"Astana is ready to show the world what it's made of"

Hi, Alibek. You went to the Games of the Future in Abu Dhabi. What stood out for you?

The professionalism was immediate and obvious. We arrived to empty halls and then two days later everything was built out to a world-class standard. That’s the benchmark we’re measuring ourselves against.

But what really excited us was the evolution of the disciplines. The Games have become more dynamic, more emotional. We want to continue that trajectory and push it further when Astana takes the stage.

Where do preparations stand right now?

We’re in full swing. The Abu Dhabi edition was a long-awaited reference point for us – we went in with open eyes and a lot of questions, and left with answers and even greater ambitions. Kazakhstan wants to be visible and recognisable on the global stage. Delivering the highest level of organization is the only standard we’re willing to accept.

What kind of atmosphere are you aiming for?

A real holiday! That’s the simplest way to put it. We want everyone – Kazakhstani residents and visitors flying in from across the world – to feel they’re part of something genuinely global. Plus the Games won’t exist in isolation. They’ll sit inside a wider festival of the city, with concerts by international artists, major festivals and Comic Con events running in parallel. Last year, Astana’s Comic Con drew more than 100,000 visitors, over 70,000 of them foreign tourists. That’s the energy we’re plugging these games into.

How does culture fit into the overall concept?

It’s central. The whole city will be immersed in the visual identity of GOTF – think comic-book style graphics, with giant murals, characters and stories spread across buildings and public spaces. We want people walking through Astana to feel the Games of the Future before they even enter a venue. We want it be a cultural statement as much as a sporting event.

Why did Kazakhstan want to host the Games of the Future?

Kazakhstan is deep into its own digital transformation, and hosting the Games of the Future sits directly on that national agenda. For us it’s a natural fit, and we intend to leave the Games in even better shape than we found them.

How does Kazakhstan’s track record help?

It counts for a lot. We hosted the Asian Winter Games in 2011, the Winter Universiade in 2017, and last year the World Nomad Games welcomed participants from over 100 countries. Kazakhstan knows how to run a major event. More importantly, we know how to turn one into a showcase – for our culture, our capabilities and our place in the world.

How big is the esports scene in Kazakhstan right now?

It really exploded about seven years ago and hasn’t slowed down since. Kazakhstani players are increasingly prominent on the world stage – one young player from Kazakhstan, competing for Brazilian club Furia, has been named MVP at two consecutive tournaments. Classical sport and esports are two lines running in parallel in Kazakhstan, and both are growing and developing really quickly.

What’s the venue strategy?

We’re taking the Games of the Future out of exhibition centres and into major arenas – venues holding 7,000, 12,000 people. Full stadiums create an atmosphere that transforms the experience for players and viewers alike. Inside those venues, we’re building production setups designed to compete with the best esports events in the world. Astana can do this. We want to prove it.

What should visitors expect beyond the competition?

Come for the games, stay for everything else. August is the perfect time to visit – warm weather, the city’s parks and public spaces at their best, and a full program of concerts and events running alongside the Games. And don’t leave without trying the food. Kazakhstani cuisine is genuinely exceptional, and the hospitality is real. Visit once and you’ll want to come back.

Stay up to date with all the developments from Kazakhstan on the official Games of the Futures Astana 2026 website.