Over 200 athletes and clubs represented by more than 20 WPC members are arriving in Astana for Phygital Contenders Astana 2026, which begins on 10 June, marking the city’s first major international phygital tournament ever and a decisive stage on the pathway to the Games of the Future 2026.
Fans around the world will be able to follow all the action from Phygital Contenders Astana 2026, with full results, schedules and line-ups through the official platform.
The competition will feature a mix of experienced international competitors and clubs making their first appearance on the global phygital stage. Among them is Tiago Silva, winner of Phygital Rivals: Brazil – Dancing, who reached the Phygital Dancing final at GOTF 2025. JR Styles, winner of Phygital Rivals: Oman – Football, will return to international competition after previously competing at Phygital Contenders: Abu Dhabi – Football. Meanwhile, Noname Club, winners of Phygital Rivals: Spain – Football represented by WPC Gold member Phygital Games Spain, will make their international phygital debut as they pursue qualification for the Games of the Future 2026.
Three core disciplines will headline competition across Astana this week. Phygital Football will take place from 10-14 June at the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts featuring 16 leading phygital clubs competing across the tournament bracket. Phygital Basketball will run from 10-13 June at Alau Ice Palace with 10 elite phygital clubs participating, while Phygital Dancing will be staged from 10-11 June at Comfort Hotel, bringing together 11 of the best Phygital Dancing athletes globally.
Dan Merkley, Chairperson and Managing Director of the World Phygital Community, said: “This marks the second edition of Phygital Contenders and it is remarkable to see the event grow alongside the wider development of phygital sport globally. The level across the WPC rankings season has continued to rise, and we wish all participants the very best of luck as they arrive in Astana for what promises to be a highly competitive week.”
Successful competitors from Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 will secure their places at the Games of the Future 2026, taking place in Astana from 29 July to 9 August. Fans around the world will be able to follow the action live via the official tournament streams on Phygital+, with coverage beginning on 12 June for Phygital Basketball and 13 June for Phygital Football.
