All eyes are on Abu Dhabi next month as some of the world’s most competitive Phygital Football clubs will come together to compete at the Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi – Football tournament, all vying for a place at the prestigious Games of the Future 2025.
Taking place from July 25-29, 2025, at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the tournament marks the final and most pivotal stage of the qualification journey. Just a select few clubs will make it past this stage and secure a coveted spot at the Games of the Future 2025, the pinnacle tournament of the phygital sporting calendar, also taking place at ADNEC from 18-23 December.
Dan Merkley, Chairperson and Managing Director of WPC, said, “We are excited to see some of the most skilled Phygital Football clubs from around the world in Abu Dhabi next month for the first-ever Phygital Contenders. It’s a proud moment to see the efforts of these clubs who have been participating in GOTF Minors (Phygital Origins) and GOTF Majors (Phygital Rivals) since late last year, reach the final qualification stage.”
“The Phygital Contenders will showcase some of the world’s best phygital clubs. It will be a thrill to see them live in action against each other. The tournament marks a significant milestone in the journey of these clubs – from local stages to competing with global teams, with a spot at the Games of the Future 2025 as the ultimate goal.”
Stéphane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, added: “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.”
July’s Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi – Football tournament promises to offer a preview of the highly anticipated Games of the Future 2025 and promises to be a landmark global celebration of sport and innovation.
