The Drone Racing World Cup concluded in Riyadh on January 25, 2025, with Saudi Arabia achieving a Guinness World Record for the largest edition of the competition. Sponsored by Riyadh Season and organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones in collaboration with the World Air Sports Federation, the event featured over 140 pilots from more than 50 nations. The final day saw 64 racers qualify, with South Korean pilot Minchan Kim claiming the championship title and a prize of SAR 375,000.
Context and Background
The Drone Racing World Cup has been held annually since 2016, but this year’s edition in Riyadh marked the first time the event has been hosted in the Middle East and North Africa region. The competition’s recognition by Guinness World Records underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a hub for international sporting and technological events. The Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, a key entity under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, coordinated with the World Air Sports Federation to ensure a seamless and globally competitive event.
Key Details
Minchan Kim of South Korea secured first place, earning the title of Drone Racing World Cup champion in Riyadh and a prize of SAR 375,000. French pilot Killian Rousseau finished second, receiving SAR 285,000, while Joaquin Ybanez from the United States took third place with a prize of SAR 185,000. In addition to the competitive races, valuable prizes were raffled off for visitors and attendees, enhancing the event’s community engagement. The Guinness World Record recognition highlighted the participation of over 50 countries, marking the largest edition in the competition’s history.
Implications and Impact
The successful hosting of the Drone Racing World Cup positions Saudi Arabia as a leading destination for advanced technology and sports events. The international participation from over 50 nations reflects the Kingdom’s ability to attract global talent and foster cross-cultural exchange. This event also supports the growth of drone technology and cybersecurity fields, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s strategic investments in innovation and digital transformation. The collaboration with the World Air Sports Federation further strengthens Saudi ties to international sports governing bodies.
Vision 2030 Alignment
This achievement directly supports Vision 2030’s goals of diversifying the economy, promoting sports and entertainment, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for technology and innovation. By hosting record-breaking events like the Drone Racing World Cup, the Kingdom demonstrates its commitment to fostering a vibrant society and building international partnerships. The success of this edition, combined with the Guinness World Record, underscores Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the region and its ongoing transformation into a center for world-class events and technological advancement.
20 Questions
Q1. What was the Drone Racing World Cup in Riyadh?
A1. It was an international drone racing competition held in Riyadh, sponsored by Riyadh Season and organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, featuring over 140 pilots from more than 50 countries.
Q2. Who won the Drone Racing World Cup in Riyadh?
A2. South Korean pilot Minchan Kim secured first place, becoming the Drone Racing World Cup champion in Riyadh and winning a prize of SAR 375,000.
Q3. Which country’s pilot finished second in the competition?
A3. French pilot Killian Rousseau claimed second place, receiving a prize of SAR 285,000.
Q4. Who took third place in the Drone Racing World Cup?
A4. Joaquin Ybanez from the United States finished third, winning SAR 185,000.
Q5. What Guinness World Record was achieved at this event?
A5. The Riyadh edition of the Drone Racing World Cup was officially recognized as the largest edition in terms of participating countries, with competitors from over 50 nations.
Q6. Who organized the Drone Racing World Cup in Riyadh?
A6. The event was organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones in collaboration with the World Air Sports Federation.
Q7. How many pilots participated in the competition?
A7. The event featured participation from over 140 pilots from around the world.
Q8. When did the Drone Racing World Cup conclude in Riyadh?
A8. The competition concluded on January 25, 2025.
Q9. How many racers qualified for the final day?
A9. On the final day, 64 racers qualified to compete for the top positions.
Q10. What is the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones?
A10. It is a Saudi government entity that oversees cybersecurity, programming, and drone-related activities, playing a key role in organizing technology events aligned with Vision 2030.
Q11. Was this the first Drone Racing World Cup in the Middle East?
A11. Yes, this edition marked the first time the Drone Racing World Cup has been hosted in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Q12. Since when has the Drone Racing World Cup been held annually?
A12. The Drone Racing World Cup has been held annually since 2016.
Q13. What prizes were given to the winners?
A13. The first-place winner received SAR 375,000, second place SAR 285,000, and third place SAR 185,000.
Q14. Were there any activities for visitors at the event?
A14. Yes, valuable prizes were raffled off for visitors and attendees during the event, enhancing community engagement.
Q15. What international organization collaborated on this event?
A15. The World Air Sports Federation collaborated with the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones to organize the competition.
Q16. How does this event support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?
A16. It supports Vision 2030 by promoting sports, technology, and international partnerships, diversifying the economy, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for innovation and events.
Q17. What does the Guinness World Record signify for Saudi Arabia?
A17. It signifies Saudi Arabia’s ability to host world-class events and attract global participation, highlighting its leadership in technology and sports.
Q18. Which pilot won the title of Drone Racing World Cup champion in Riyadh?
A18. South Korean pilot Minchan Kim won the title of Drone Racing World Cup champion in Riyadh.
Q19. How many countries were represented at the event?
A19. Competitors from over 50 nations participated in the event, setting a Guinness World Record for the largest edition.
Q20. What is Riyadh Season’s role in this event?
A20. Riyadh Season sponsored the Drone Racing World Cup, contributing to its success as part of the broader entertainment and cultural initiative in the capital.
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