Few air sports have enjoyed such a rapid rise as drone racing. It made its debut at The World Games 2022 just over a decade after the first hobbyists began racing drones in Germany and it’s back on the programme of the upcoming World Games in Chengdu (13–16 August).

As the technology around drones has risen steeply, the sport itself has grown, with a large following among young audiences around the world, particularly Asia.

Its inclusion into The World Games was an obvious progression, says Max Bishop, the former Secretary General of the FAI and former Vice President of IWGA (International World Games Association).

“At that time, drones as a leisure activity and sport suddenly came to prominence,” recalls Bishop. “I could see, and other people could see that this was something that was potentially quite big from a public interest point of view. And so we thought, why not try and persuade the Americans to allow us to have drones, and they did.”

Drone racing therefore appeared for the first time at The World Games 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama. In total, the event featured 3,457 athletes competing in 223 medal events over 34 sports.

“They gave us a great big stadium, and the racing itself was quite impressive,” recalls Bishop. He says one of its attractions is that it has an obvious appeal to a youthful, digitally savvy audience interested in gaming and e-sports.

“It raises the issue of what is a sport? It requires mental agility and also a certain amount of physical agility, even if you're not actually sweating blood to do it,” he says.

It is this diversity that also makes it attractive  – drone racing is one of the few sports where disabled athletes can compete, and there are often competitors in wheelchairs.

IWGA President José Perurena López

José Perurena López, IWGA president said: “At The World Games, we embrace innovation, and the inclusion of drone racing in the programme reflects our commitment to showcasing dynamic, cutting-edge disciplines. Drone racing combines technology, speed, and skill in a way that captivates a new generation of athletes and fans. This sport is particularly popular among young people, though it attracts talent across all ages, making it an exciting and inclusive addition to our programme. We are proud to provide a global stage for these exceptional pilots and to witness the growth of this thrilling competition.”

The sport has evolved since it first appeared at Birmingham, where some audiences found it hard to follow. For the The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, numerous changes have been made and fans and newcomers alike can expect a thrilling air sports battle.

Photo credit top picture: ASFC