Abu Dhabi will host the Games of the Future 2025, a global tournament that merges physical sports with digital gaming in an innovative “phygital” format. The event, scheduled from December 18-23, 2025, at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, will bring together elite athletes, clubs, and gamers from across five continents to compete in cutting-edge disciplines that blend real-world athleticism with advanced gaming technology.
A Catalyst for the UAE 2031 Vision
The tournament is a direct extension of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ national vision and aligns with the designation of 2025 as the ‘Year of Community’. By hosting the event, the UAE reinforces its role as a global hub for sports, innovation, and youth empowerment while accelerating its digital economy through new technology platforms and esports-driven industries.
His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Sports, stated that the event is a significant step in the country’s journey to become a global center for the evolving sports industry. “The Games of the Future 2025 merges athletic performance with technology, inspiring youth, driving sports innovation, fostering teamwork among youth and supporting a sustainable economy based on innovation and knowledge,” he said. “At the Ministry of Sports, we are committed to ensuring the success of the Games and reinforcing the UAE’s status as a premier host of global sports events.”
The Phygital Competition Format
The tournament will feature 11 distinct disciplines, including Phygital Football, Phygital Basketball, MOBA PC and Mobile, Battle Royale, and more. A diverse lineup of international and regional clubs have confirmed their participation, including PBC Astana, Thang Long Warriors, Intercosmics, and México Quetzales – Armadillos FC, among others.
Star athletes set to compete include Rodrigo Ulibarri and Aldair Giorgana of Mexico Quetzales, alongside Matheus Dedo of CM Jardim, highlighting the growing appeal of the phygital format among professional athletes. The event is also supported by the World Phygital Community, with member organizations from Brazil, Serbia, and Belarus, reflecting the movement’s expanding global network.
Ecosystem Collaboration and Delivery
The Games of the Future 2025 is organized by ASPIRE, the innovation accelerator arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), which serves as the Local Delivery Authority. The event is delivered in collaboration with Ethara as the Event Delivery Partner and Phygital International as the Global Rights Holder. Key support is provided by the Host City Entity, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and the Official Partner, the Ministry of Sports.
Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, commented, “The Games of the Future is a reflection of the UAE’s bold vision to create opportunities for youth, innovation, and community. By bringing together athletes, gamers, fans, and partners, to introduce sports like you have never seen before, we’re bringing technology and sport to life through Phygital Sports.”
About Games of the Future
The Games of the Future is an annual international event that fuses the worlds of physical and digital sport and represents the pinnacle of the phygital movement. The tournament brings together the next generation of sporting heroes from around the world to compete in a diverse range of disciplines and challenges that test both athletic and gaming skills.
Source: Zawya
