Neon lights flashed around Chase Field on Sunday as the Arizona Diamondbacks’ stadium was turned into a drone racing haven. Twelve new and experienced pilots from around the world engaged in an intense effort to be the Drone Racing League world champion.
For two hours before the actual race began, event attendees participated in activities designed to engage them with the course and the pilots. They could take tours of the race course, attend meet and greets with the pilots, and watch pre-race demonstrations of the drones. Additionally, they could download the “Drone Duels” app in order to place bets on who would win.
Founded in 2015, the DRL has since grown internationally and is sponsored by insurance company Allianz. This year’s World Championship gathered more than 4,200 spectators and was the largest live drone race ever.
While DRL CEO and Founder Nicholas Horbaczewski said his goal was to always bring drone racing to a global level, he said that actually accomplishing this goal felt surreal.
“I’m passionate about this sport, and to realize my initial vision is a rare thing,” Horbaczewski said. “Bringing the championship to the U.S. and Phoenix allows me to show people a sporting event that is nothing like they have ever seen before.”
Part of what contributed to the success of the DRL was the presence of drone racing videos on YouTube. Spectators and pilots alike say that seeing these videos is what heightened their interest in drone racing and the DRL.
“The first time there was a DRL competition, I saw it on YouTube,” spectator Sudeep Giri said. “I was stoked. I wanted to come and experience that live. When I found out it was happening in Phoenix, I had to get the tickets.”
DRL Pilot Alex Vanover shares a similar origin of interest in the DRL. Vanover credits YouTube for both his desire to join the DRL and his knowledge about racing drones.
“In 2016, I saw a trailer for DRL,” Vanover said. “That was it. I said ‘I want to get there.’ I had some help from YouTube and figured the rest out on my own. Then I did my first drone race and the rest is history.”
At age 19, Vanover is the youngest in the league. He acknowledges that his age is both an advantage and a disadvantage; what he lacks in experience, he makes up for in reflexes.
According to Horbaczewski, quick reflexes are key to winning. He noted that the hardest thing for pilots is the nerves they feel.
“It’s an unforgiving sport,” Horbaczewski said. “If you lose your focus, you won’t win.”
Due to the nature of drone races, winning is key. Two first place wins in the semi-finals secured them the ability to advance to the finals. While pilots do get prizes for winning, the bigger reward is the fame and recognition of being a world champion.
“I want to win because there’s so many people here who have been supporting me for my entire life and are here to watch me do well,” Vanover said. “The audience is super wild. I never thought that it would be like this. Now here we are and I’m a part of it, it’s a blessing.”
Contact the reporter at ilschnei@asu.edu.
Correction: A previous version of this article stated there were 1,000 spectators at the event. The article has been updated with the correct number.
