The international multi-sport tournament,
the Games of the Future, is continuing in Astana. Over the weekend, the PUBG:
BATTLEGROUNDS competition concluded with a prize pool of $1 million. Team 17
Gaming was crowned champion with 131 points. A total of 16 of the world’s
strongest teams took part in the tournament, with the winner decided only in
the final, 15th match. Meanwhile, the phygital basketball competition is also
nearing its conclusion, with the final set to take place today. The tournament,
which combines virtual and on-court play, offers a prize pool of $400,000. The
matches are overseen by officials from different countries. Referees from
Croatia, North Macedonia, Serbia, Jordan, China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Belarus,
and Russia have been invited to officiate the tournament.
«The referee in charge of the digital
competition ensures that all players use their own personal accounts, refrain
from using cheats or additional devices with their game controllers, avoid
distracting their opponents, and do not turn off their monitors. Most of the
violations are disciplinary in nature,» noted Vyacheslav Dyachenko, Chief Referee, Phygital Basketball, the Games of
the Future 2026.
Over 1,600 National Guard servicemen are
maintaining order in the stands, as well as across sports venues and delegation
accommodation sites. To ensure the safety of guests and participants who have
arrived in Astana from around the world, personnel from military units in
Astana, Kokshetau, Karagandy, and Temirtau have been deployed. Their service
was recognized by Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs - Commander-in-Chief of
the National Guard Ansagan Baltabekov, who presented awards to young
servicemen. The troops themselves say that taking part in an event of this
scale has been valuable professional experience for them.
«In our line of work, we interact with thousands of people every day, including international visitors. Our goal is to ensure they leave Kazakhstan with a positive impression. Our responsibility is to ensure their safety and respond promptly to any emergencies. The fact that major international events in Astana are held safely and to a high standard shows that we are doing our job well,» shared Yessenbek Khainolla, serviceman of military unit 5573.
Drones are also being tested at the Games of the Future. One of the
tournament’s most innovative technologies is a new drone delivery service.
Visitors can collect their orders from dedicated pickup lockers in less than
eight minutes. The selection includes hot and cold beverages, snacks,
souvenirs, and official tournament merchandise. In the future, the developers
plan to expand the service beyond sports venues and bring it into everyday life
across Kazakhstan’s cities.
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