The final chapter of the global phygital football season unfolds in Abu Dhabi this July. The “Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi – Football” tournament will bring 24 top-tier clubs to compete for spots in the upcoming Games of the Future 2025. Held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from July 25 to 29, the event is the last qualifier before the global finals in December.
Abu Dhabi Hosts the Last Qualifier Before the Global Showdown
This tournament marks the close of the year-long phygital football circuit. It follows the Phygital Origins and Phygital Rivals series.
- Scheduled from July 25 to 29, 2025
- Hosted at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi
- 24 international clubs are participating
- Top performers advance to the Games of the Future 2025
Abu Dhabi will host elite clubs from across North and Latin America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The spotlight is on teams like Team Joga (USA) and LPT Venezuela, champions from the 2024 side tournament. The stakes are high—only the best will qualify for the December finals.
Global Participation Underscores Rising Momentum in Phygital Sports
The competition showcases the expanding reach of phygital sport, which combines digital and physical athletic elements.
- Teams from five continents will compete
- Includes reigning champions and emerging contenders
- The event caps off a season of global qualifiers
The CEO of Phygital International, Nis Hatt, emphasised this momentum, stating the tournament signals an unmatched level of international engagement in phygital sport. This event solidifies its reputation as a serious and competitive discipline on the global stage.
Strategic Coordination by Leading Event Partners
Three major entities are behind this event, each contributing critical expertise to the tournament’s execution.
- Organised by ASPIRE (Local Delivery Authority)
- Delivered in partnership with Ethara
- Supported by Phygital International (global rights holder)
ASPIRE, backed by Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council, leads on innovation and logistics. Ethara, with its extensive experience in sports and entertainment, ensures seamless event delivery. Phygital International handles global rights and promotion, ensuring alignment with the broader Games of the Future brand.
Looking Ahead: Games of the Future 2025 and Beyond
The top qualifiers from Abu Dhabi will earn the right to compete in the Games of the Future 2025, to be held in the same city from December 18 to 23.
- Global finals take place in December 2025 in Abu Dhabi
- 2026 edition planned for Astana, Kazakhstan
- Phygital games include multiple hybrid disciplines
The Games of the Future merge physical sport with digital interfaces and gameplay. It attracts next-generation athletes who thrive in both worlds. The December tournament is expected to be the most competitive yet, with finalists drawn from a highly selective qualification path.
Event Symbolises a Broader Evolution in Global Competition
Abu Dhabi’s role as host underscores its commitment to emerging sports and innovation. The city offers infrastructure and vision aligned with the future of global competition.
- Reinforces Abu Dhabi’s place as a hub for next-gen sport
- Aligns with long-term investment in digital-physical integration
- Supports innovation-driven international collaboration
This event is more than a qualifier—it’s a reflection of where global sport is heading. With strategic partners and global participants, the Abu Dhabi tournament bridges today’s competition with tomorrow’s sporting model.
FAQs
What is phygital sport?
Phygital sport combines physical activity with digital gameplay. Players compete both on a real-world field and within a digital game environment.
How does the Abu Dhabi tournament fit into the broader phygital calendar?
It’s the final qualifier before the Games of the Future 2025. Only top teams from this event will move on to the global finals in December.
Who organises the tournament?
ASPIRE leads the organisation, in partnership with Ethara and Phygital International.
