Source: JOYCITY

JOYCITY announced on the 30th that its basketball game, '3on3 FreeStyle,' will be featured as an opening event at the 'Games of the Future 2026' (GOTF 2026).

GOTF 2026, which kicked off on the 29th at the Kazakhstan Athletics Sports Complex in Astana, is a multi-sport event that combines digital and physical elements. This year's tournament features over 800 athletes from approximately 50 countries, with a total prize pool of $4 million.

Selected as an opening event, '3on3 FreeStyle' will be played in a 'phygital basketball' format, where the final winner is determined by combining scores from in-game esports matches and physical games played on an actual basketball court. This approach offers both the dynamism of traditional sports and the immersive experience of esports.

The phygital basketball event will feature world-class clubs, including global sports teams like Boca Juniors and Valencia Basket, as well as the host country's representative PBC Astana and the defending champion, 'Liga Pro Team.'

Following its participation in 'GOTF 2025,' JOYCITY is continuing its partnership with the event organizer, Phygital International, to provide a unique esports experience for global users and fans through '3on3 FreeStyle.'

Dan Muckley, CEO of Phygital International, stated, "Phygital basketball best represents the identity of GOTF, and our collaboration with JOYCITY has played a crucial role in the growth of this event. We look forward to seeing world-class clubs showcase high-level competition through '3on3 FreeStyle' again this year."

Meanwhile, all phygital basketball matches at GOTF 2026 will be broadcast live worldwide via the official streaming platform 'Phygital+,' and detailed schedules and results can be found on the official website.