The world’s best drone pilots are preparing to go head-to-head at the Drone Racing event of The World Games 2025, which begins in one week, on 13 August in Chengdu, China.

The 32 athletes come from 20 countries, and include 13 juniors and eight female pilots. The competition is part of 12th edition of The World Games opening tomorrow, 7 August.

Drone racing is a fast and furious sport that requires lightning reactions, testing the limits of athletes’ speed, skill – and ingenuity. Drones are capable of speeds of over 150km/h and are usually built by the pilots themselves to gain an edge.

Over three days they fly a series of rounds before the four best-placed athletes enter the final stage on 16 August, which consists of at least two successive final races. During a race, athletes fly their drone around three laps of the track, which lasts around two minutes. This year the track is shaped like a panda, in tribute to the Chinese host city of Chengdu, which is renowned for its panda population.

The victor is the athlete to win two final races. Among those hoping to emerge triumphant is the 18-year-old 2024 FAI World Drone Racing champion, Yuki Hashimoto (JPN) who says his only goal is “to win the race”.

Yuki Hashimoto (JPN)

Among the female athletes, names to watch include Luisa Rizzo (ITA), who won the women’s title at the 2024 FAI World Drone Racing Championship, and Wanraya Wannapong (THA), a three-time FAI World Drone Racing champion. Rizzo says, “My goal for The World Games 2025 is to reach the top ten.” Wannapong adds, “I will do my best as a representative of the Thai national team.”

Luisa Rizzo (ITA)

FAI President Greg Principato said:

“With just days to go, Drone Racing at The World Games is set to be a spectacular showcase of top-level competition. Combining precision, lightning-fast reactions and sharp judgement, all core skills for any pilot, it also highlights the innovation and engineering creativity driving our sports forward.

“With a talented and diverse international line-up, this year’s event will be thrilling to watch and a powerful way to inspire younger audiences around the world. I look forward to attending and admiring these talented athletes in person as they compete in this incredible event. We are proud to see them represent air sports on the world stage in Chengdu."

Schedule

• Wednesday 13 August: Model processing, Pilot’s track walking through, Competitor’s meeting, Official practice
• Thursday 14 - Saturday 16 August: Competition

Follow the competition

FAI will provide extensive coverage of the Championship, with regular updates on its website, Facebook, and Instagram.

• FAI Facebook
• FAI Instagram
• The World Games 2025 - Drone Racing event - Website
• Livestream
• #TWG2025
• #airsports

About The World Games

The World Games: 7-17 August 2025
The World Games drone racing event: 13-16 August 2025

The World Games is a prestigious multi-sport event organised by the International World Games Association (IWGA) under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Held every four years, The World Games showcases the best athletes in non-Olympic sports, providing a global platform for emerging and innovative disciplines. Air Sports have been part of The World Games since 1997.