China Takes Flight At Historic Fai World Drone Soccer Championships
China Makes History at the Inaugural FAI World Drone Soccer Championships in Shanghai The inaugural …
19. November 2025
China Takes Flight At Historic Fai World Drone Soccer Championships
China Makes History at the Inaugural FAI World Drone Soccer Championships in Shanghai
The inaugural FAI World Drone Soccer Championships, held at the Shanghai Stadium from November 15 to 18, marked a groundbreaking event in the rapidly growing sport of drone soccer. The Chinese teams dominated both categories, F9A-A and F9A-B, with gold and silver medals, while Korea secured strong third-place finishes in each class.
The Aero Sports Federation of China (ASFC) and the Shanghai Science and Technology Sports Management Center organized the event, a significant milestone in the sport’s development. The championships attracted teams from 18 nations, all eager to showcase their skills and compete for the top spot. As the competition commenced, teams demonstrated precision flying, coordinated strategy, and fast decision-making.
The F9A-A class featured larger drones of up to 40 cm diameter, requiring five active players and two substitutes. In contrast, the F9A-B class utilized smaller drones of up to 20 cm diameter, necessitating only three active players and two substitutes. Both classes presented unique challenges and required distinct strategies.
One of the most striking aspects of this inaugural event was the young age of many competitors, with numerous players between 10 and 15 years old showcasing exceptional control, quick thinking, and team coordination. Their performance not only highlighted the sport’s accessibility but also underscored its potential to inspire a new generation of athletes.
China’s dominance in both classes was impressive, capturing gold medals in F9A-A and F9A-B with commanding performances. The Chinese teams’ exceptional teamwork, communication, and drone handling skills were on full display throughout the tournament. Their silver medal finishes in each class demonstrated their commitment to excellence and set a high standard for future competitors.
Korea achieved consistent excellence, earning bronze medals in both categories. The Korean team’s strong performance was a testament to their dedication and hard work, as they navigated the challenges of drone soccer with skill and precision.
The Closing Ceremony on November 18 saw the top teams receive their FAI medals, surrounded by cheers and applause from the audience. President of the FAI Aeromodelling Commission, Antonis Papadopoulos, praised the competitors for an outstanding display of skill, teamwork, and excitement. He extended warm congratulations to China for its exceptional performance and expressed gratitude to the hosts and organizers for delivering a well-run and memorable event.
“The level of skill, teamwork, and sheer excitement we witnessed over these three days was remarkable,” said President Papadopoulos. “My warmest congratulations to all the teams, and especially to China for an outstanding performance. We are deeply grateful to our hosts and organizers for delivering such a well-run and truly memorable first FAI World Drone Soccer Championships.”
As the inaugural event came to a close, the sport’s future looked brighter than ever. With its accessibility, fast growth, and exciting competition, drone soccer was poised to capture the hearts of athletes and fans worldwide. The success of this event marked an important milestone in the development of drone soccer, highlighting its potential to inspire a new generation of competitors and enthusiasts.
The rapid growth of drone soccer has been driven by its unique blend of technology, strategy, and teamwork. As the sport continues to evolve and grow, it will be exciting to see how teams adapt and innovate, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with drones. With more thrilling competitions and events on the horizon, fans can look forward to experiencing the excitement of drone soccer for years to come.
The potential of drone soccer to inspire a new generation of athletes was evident in the young competitors who participated in the championships. Their performances demonstrated that this sport can be accessible to people of all ages and skill levels, and it will be exciting to see how they contribute to the sport’s future growth and development.
China’s dominance in the inaugural FAI World Drone Soccer Championships serves as a testament to the country’s commitment to innovation and excellence. The Chinese teams’ exceptional teamwork, communication, and drone handling skills were on full display throughout the tournament, setting a high standard for future competitors.
The success of this event has also highlighted the importance of organization and planning in the sport’s development. The Aero Sports Federation of China (ASFC) and the Shanghai Science and Technology Sports Management Center played a crucial role in delivering a well-run and memorable event, which will serve as a model for future championships.
As drone soccer continues to capture the imagination of audiences around the world, it is essential to recognize its potential to inspire a new generation of athletes. The sport’s accessibility, fast growth, and exciting competition make it an attractive option for people of all ages and skill levels, and it will be exciting to see how teams adapt and innovate in the years to come.
The future of drone soccer looks bright, with its unique blend of technology, strategy, and teamwork poised to capture the hearts of athletes and fans worldwide. With more thrilling competitions and events on the horizon, fans can look forward to experiencing the excitement of drone soccer for years to come.