In Photos: Russia's First-Ever 'Games of the Future'
Russia's first-ever Games of the Future cybersports tournament came to a close in Kazan on Sunday following 12 days of competition combining classic and cyber sports, including "phygital" (physical and digital) BMX cycling, drone racing and a "robot battle."
Over 2,000 participants from around the world competed for $25 million in prize money in 21 activities, including a combined contest where teams first played the video game Counter-Strike 2 followed by a game of physical laser tag.
President Vladimir Putin attended the opening on Feb. 21, trying his hand at phygital hockey while leaders from Belarus and Central Asian countries looked on.
Here's a look at more photos from the event:
Over 2,000 participants from around the world competed for $25 million in prize money in 21 activities, including a combined contest where teams first played the video game Counter-Strike 2 followed by a game of physical laser tag.
President Vladimir Putin attended the opening on Feb. 21, trying his hand at phygital hockey while leaders from Belarus and Central Asian countries looked on.
Here's a look at more photos from the event:
![](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/image/1360/96/VN9u470FedJytdAI5P1AOHWkZwUMUzHT.jpg)
The opening ceremony on Feb. 21.
Sergei Bobylev, TASS / kremlin.ru
![](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/image/1360/50/Pu174edIhSw3M9IbYrMGmJRi0ElJFErD.jpg)
A robotic dog on stage at the opening ceremony.
Kristina Kormilitsyna, Rossiya Segodnya MIA / kremlin.ru
![](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/image/1360/57/ZNScOCigLhAEJwEFYnBfjwMg2tgXL9yA.jpg)
President Vladimir Putin tries out the physical half of "phygital" (physical and digital) sport.
In his opening speech, he said: "For centuries, Russia has been famous for its generosity and hospitality, always ready to welcome friends, to treat them to a big colorful celebration, including the joy of sports."
In his opening speech, he said: "For centuries, Russia has been famous for its generosity and hospitality, always ready to welcome friends, to treat them to a big colorful celebration, including the joy of sports."
Kristina Kormilitsyna, Rossiya Segodnya MIA / kremlin.ru
![](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/image/1360/6e/TASS_67542050.jpg)
Players from Kazan's Ak Bars team (in white) celebrate a goal against the Liga Pro Team in a "phygital" ice hockey match at Tatneft Arena.
Donat Sorokin / TASS
![](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/image/1360/97/TASS_67763011.jpg)
Nikita Fominov of the Savages team competes in the "phygital" BMX semifinals at Uram Extreme Park.
Kirill Kukhmar / TASS
![](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/image/1360/00/TASS_67599549.jpg)
Fans of the Boom Esports team at the third place round of the phygital Dota 2 video game tournament at the Kazan Expo center.
Kirill Kukhmar / TASS
![](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/image/1360/32/TASS_67705056.jpg)
Players compete in a Counter-Strike 2 and Laser Tag tournament at the Kazan Tennis Academy.
Donat Sorokin / TASS
![](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/image/1360/ef/TASS_67640993.jpg)
A robot from the Russian Energy Girls team competes with a robot from the Indian DS Robotics team during quarterfinals of Battle of Robots, a robot combat tournament, held at the Kazan Circus.
Kirill Kukhmar / TASS
![](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/image/1360/b2/tz72mkj-GAE.jpg)
Participants pose for a photo.
Games of the Future / VK
![](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/image/1360/8e/photo_2024-02-26_18-47-08.jpg)
A street installation promotes the 2024 Games of the Future, with the Kazan Kremlin and Kul Sharif Mosque in the background.
MT
![](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/image/1360/4a/VBy50WcdpZc.jpg)
Spectators at the Games of the Future.
Games of the Future / VK