Drone Racing World Cup Kicks Off Today at Boulevard City with SAR 1.3 Million in Prizes

Riyadh, January 23, 2025: The highly anticipated Drone Racing World Cup begins today at Boulevard City in Riyadh, bringing together top global drone racing talent. This exciting event, part of the Riyadh Season festivities, is organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones in partnership with the World Air Sports Federation (FAI).

The competition will run from January 23 to 25 and offers impressive cash prizes exceeding SAR 1.3 million, attracting both participants and fans.

First in the Region

This is the first time the Drone Racing World Cup is being held in the Middle East and North Africa, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing technology and innovation in drone sports.

Top Drone Racers from Around the World

This year’s event features some of the best drone pilots globally, including:

• Kim Minjae – Winner of the 2024 FAI World Drone Racing Championship.
• Killian Rousseau – Champion of the 2023 FAI Drone Racing World Cup.
• Yuki Hashimoto – Winner of the 2024 FAI World Drone Racing Championship.
• Luisa Rizzo – 2024 Women’s FAI Drone Racing Champion.
• Min Chan Kim – 2023 FAI World Drone Racing Champion.
• Wanraya Wannapong – 2024 Women’s FAI Drone Racing Championship Runner-up.
• Pawel Laszczak – Runner-up of the 2023 Drone Racing World Cup.
• Jacob Capobres – Runner-up of the 2023 FAI World Drone Racing Championship.
• Choi Wongyun – Third place in the 2024 Drone Racing World Cup.
• Roland Ronto – Third place in the 2023 Drone Racing World Cup.

The competition also shines a spotlight on Saudi talent, with local pilots such as Muhannad Al-Wohaibi, Ibrahim Al-Sultan, Dalia Al-Safar, Al-Anoud Al-Shalaan, Bader Mutlaq Al-Raqas, Nawaf Al-Hamoud, and Salma Attallah Al-Aqbi competing on the global stage.

Event Schedule

• Qualifying Rounds: Start today and run until midday Friday.
• Finals: Scheduled for Saturday, January 25.

Exciting Activities for Visitors

The event offers more than just racing. Attendees can explore interactive zones, including:

• Drones Hub – Learn drone skills, from beginner to advanced levels.
• Drag Racing Zone – Speed competitions on a straight path.
• Fly Free Zone – A space to test and operate drones.
• VR Drone Racing – Experience the thrill of drone racing through virtual reality.
• Drone Workshops – Training sessions on designing, assembling, and building drones.
• Fans Zone – A dedicated area to watch all the exciting races.

A New Era for Drone Racing

This season marks the inaugural series of the Drone Racing World Cup, which will now include rounds hosted by leading countries in the drone racing field.

Be sure to visit Boulevard City to witness the incredible speed and skill of the world’s top drone racers, enjoy hands-on activities, and experience the future of drone sports!