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Kazakhstan has described its hosting of the 2026 Games of the Future as a historic milestone, emphasizing the event’s role in preparing for future challenges in sports and technology.
Astana is currently hosting the third edition of the Games of the Future, bringing together traditional sports and modern digital technologies.
Speaking at a press briefing, Meiram Sapargali, an official representative of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, emphasized the significance of holding this international tournament in Kazakhstan, noting that the country is using the event to elevate both traditional and phygital sports to a new level.
“In previous editions of the Games of the Future, national teams participated. This year, however, the format has changed. Clubs from different countries now take part, and their squads may include athletes from various nations. Another important change concerns the competition system. Each host country selects the disciplines itself. This year, eight disciplines have been chosen: football, basketball, several Counter-Strike formats, and, for the first time, sport dancing has been included in the program,” he said.
According to Sapargali, Kazakhstan’s main goal is to develop phygital sports in the country, and Kazakh athletes are already achieving strong results on the international stage. Next year, Kazakhstan is also expected to host the World Esports Championship.
“Previously, the Games of the Future were hosted by Russia and Abu Dhabi. Experience shows that the tournament format is gradually shifting toward club-based competitions. First, this makes the event more interesting, and second, esports athletes are already accustomed to competing as part of clubs rather than national teams. Since phygital sports are not equally developed in all countries, the club format is probably the most practical solution.
Kazakhstan is consistently working to develop technologies, including digital technologies. This is a historic moment, as Kazakhstan is hosting the Games of the Future for the first time. If previously they were held in countries with highly developed infrastructure, Kazakhstan has now become the first country in Central Asia to host this prestigious competition,” he emphasized.
More than 800 athletes and esports representatives from over 30 countries will compete in Astana.