If you’ve never heard of Phygital Football before, now’s the perfect time to get familiar, because it’s about to take over Abu Dhabi this summer! From 25 to 29 July, some of the world’s top phygital teams are heading to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) for a 5-day showdown that’s all about earning a place at the huge Games of the Future 2025 later this year. So, what is phygital, you ask? Think of it as the perfect mash-up of physical sport and digital gaming. It’s intense, super fast-paced, and honestly, kind of addictive to watch. I have all the incredible details you want to know, so keep reading to find out more.
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The Best Of The Best Are Showing Up
24 top teams from across the globe will be flying in, I’m talking from the Americas and Europe to Africa and the Middle East. Big names like Team Joga from the USA and LPT Venezuela, who won a side tournament at last year’s Games of the Future, are already confirmed. There’s serious talent involved, and every match is going to count.
The Final Step Before The Big Stage
These 5 days in Abu Dhabi are the final chance for clubs to qualify for the Games of the Future, which will also be held in the city this December (18–23). All season long, teams have been competing in tournaments like Phygital Origins and Phygital Rivals, and this is the last hurdle! Only the top performers here will make it through to that global championship.
In the world of Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International “We are witnessing unprecedented global engagement in phygital sport, and this tournament reflects its evolution as a legitimate and future-focused athletic discipline.” And he’s right. This mix of gaming and real-world play is building serious momentum, and it’s exciting to see Abu Dhabi right at the heart of it.
Ready For Action In The Capital City
Hosting a global qualifier like this is a big move, but not really a surprise that it’s happening in our capital city. Abu Dhabi’s been leading the way when it comes to big ideas and bold events. Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, explained it perfectly:
“Bringing Phygital Contenders to Abu Dhabi is both a tremendous opportunity and a meaningful responsibility. Abu Dhabi has always championed bold, forward-looking ideas, and phygital sport is no exception. We’re proud to host some of the world’s most elite clubs and serve as the stage where the future of global competition is being defined and look forward to five days of intense competition that will determine the final contenders for the main event this December.”
The Brains Behind It All
The event is organised by ASPIRE, the Local Delivery Authority for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025, in partnership with Ethara, the Event Delivery Partner, and Phygital International, the global rights holder. Together, they’re making sure this tournament delivers an unforgettable experience for both players and fans.
For the hardcore gamer, die-hard football fans, and those of you who love trying out new things, this is your chance to experience the future of sport right here in Abu Dhabi. The mix of real-world skills and digital smarts makes phygital sport genuinely one of the most fascinating things to watch right now. And with some of the world’s top teams fighting for their place at the year-end championship, you can expect five days packed with energy, surprises, and edge-of-your-seat moments.
So mark your calendar, grab your friends, and come see what the future of global competition looks like. Because in Abu Dhabi this July, it’s game on.
