 2025

Karen Sweaney

The Games of the Future 2025 hybrid (physical + digital) sports competition - the pinnacle of the phygital sports calendar – will deliver a lineup of phygital disciplines offering a fusion of physical athleticism and immersive digital gameplay.

Taking place from 18th-23rd December at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), this hybrid tournament brings together the world's top phygital athletes for six days of action-packed competition across 11 disciplines.

ASPIRE, the program development arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council, has been named the UAE Delivery Authority for the event, responsible for coordination, innovation strategy, and funding alignment, while Ethara will serve as the Event Delivery Partner, managing logistics, venue operations, and fan engagement.

With a total prize pool of $5 million on offer, phygital clubs and athletes from across the world will be competing for their right to be champions of the discipline they're participating in.

Every element of the tournament is curated to engage both physical and digital audiences.

Beyond the main competitions, the event will feature VR fan zones, cultural activations, and technology showcases, building on the momentum of the inaugural edition, which drew over 2,000 athletes from more than 100 countries and attracted over 300,000 fans worldwide.

The 11 disciplines that will be competed at the 2025 event include:

Phygital Football: Begins with a football video game before the athletes play football on a pitch
Phygital Basketball: A basketball video game round followed by physical on-court action
Phygital Fighting: Athletes first compete in a fighting video game, then continue the bout in a physical arena
Phygital Dancing: Athletes match their live movements to an interactive rhythm video game
Phygital Shooter: Clubs face off in digital shooter round followed by a round of laser tag
Battle Royale: A competitive format where clubs fight to be the last club standing
MOBA PC: A Multiplayer Online Battle Arena tournament played on PC
MOBA Mobile: A Multiplayer Online Battle Arena tournament played on mobile
Drone Racing: Pilots navigate high speed drones through an obstacle course using first-person view headsets
VR Games: Virtual environments where players rely on reflexes and spatial awareness
Battle of Robots: Remote-controlled robots face off in fast-paced, head-to-head combat

To be at the top of these disciplines requires a new class of athlete – combining physical prowess and digital dexterity, performing under intense pressure in a ground-breaking and exciting new event format that will attract fans of all ages.

Stephane Timpano, Chief Executive of ASPIRE notes "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, and Abu Dhabi makes the perfect host for this bold experiment. With UAE Vision 2031 and the Year of Community in mind, we're fostering diverse participation, shared innovation, and new connections across cultures and generations."

Nis Hatt, Chief Executive of Phygital International added "with confirmation of these 11 disciplines and the prize pool, the stage is set for Abu Dhabi to be the centre of phygital sports in this year's exciting, global Games of the Future. Athletes and fans will join us in experiencing the immersive and high-octane experience of phygital sports, which are built for the next generation. As the guardians of the phygital movement, we are proud to bring the Games of the Future to life. It is a global stage for innovation, inclusion, and imagination."

For more information on the Games of the Future

About Phygital International (PI)
Phygital International is the promoter of phygital sports globally and is focused on innovating and redefining sports. It is the custodian and rights holder of the Games of the Future and oversees the bidding process for each host city.

About ASPIRE
ASPIRE drives the creation of future transformative technologies as the innovation accelerator arm of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). ASPIRE works in consultation with cross-sector industry stakeholders, universities, and research institutes to frame problem statements. It also launches grand challenges and international competitions to solve some of the world's most pressing issues.

About ETHARA
Ethara is shaping the future of entertainment, sport, culture, event services, and asset management regionally and internationally. With offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh, the company employs over 300 professionals who offer an unrivalled wealth of expertise, experience, knowledge and skills. Ethara, meaning 'thrill' in Arabic, operates an impressive portfolio of assets, including Yas Marina Circuit, Etihad Park, Etihad Arena, Yas Conference Centre, Zayed Sports City, and the House of Sustainability. The company works with leading events companies, IP owners, and entertainment partners locally and internationally to deliver world-class, first-to-market events and experiences. From sports, music, art, and culture, Ethara own, manage, and promote some of the region’s largest events including the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, UFC Fight Nights, NBA Abu Dhabi Games, Yasalam After-Race Concerts, and host some of the Middle East's biggest AAA music concerts across their venues.

Images. Credit: Games of the Future

About the author

Karen Sweaney

Co-founder and Editor, Australasian Leisure Management

Artist, geoscientist and specialist writer on the leisure industry, Karen Sweaney is Editor and co-founder of Australasian Leisure Management.

Based in Sydney, Australia, her specific areas of interest include the arts, entertainment, the environment, fitness, tourism and wellness.

She has degrees in Fine Arts from the University of Sydney and Geological Oceanography from UNSW.

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