27 December 2024, Hong Kong: The results are in from the latest Games of the Future (GOTF) Majors and GOTF Minors, as the new generation of phygital sports athletes prove themselves in the fight for a place at next year’s Games of the Future tournament in the UAE. Organized by the World Phygital Community (WPC), these events continue to push the boundaries of traditional sports by uniting athletes from diverse backgrounds and showcasing the incredible potential of phygital competition, a brand-new category of sports where the athletes play both physical and digital versions of the same sport.
The GOTF Minors concluded on November 30th, 2024, featuring teams that participated in tournaments within a country. The winners from these GOTF Minors will also participate in the GOTF Majors, alongside other GOTF Minor winners, for a chance to compete at the Games of the Future 2025, taking place in the UAE. The GOTF Majors will run until January 30th, 2025.
The journey to the Games of the Future 2025 in the UAE begins with the GOTF Minors. Here are a few standout results from some of the GOTF Minor finals:
• Belgrade, Serbia: Phygital Dancing – Katarina Kuburović triumphed over Tijana Ivanov with a score of 2 – 0
• Urgench, Uzbekistan: Phygital Football – Shavat edged out Hazorasp 9 – 8 in a nail-biting final
• Yaoundé, Cameroon: Phygital Basketball – BBC lost 9 – 21 to the Warriors in a dominant display
The winners from all the GOTF Minors have then progressed through to the GOTF Majors, which are currently underway. Over 164 applications from WPC members have been submitted to host GOFT Majors, with some already completed including Uzbekistan, Armenia, Cameroon, Oman, Russia and Serbia, having led the way in this pivotal stage. The Omani Committee for Games and Electronic Sports made history as the first WPC member to host a compliant GOTF Major, setting a new benchmark for future events.
The GOTF Majors have taken the excitement to new heights, with intense matches captivating audiences worldwide. Here are a few standout results from some of the GOTF Major finals:
• Armenia: Phygital Basketball – EREBUNI secured a narrow 34 – 30 victory over WIN 3
• Oman: Phygital Football – JR Style outmaneuvered Fearless to claim an 8 – 4 win
• Russia: Phygital Shooter – Liga Pro Team was defeated by Donstu Esports with a commanding 11 – 20 score
René Fasel, Board Director of the World Phygital Community highlighted the dedication shown by WPC members around the world: “The GOTF Majors and Minors have not only spotlighted exceptional talent but also brought together a vibrant, passionate global community that is redefining competitive sports. These tournaments embody the spirit of innovation and teamwork that drives phygital sports forward. As we look toward the Games of the Future, we are witnessing the dawn of a new era in sports, one that seamlessly bridges the digital and physical worlds and promises to inspire athletes and fans worldwide.”
The journey to the Games of the Future 2025 in the UAE exemplifies the transformative potential of phygital sports. Each tournament strengthens the bonds within a global community, showcasing how innovation and collaboration are redefining the future of competitive sports.