On September 24, the Shanghai leg of the 2025 Drone Racing World Cup kicked off at Shanghai Jiangwan Stadium. This marked a historic moment as it was the inaugural time that this premier event, organized by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) - the world's governing body for air sports - was held in China.

Alongside the World Drone Racing Championships, this competition ranks as one of the most prestigious global drone - racing events. In 2025, a total of 13 races are scheduled to take place across 12 countries and regions around the world, and the Shanghai stop is the 11th on the calendar.

Spanning four days, the event offers a variety of multi - rotor drone racing categories. These include the Open division, which welcomes racers of all skill levels and backgrounds; the Youth division, specifically designed to nurture young talent in the sport; and the Women's division, providing a platform for female racers to showcase their skills. Champions in each category will be crowned through a series of competitive stages, starting with qualifying rounds to determine the top performers, followed by knockout stages that narrow down the field, and culminating in the thrilling finals.

The event is a collaborative effort, jointly organized by the FAI Aeromodelling Commission, which oversees aeromodelling sports globally, the General Administration of Sport of China, a key authority in promoting sports in the country, and other relevant partners.

During the event, a range of promotional activities will be launched in partnership with the Wujiaochang business district. These activities aim to enhance public awareness and engagement with drone racing. Moreover, on the finals day, there will be a drone technology exhibition, offering visitors a chance to explore the latest advancements in drone technology. Additionally, specialty products related to drone racing will be available for sale, allowing fans to take home a piece of the action.