Abu Dhabi powers up for the Games of the Future 2025

Slated for December 18-23 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the event will bring together top “phygital” athletes from around the globe to battle across 11 unique disciplines.

This year’s edition will feature events like Phygital Football, Phygital Basketball, Drone Racing, Battle Royale, and the adrenaline charged Battle of Robots.

Competitors will also go head-to-head in esports style formats such as MOBA PC, MOBA Mobile, VR Games, and Phygital Shooters, where laser tag meets video gaming.

The prize pool is a staggering Ksh 645 million ($5 million), making it one of the most lucrative multi-discipline competitions in the sports-tech space.

“To top these disciplines, you need a new breed of athlete, part gamer, part sportsperson, and all competitor,” said Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE.

“Abu Dhabi offers the perfect stage to merge sport and technology while fostering cultural exchange and innovation,” he added.

Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, echoed the sentiment: “With the 11 disciplines now confirmed, Abu Dhabi will be at the epicenter of this growing movement. These games are tailor-made for the next generation of fans and athletes.”

Abu Dhabi Football gave spectators a preview of the high-octane action to come. The qualifier transformed ADNEC into a buzzing arena where 21 clubs fought for a spot in the Phygital Football category, switching seamlessly from gaming consoles to the pitch.

When December arrives, ADNEC will again transform into a futuristic battleground, custom-designed to handle the scale and spectacle of the Games.

With its state-of-the-art infrastructure, Abu Dhabi is cementing its position as a hub for events that sit at the crossroads of sport, culture, and technology.

The countdown is on, and in just a few months, the world will watch as champions are crowned in a competition where reality and the virtual collide.