The opening ceremony of the 2026 World Nomad Games at Bishkek Arena, the largest stadium in Central Asia, quickly captured attention on social media.
The ceremony was a large-scale, elaborate production. Wakeuphana, a well-known creative agency from Kazakhstan, also took part in the event.
According to Andrey Khvan, the company’s founder and director, preparations for the show took a year. The effort paid off, with spectators praising the final production, which featured nomads on horseback galloping across vast landscapes on a large screen before appearing on stage.
Kazakhstani companies were also involved in the technical and visual production. Upstage handled the technical side of the show, while Filmotion was responsible for the graphics.
An enormous snow leopard and bird featured in the production drew particular attention on social media for their scale and execution.
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The show featured approximately 2,000 dancers from WakeUp Camp, a project that brings together participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Russia.
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Social media users from various countries praised the opening ceremony. Kazakhstanis, Uzbeks, Belarusians and Russians congratulated Kyrgyzstan and complimented the production, while some users even expressed a desire to attend the games next year.
«What is this? I want to see it in person. Does this happen every year?»
«I’ve never seen such an incredible performance. My heart swells with pride. It was top-notch — bravo, bravissimo!»
«I also think it was better than the Olympics. Well done, guys! Thank you for such a wonderful opening ceremony for the Nomad Games,» users wrote.
Bishkek Arena, the largest yurt-shaped stadium in Central Asia, opened its doors to spectators for the Nomad Games on Aug. 31. The arena has eight levels — three underground and five aboveground — and can accommodate up to 51,000 spectators.
American singer and actress Nicole Scherzinger was among the stars invited to the opening ceremony.
