Astana (GNP): The second day of Phygital Basketball action, presented by Halyk Fund, delivered another round of high-intensity contests as the group stage of the Games of the Future 2026, powered by Samruk-Kazyna, moved toward its conclusion in Astana. Eight matches produced dramatic comeback attempts, commanding digital-stage performances, and the confirmation of the tournament’s first quarterfinal qualifiers, while the losing sides now face a decisive Round of 16 clash to keep their campaigns alive.
The day’s opening contest saw HandsomeMDMX build an early 20-5 lead over hosts GTB KZ in the digital stage. GTB KZ, despite an injury scare to Filip Pejovic who later returned to action, drew strength from a vocal home crowd to mount a fightback that closed the gap to a single point in the final minute. HandsomeMDMX held firm under the pressure, sealing a 30-27 victory that stood as one of the tightest finishes of the day.
That intensity carried into the next matchup, where MINSK, runners-up at the earlier Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 event, reinforced their title credentials against Team Apex. A near-flawless digital display gave MINSK a 20-1 cushion, and although Team Apex responded with one of the strongest physical-stage performances of the day, the early deficit proved insurmountable, with MINSK closing out a 32-20 win.
Elsewhere, reigning Phygital Contenders champions Zagrebacki Mališani NITUI were edged out by Dangerous in a contest that stayed close throughout. Dangerous took a narrow 19-14 digital lead, and while ZM NITUI matched them stroke for stroke on the court to level the physical stage, the earlier digital advantage carried Dangerous to a 36-31 result.
A similarly tight battle unfolded between reigning Games of the Future champions Liga Pro Team and Flow Game Basketball, who were separated by just one point after the digital stage. Liga Pro Team’s championship experience showed on the court as they pulled away for a 38-27 win.
Team representative Iurii Bespalov acknowledged afterward that the level of competition had risen compared to previous editions, noting that opponents have arrived far better prepared in the digital stage and that the team’s focus is now on reviewing its own digital performance while continuing to build on its physical game.
Momentum stayed with the host nation as PBC Astana overcame Voždovac Beograd in front of an energized home crowd. A composed 19-14 digital showing gave PBC Astana the platform it needed, and the team carried that control onto the court despite a determined response from their opponents, closing out a 33-22 victory. Boca Juniors then produced one of the most dramatic results of the day against Club Pepesqueros.
A commanding 20-10 digital lead appeared to put the match out of reach, but Club Pepesqueros, inspired by a string of long-range baskets from Yoel, drew the physical stage level in the closing stages. Boca Juniors ultimately settled the contest with a decisive long-range basket in the final seconds, winning 37-35. Team representative Ramiro Diaz Isguenderian said afterward that the result showed the team can compete with anyone in the tournament and that winning the title remains the goal.
Triada overturned an early deficit to book their place in the quarterfinals, coming from behind after Paris Phygital had taken a 19-15 digital lead. A disciplined physical-stage display, built on strong defence and clinical finishing, allowed Triada to outscore their opponents and complete a 31-28 turnaround.
Also Read: 2nd Pakistan Logistics Summit Sets New Trade & Maritime Roadmap
The day closed with Wilders continuing their unbeaten run in the tournament, edging out Valencia Basket in a closely fought digital stage that finished 20-17 in their favour. Valencia Basket answered with a strong physical-stage response led by another accurate long-range shooting display from Marcos Reos, but Wilders matched the pressure with sustained attacking play to close out a 38-32 win.
With the first quarterfinal places now settled, the stakes rise heading into the final day of the group stage, where today’s defeated teams must win their Round of 16 matches or see their campaigns end. Group stage action resumes at 18:00 local time, while the tournament’s disciplines also expand with MOBA PC Dota 2, presented by CenterCredit, beginning at 10:00 local time, followed by Battle Royale PUBG Battlegrounds, presented by Alatau City Bank, at 14:00.
Coverage of the Games of the Future 2026 continues on Phygital+, which offers subscribers live access to every discipline, full event and day-pass options, on-demand replays, and behind-the-scenes content. The tournament is also being broadcast internationally through media partners including Fox Sports Mexico, StarTimes, BIGG TV, ESR TV, Play TV, Unbeaten, and QazSport, alongside continued behind-the-scenes coverage from celebrity host Matt Richardson via the tournament’s official channels.
Managing Editor at Global News Pakistan (GNP), with a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Riphah International University, graduated with a Gold Medal. Reach out at sabahtareengnp@gmail.com
