Astana continues to welcome the world’s high-profile esports athletes. According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, star teams Xtreme Gaming and Vici Gaming have arrived in the capital to compete for the top prize in the Dota 2 tournament at the Games of the Future 2026 (GOTF 2026), powered by Samruk-Kazyna.
Who’s arrived?
Xtreme Gaming is considered one of the tournament’s main favorites. The team has arrived in Kazakhstan as the defending Games of the Future champion. Its roster features genuine stars of the Dota 2 scene — Ame, NothingToSay, Xxs, fy and xNova. The team has also received a direct invitation to The International 2026, the most prestigious Dota 2 tournament.
Another high-profile contender is Vici Gaming — one of the most renowned organizations in Dota 2 history. The team has repeatedly ranked among the world’s strongest, reached the final of The International and has remained a regular fixture at the international tournaments for many years.
Team Resilience и Zero Tenacity have also arrived in the capital to participate.
Two teams represent Kazakhstan
The home side is represented by the Kazakhstani team Rune Eaters, whose roster features Danial Alibaev, Abdimalik Sajlau, Alim Bespaev, Aibek Tokayev and Nikita Ostakhov.
In addition, the Kazakhstani team DIGA Esports has arrived in Astana to compete in the PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS tournament.
The prize pool
The Dota 2 tournament will feature 16 of the world’s top teams and offer a $1 million prize pool. The matches will be played from Aug. 2 to 5 at the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace.
The PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS tournament will take place earlier, from July 31 to Aug. 2, at the National Tennis Center Beeline Arena.
More than 800 participants from around the world
The Games of the Future 2026 will take place in Astana from July 29 to Aug. 9. The event will bring together more than 800 athletes and esports competitors from over 50 countries.
The international multisport tournament is organized by Kazsportinvest JSC with the support of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sport and the Astana mayor’s office. The rights holder of the Games of the Future is Phygital International. Tickets are available through the official ticketing partner, Freedom Ticketon and via the Freedom SuperApp.
