12 days of triumph and tears in Astana

On 9 August, Games of the Future Astana 2026 powered by Samruk-Kazyna officially wrapped after 12 days of world-class phygital competition. More than 800 athletes from over 50 nationalities battled across eight disciplines and four venues for a share of the US$4.65 million in prize money. Eight new champions were crowned – from NS Team‘s dramatic penalty-shootout win in Phygital Football to Wilders‘ dominant Phygital Basketball title.

Broadcast to fans in around 150 countries through 265+ outlets and in more than 20 languages, the tournament drew hundreds of millions of views, cementing the Games of the Future’s place in the global sporting calendar.

Below, we revisit the standout plays, championship moments and electric atmosphere that defined 12 unforgettable days in Kazakhstan.

Scroll to see more photos.