On July 30, the group stage of phygital basketball continues at the 2026 'Games of the Future'. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
Sixteen teams participate in this game, which consists of two stages. First, teams play 2-on-2 in the 3on3 Freestyle video game, then move to a real basketball court. The digital part lasts 10 minutes or until 19 points are scored. After that, participants move to the real basketball court, and after a five-minute warm-up, they play a seven-minute match, with points scored in the video game carried over to the real game.
"Then we move with the same teams to the physical part of the game. Teams are given five minutes to warm up, and then they compete on the physical court for seven minutes. The team that reaches this score is considered the winner," said Vyacheslav Dyachenko, chief referee of phygital basketball.
Fourteen referees, including digital referees who monitor the fairness of the game on computers, ensure compliance with the rules. "This is a great opportunity for the younger generation in the future. Everyone plays computer games, watches games... This allows young people to go outside, play, and be physically prepared," said Timofey Porolev, a member of the Minsk team.
Phygital sport combines digital and traditional sports. This year's 'Games of the Future' program includes eight physical competitions, including Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, PUBG, and Just Dance.