Kazan was the host city for the Games of the Future motor rally, an ambitious event that paired sport with science and cutting-edge technology. Set to take place in the capital of Tatarstan in 2024, this inaugural tournament marks a unique convergence where athletic talent, scientific innovation, and tech prowess intersect on the international stage. Before the main trophy reaches its final destination, the emblem of the event will embark on a touring route across seven Russian regions, building anticipation and showcasing the possibilities of a tech-powered future. The journey is slated to culminate at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, from which the trophy is planned to depart for space, symbolically aligning terrestrial competition with the vastness of space exploration.
The first stop for the Cup in Tatarstan was Innopolis, a city recognized for its focus on digital innovation and robotics research.
The convoy escorting the main prize was warmly welcomed by the city’s mayor, Ruslan Shagaleev, along with students from Innopolis University. Their greeting highlighted the collaborative spirit between municipal leadership and the next generation of tech-focused engineers and programmers who are shaping the region’s futuristic landscape.
Shagaleev expressed enthusiasm for the Cup’s presence: “We are delighted to host the Trophy and eagerly await its return from space during the Future Games in 2024,” he noted, underscoring the event’s role in linking local talent with a broader international audience.
During the university stop, attendees explored advanced robotics demonstrations. Participants witnessed a sorting robot in action, discussed the mechanics of external robotic manipulators, and even allowed visitors to operate a robotic canine surrogate under guided supervision. Following the demonstrations, guests conversed with Russian students who are pursuing careers in video game development, gaining insights into the creative and technical processes behind modern interactive entertainment.
Beyond the university, the Future Games Laureate paid visits to the Kazan Family Center, the URAM extreme park, and the historic Kazan Kremlin, enriching the itinerary with cultural and social dimensions that complement the technological focus of the tour.
The convoy then met with students at School 21, a program supported by Sber, where IT professionals are trained to meet the demands of a fast-evolving tech sector. This stop underscored the emphasis on education as the backbone of a thriving ecosystem that blends sports, e-sports, and engineering disciplines.
Later, the group arrived at the eponymous IT park, where Bashir Rameev welcomed the guests. Attendees had the chance to watch professional Dota 2 matches, take photos with the trophy, and obtain autographs from Alexander Paradeev, better known to fans as Paradeev1ch, one of Russia’s most popular Twitch streamers. The lively atmosphere reflected the event’s aim to fuse competitive gaming culture with real-world technology demonstrations.
Igor Stolyarov, the head of the Games of the Future project, participated in the Kazan events and explained the rationale behind lifting the Cup toward space. He stated that the idea sprang from Russia’s flourishing space program, where innovation and practical manufacturability mirror the core principles of the tournament. This alignment highlighted how space ambitions can serve as a shared horizon for sports, e-sports, and engineering.
Stolyarov emphasized that the tournament would feature not only athletic competition and electronic sports but also a diverse array of technological and innovative disciplines. Drone races, athletic programs, robot warfare, and cybattles were described as ambitious components that push boundaries in ways many nations cannot easily follow. He affirmed that similar competitions are planned for 2024 as well, reinforcing the notion that space remains a close collaborator in this multi-domain event.
The tour’s main symbol continued its journey through Russian cities, with a scheduled stop in Ulyanovsk on November 21. The plan to launch the capsule and the trophy to the International Space Station was set for December 1, with the trophy expected to return from orbit in 2024 and then be showcased at the Future Games in Kazan, scheduled from February 23 to March 3, 2024, demonstrating how earthly competition and cosmic exploration can be intertwined in a single, transformative initiative. (citation: organizers’ briefing)