FAI Drone Racing World Championships in Shenzhen

This past weekend, Shenzhen hosted the, first ever, finals of the FAI Drone Racing World Championships, a four day competition, that was held in the Shenzhen Universiade Centre Stadium. Fitting, as Shenzhen is effectively the epicenter of the world’s drone production.

Photo Credit: Newhalfens, 2018

15-year-old pilot Rudi Browning from Australia was crowned FAI World Drone Racing Champion, beating 127 other drone racers from 34 countries to win the title and the prestigious FAI gold medal in a final race that was watched by tens of thousands of drone fans around the world.

Photo Credit: Newhalfens, 2018

Wanraya Wannapong, the 11-year-old drone-master from Thailand won the Women’s FAI World Drone Racing Championship.

Photo Credit: Newhalfens, 2018

Built in the shape of a Traditional Chinese knot, the track was 650 meters long and featured three levels. Pilots had to fly up, down and over and through obstacles and gates, testing their skills as pilots.

Photo Credit: Newhalfens, 2018

The weekend opened with a performance that was otherworldly, including floating space dancers, laser lights, rockets, and of course a 200+ drone light show in the sky. The closing ceremony was equally spectacular with a choreographed model helicopter stunt show and a final multi-drone light show.

Photo Credit: Newhalfens, 2018

Rumor has it the next two year’s championships will also be held here in Shenzhen.

Photo Credit: Newhalfens, 2018

For more information on the event or other Drone racing events check out: https://faidroneworld2018.enavigator.org