Drone Racing World Cup Kicks Off Today At Boulevard City With SAR 1.3 Million In Prizes

The Drone Racing World Cup, backed by Riyadh Season, is set to commence today. Organised by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones alongside the World Air Sports Federation, the event will run from January 23 to 25 at Boulevard City in Riyadh. This marks the first time such an event is held in the Middle East and North Africa since its inception in 2016.

Participants and attendees can look forward to prizes exceeding 1,300,000 SAR. The competition will feature world-renowned drone racing champions. Among them are Kim Minjae, Killian Rousseau, Yuki Hashimoto, Luisa Rizzo, Min Chan Kim, Wanraya Wannapong, Pawel Laszczak, Jacob Capobres, Choi Wongyun, and Roland Ronto. These athletes have achieved top positions in various international championships.

Kim Minjae and Yuki Hashimoto both clinched victories at the 2024 FAI World Drone Racing Championship. Meanwhile, Killian Rousseau emerged victorious at the 2023 FAI Drone Racing World Cup. Luisa Rizzo won the 2024 Women's FAI Drone Racing Championship. Min Chan Kim was the champion of the 2023 FAI World Drone Racing Championship.

Wanraya Wannapong secured second place in the 2024 Women's FAI Drone Racing Championship. Pawel Laszczak was runner-up in the 2023 Drone Racing World Cup. Jacob Capobres took second place in the 2023 FAI World Drone Racing Championship. Choi Wongyun finished third in the 2024 Drone Racing World Cup while Roland Ronto achieved third place in the 2023 edition.

Several Saudi pilots will also showcase their skills at this prestigious event. Competitors include 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. Their participation highlights Saudi Arabia's growing interest and investment in drone racing.

The qualifying rounds are scheduled to begin on Thursday and continue until midday Friday. The finals will take place on Saturday. This schedule ensures a thrilling weekend for both participants and spectators alike.

Interactive Zones Enhance Experience

The event will feature an activity zone with various attractions for visitors. A Drones Hub will provide learning opportunities for both amateurs and professionals. The Drag Racing Zone offers speed competitions on a straight path for enthusiasts seeking excitement.

A Fly Free Zone is available for testing and operating drones safely. Additionally, a VR Drone Racing simulation using virtual-reality glasses allows participants to experience drone racing firsthand without physical risks involved.

Drone Workshops will offer training sessions focused on designing, assembling, and building drones from scratch. A Fans Zone is dedicated to watching all competitions live as they unfold during this exhilarating event.

This edition marks the inaugural season of the Drone Racing World Cup series held across leading countries known for their expertise in drone racing technology.

With inputs from SPA