DRL U.S. Air Force Miami Invitational: World-Class Pilots Set to Compete

Twelve pilots from around the globe will race high-speed drones in Miami’s skies on February 1, 2025.

The Drone Racing League (DRL) has announced the lineup of twelve elite pilots who will compete in the 2025 DRL U.S. Air Force Miami Invitational. This high-speed competition will take place at loanDepot Park, home to the Miami Marlins, on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 7 p.m. The event promises an evening of excitement, with drones racing at speeds of up to 90 mph through a futuristic, illuminated course.

Tickets for this all-ages event are available now at drl.io/tickets.

A Thrilling Return to Miami

Miami holds a special place in DRL’s history, as it was the site of the league’s first race in 2016. Evan “Headsup” Turner, a two-time DRL World Champion, expressed his excitement for the upcoming event.

“I’m so excited to return to Miami for the DRL U.S. Air Force Miami Invitational and am super honored to be named the U.S. Air Force Team Pilot this year,” said Turner. “This is a world-class event for our sport and nothing beats seeing all the amazing fans and families come out to support our pilots, partners, and the league. This is going to be incredible! Let’s fly, Miami!”

The 2025 competition, presented by the U.S. Air Force, will transform loanDepot Park into an immersive 3D racecourse, complete with lights and music. Fans will witness elite pilots navigate an aerial course that tests both speed and skill.

Meet the 2025 Pilot Lineup

The event will feature a diverse group of pilots, each with a unique story and racing style:

• AlexFPV (28, Tennessee): Competing in his third year, Alex has earned multiple wins with his fearless approach to racing.
• Amari (29, Texas): A seasoned competitor, Amari placed third overall last season.
• ChrisM (24, Denmark): Winner of the 2023 DRL SIM Tryouts, ChrisM brings 700 hours of training to the competition.
• Halowalker (21, Germany): Returning for his third year, Halowalker finished second in the championship last season.
• Headsup (21, Tennessee): A two-time World Champion and U.S. Air Force Team Pilot, Headsup is known for his exceptional achievements.
• Killian (20, France): With podium finishes in nearly every race last year, Killian is a strong contender.
• Leviathann (20, California): This rookie makes his DRL debut in 2025.
• MCK FPV (20, South Korea): The defending World Champion, MCK began competing at age 12 and trains rigorously.
• MrChaus (23, Tennessee): A graduate student in computer science, MrChaus will debut in Miami.
• Noical (21, Massachusetts): Another rookie debuting this season.
• Pawelos (21, Poland): Competing for a second season, Pawelos brings determination and skill to the race.
• Propsicle (18, Illinois): Starting at age 13, Propsicle is a young but experienced racer making his debut with DRL.

A New Era for Drone Racing

The DRL U.S. Air Force Miami Invitational marks a significant moment for the league, now owned by Infinite Reality. This partnership reflects a growing interest in immersive sports experiences, combining real-world and virtual racing.

Fans attending the event will experience the future of sports firsthand, with the combination of cutting-edge technology, thrilling competition, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Visit DRL.io for more information on the league and its pilots.

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Read more:

• Drone Racing League and U.S. Air Force Launch Initiative to Support Women in STEM and Sports
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• Become a Drone Racing Pilot: DRL Sim Tryouts are Now Open!