Riyadh, January 26, 2025 – The Drone Racing World Cup concluded today in Riyadh, marking a historic moment for the Kingdom as it hosted the largest edition of the event in the Middle East and North Africa region. Sponsored by Riyadh Season and organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, in collaboration with the World Air Sports Federation, the competition drew over 140 top-tier drone pilots from across the globe, competing for the coveted title and substantial cash prizes.
On the final day of competition, the thrilling qualification rounds were concluded, narrowing down the field to the top 64 racers. After a series of high-speed, skillful races, the podium positions were secured by three exceptional pilots, each showcasing extraordinary talent and precision. Korean pilot Minchan Kim emerged as the Drone Racing World Cup champion, claiming first place with a winning prize of SAR 375,000. Following closely behind, French pilot Killian Rousseau secured second place, earning a prize of SAR 285,000, while Joaquin Ybanez from the United States clinched third place, taking home SAR 185,000 for his remarkable performance.
This year's Riyadh edition was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest Drone Racing World Cup in history, with competitors hailing from over 50 nations, a testament to the global appeal and rapid growth of drone racing as a sport. Beyond the fierce competition, the event also served as a platform for attendees to engage with a variety of drone-related activities. Visitors were treated to exciting raffles and interactive exhibits, amplifying the event’s accessibility and fun for all involved.
Notably, this edition of the Drone Racing World Cup marked a groundbreaking milestone for Saudi Arabia, as it became the first-ever Middle Eastern country to host the prestigious event. Since its inception in 2016, the Drone Racing World Cup has been a premier event in the world of air sports, and this year's competition further solidified Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in innovation and technology.
With Riyadh’s successful hosting of the World Cup, the Kingdom has demonstrated its commitment to fostering cutting-edge technological advancements and providing a platform for international collaboration in emerging industries. The event not only highlighted the Kingdom’s expanding role in the world of competitive sports but also showcased its capabilities in organizing world-class international events. The immense success of this year’s edition is expected to set the stage for even greater opportunities for drone racing in Saudi Arabia and beyond in the coming years.
