World Drone Races: MultiGP, A2RL, FAI World Cup, and Drone Soccer Organizations

The physical boundaries of traditional sports are giving way to a new excitement that combines digital speed with advanced engineering. This page introduces the largest drone races and leagues held worldwide. Discover how organizations like MultiGP, A2RL, FAI Drone Racing World Cup, and Drone Soccer work, which countries they are held in, and their competition formats. This guide is prepared for those who want to make a fast but solid entry into the world of drone racing.

1. From Past to Present: Legendary Races

There are several unforgettable organizations that started the "golden age" of drone racing:

World Drone Prix (Dubai - 2016): This was the biggest turning point in drone history. Attracting attention with a $1 million prize pool, this event proved that drone racing is not just a hobby but a serious sport involving significant investment. Luke Bannister, only 15 years old at the time, made history by winning this race.

Drone Racing League (DRL): The First Professionally Broadcast Drone Races: Starting in 2016, this organization was the first to have professional drone races broadcast on major television channels (ESPN, NBC), garnering massive media interest. Its neon-lit tracks and stadium races brought the sport to the masses.

FAI World Championships (Shenzhen – 2018): The Olympic Level of Drone Sports: Considered the first official world championship. Held in China’s technology capital amidst thousands of lights, this race was proof that drone sports had reached "Olympic" levels. Shenzhen was organized like a technological hub for the races. This event, where specialized drone pilots competed, resonated globally and became a major milestone for the future of the sport.

2. MultiGP Global Championship

The MultiGP Global Championship is one of the world's largest drone racing events, organized by MultiGP Drone Racing. MultiGP is the largest platform that organizes drone races and brings together thousands of pilots worldwide, and this championship is their flagship event. The event brings together pilots from various countries. The races offer thrilling moments where high-speed drones compete against each other on obstacle courses.

MultiGP offers competitive opportunities for drone pilots of all levels, from amateur to professional. In this championship, the best pilots showcase both their speed and skills by racing on challenging tracks.

The MultiGP Global Championship is usually held in the United States, but racers from all over the world participate. The races are conducted as large-scale productions where pilots fly their drones at high speeds through complex obstacle courses, testing their skills, reaction times, and strategies.

3. Abu Dhabi A2RL

The Abu Dhabi A2RL (Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League) has gained attention in recent years as an event merging drone racing with autonomous vehicle technologies. These races stand out as an organization where both human pilots and fully autonomous vehicles compete. Abu Dhabi has been hosting remarkable projects by investing heavily in technology and innovation, and A2RL is one of the most significant representatives of these innovations.

Races are typically held on highly complex tracks. Both pilots and autonomous systems navigate sections requiring speed, strategy, and agility. The races are sometimes presented to viewers with Virtual Reality (VR) and real-time data analysis, making the experience even more immersive.

Organization Period: A2RL events are typically held in Abu Dhabi during the first quarter of each year.

4. Drone Soccer World Cup

The Drone Soccer World Cup stands out as one of the largest international events in the field of drone soccer. Drone Soccer is an entertaining and competitive sport where drones compete in teams. Each team uses drones flown according to specific rules to try and score goals in the opposing team's goal. This sport has its own unique tracks and rules, but the primary draw is the sight of drones competing with speed and agility.

What is Drone Soccer?

Drone Soccer is a version of traditional soccer played with drones. However, instead of a ball, the drones move to control a specific target or goal area. Teams consist of pilots, each flying their own drone, competing on obstacle courses under set regulations.

Basic Rules:

• Teams: Each team consists of 3 to 5 players. Every player controls one drone.
• The Course: Races are usually held indoors, and the track includes various obstacles that the flying drones must navigate.
• Scoring: Teams try to score by directing their drones through the opponent's goal ring.
• Time and Score: Matches are played within a set time limit, and the team with the most goals wins.

Drone soccer was first organized in South Korea in 2016. The Drone Soccer World Cup was first held in 2019 and quickly became an international phenomenon. This organization is a platform where technological innovation, education, and entertainment meet.

5. FAI Drone Racing World Cup

The FAI Drone Racing World Cup is one of the most prestigious drone racing events in the world, organized by the World Air Sports Federation (FAI). This championship is considered the pinnacle of drone racing, providing a platform for talented pilots from around the globe to gather and compete. It is a chain of series held annually worldwide. Participants perform in various international races and collect points to win the world championship.

This event is one of the most important organizations contributing to the professionalization of drone racing. The races are particularly noted for FPV (First Person View) racing, where pilots fly their drones through goggles to receive real-time video feeds.

Format of the FAI Drone Racing World Cup

The FAI Drone Racing World Cup typically consists of several international events, each treated as a ranked race that affects the pilots' total score. Pilots aim to enter the world rankings based on the points they earn at each event.

Race Format:

• Ranking Events: Pilots collect points by placing in races held in different cities.
• Scoring System: Points are usually based on factors such as pilot speed, track completion time, and the ability to finish the course without errors.
• Race Tracks: These are filled with obstacles designed for drones to fly at high speeds. Tracks can be indoor or outdoor.
• Final Stage: Pilots with the highest scores throughout the season qualify for the Grand Final, where the best drone pilot of the year is crowned.