A Thrilling Conclusion: Races 5 to 8 of the FAI eSports Series 2025
The second week-end of the FAI eSports Series 2025 took virtual pilots on a spectacular journey across some of the most challenging and beautiful landscapes in Europe. From the Black Forest in Germany to the Austrian Alps, these final four races showcased the skills, strategy, and determination of the world’s best virtual glider pilots. Here’s a recap of what has happened from Races 5 through 8, culminating in a nail-biting finish to this incredible series.
Race 5: Black Forest Challenge
Germany and Switzerland set the stage for Race 5, offering a true test of speed and thermal efficiency. While pilots enjoyed favorable weather and strong thermals, intermittent rain showers over the Black Forest added an extra layer of complexity. The evolving conditions required pilots to carefully adjust their speed, navigating through weaker thermals with precision. The Final Glide proved especially challenging, with a “Plateau” catching out those who didn’t leave enough margin, leading to a dramatic and suspenseful finish!
🏆 Winner: Patrick Medard 🇫🇷 (MDD)
⏱️ Time: 01:44:25
🚀 Speed: 133.25 km/h
Race 6: Sisteron and the FAI Sailplane Grand Prix Legacy
Race 6 paid tribute to the FAI Sailplane Grand Prix World Final of 2014 with an exhilarating task in Sisteron, France. Pilots faced a challenging route featuring high-speed ridges and blue thermals, where every decision counted. The race began with intensity as two main strategies emerged: one group followed a route through Col de Jouere, Authon, and La Bigue mountains to the east, while others opted for a straighter path through the Durance Valley, La Vaumase, and the renowned Plateau of Puimichel, southeast of St. Auban.
After reaching Aiguines near the Lac de Ste-Croix, pilots returned to the ridges to navigate toward Luc-en-Diois (TP2). The Baronnies region, notorious for its difficulty, posed a significant challenge for many competitors. However, the real drama unfolded at Pic de Bure, where rapidly changing weather conditions and overdevelopment resulted in heavy rain showers. With limited opportunities to climb, pilots struggled to glide through the valley of Gap toward TP3 (Savines – Lac de Serre-Ponçon).
For those fortunate enough to pass this waypoint early, the final stretch was smoother, utilizing weak thermals on the small hills near Gap. Ultimately, Frank Schwerdtfeger showcased exceptional skill and composure, securing a well-deserved victory and solidifying his leadership in the event.
🏆 Winner: Frank Schwerdtfeger 🇩🇪 (O9)
⏱️ Time: 02:02:08
🚀 Speed: 144.05 km/h
Race 7: Flatlands of Croatia and Slovenia
Returning to the flatlands, Race 7 took pilots over Croatia and Slovenia with high ceilings (1700m to 2200m AGL), blue thermals in the south, and a few active airspaces to avoid. A few rainshowers were also present in the North part of the race, near Slovenj-Gradec. This race rewarded pilots who could combine efficient thermal use with strategic navigation through active zones. You can jump into the flight as if you were the pilot, thanks to Norbert Kiss (CN), one of our competitor: here! It looks like it has been a very pleasant flight for our reigning Virtual SGP - World Champion, Arne Martin Guëttler!
🏆 Winner: Arne-Martin Guettler 🇳🇴 (AM)
⏱️ Time: 01:48:26
🚀 Speed: 133.58 km/h
Race 8: Grand Finale in the Austrian Alps and Slovenia
The final race of the series was nothing short of spectacular. Pilots tackled a high-speed route through the Austrian Alps and Slovenia, skillfully navigating cloud streets and managing their energy to cross challenging mountain passes. The finish was a thrilling showdown, with competitors pushing their limits to secure top spots. Missing even a single ridge transition could make or break a race, making this finale truly unforgettable.
The first leg set the tone with incredible cloud streets leading to the first turnpoint, offering pilots multiple strategies: when should they turn toward Lienz? A critical decision followed after TP1: should they head north or stick to the southern ridges en route to TP2? Two distinct options emerged, forming two main gaggles, both maintaining impressively high speeds.
After navigating a weaker glide area to reach TP2, the drama truly escalated toward TP3, where flying against the wind became crucial. Davis Chappins delivered an exceptional performance, making the right choices to leap toward the Slovenian border and its powerful thermals, breaking away from the leading gaggle. The rest is history: impressive finishes, late-race dramas, and an unforgettable conclusion to this incredible series!
🏆 Winner: Davis Chappins 🇺🇸 (DC1)
⏱️ Time: 01:34:15
🚀 Speed: 173.37 km/h
The Stage Is Set for the Final Results
With all eight races completed, the overall results of the FAI eSports Series 2025 will be unveiled soon. The incredible performances across these races have highlighted the skill, strategy, and resilience of the global virtual gliding community. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this event: you made this first serie on Condor 3 unforgettable! Stay tuned as we announce the overall champions later today.
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