The Games of the Future (GOTF) has announced Counter-Strike 2 as the digital stage of Phygital Shooter at the Games of the Future 2026, the world’s leading phygital sports event.
One of the most recognized titles in competitive gaming, Counter-Strike 2 has shaped tactical shooter competition for generations, backed by a vast global player base and one of the most established esports ecosystems in the world. Its return to the Games of the Future 2026 in Astana reflects the tournament’s continued commitment to pairing elite digital titles with a format where physical performance is equally decisive.
Taking place on 4-8 August at Beeline Arena, the Phygital Shooter competition will see elite phygital athletes compete in a 5-on-5 format built across two rounds: competitors first face off in Counter-Strike 2, with their digital performance setting the conditions for the second round, a live laser tag bout where the outcome of the match is decided in the physical world, for a total prize pool of USD$150,000.
The discipline sits at the sharpest intersection of gaming and physical sport, demanding both in-game tactical execution and real-world marksmanship from its competitors. Following its appearance at the Games of the Future 2025 in Abu Dhabi, which drew over 27M broadcast views across digital streaming platforms and TV broadcasters worldwide, Phygital Shooter returns as one of the most distinctive disciplines on the program.
“Having Counter-Strike 2 back in our lineup alongside other top-tier titles is a clear signal that the esports world recognizes phygital sport as the next frontier of competition. We are building something new, and the industry is taking notice,” said William Al-Badeesh, Publisher Relations & IP Licensing Lead at Phygital International.
Following a season of qualifying tournaments held across multiple continents, the teams set to compete in Phygital Shooter at GOTF 2026 have now been confirmed. The line-up is headlined by defending champions xGoat, who return with former professional Counter-Strike player and Major winner Mikhail “Dosia” Stolyarov on their roster. They will be joined by Hybrids, coming from South Africa and Spain-based Klan Pedrajas. Liga Pro Team, Minsk House, and MIRAGE Shooter complete the lineup, with further teams to be announced in the coming weeks.
Phygital Shooter is one of the eight disciplines confirmed for GOTF 2026, which will take place from July 29 to August 9, 2026, in Astana. The event is expected to bring together over 900 participants from more than 50 countries, reinforcing its position as the world’s premier phygital sports competition.
