Thrilling Start to the FAI eSports Series 2025
The FAI eSports Series 2025 launched with a spectacular weekend of virtual gliding, drawing together the world’s top virtual gliding talent and beginners in competitions, making it a great mix to follow. Hosted on the Condor Club platform, our scoring partner, this competitive series delivered fast-paced, tactical action as pilots navigated challenging tasks across dynamic terrains. Four gripping races marked the beginning of this season. Here's a look at the highlights from the first weekend:
Race 1 – Kick off in the southern alps
The opening race of the series took place in St. Auban, France, which will also host the FAI Sailplane Grand Prix - World Final in August 2025. Pilots soared through favorable weather conditions, with high speeds expected. A diverse route featuring shifting weather zones tested their endurance and strategic thinking.
🏆 Winner: Thijs Bastiaanse 🇳🇱 (SHT)
⏱️ Time: 1:44:36
🚀 Average Speed: 146.89 km/h
Link to Race Details: Race 1 Results
Race 2 – Racing Through the french Alps
The second race delivered thrilling action as pilots launched from Jausiers (near Barcelonnette), flying over stunning alpine landscapes with a complex finish in Challes-les-Eaux. High-altitude navigation and thermals played a crucial role. Lower cloud base on final glide has been well anticipated by the top pilots.
🥇 Winner: Jannes Stahf 🇩🇪 (EY)
⏱️ Time: 1:33:51
🚀 Average Speed: 162.76 km/h
Link to Race Details: Race 2 Results
Race 3 – Flatland Challenges in Slovenia
Race 3 took the competition into the flatlands of Slovenia, where efficient route planning was paramount. With deteriorating weather near Maribor, pilots had to adapt quickly to avoid showers and potential thunderstorms.
🥇 Winner: Frank Schwerdtfeger 🇩🇪 (O9)
⏱️ Time: 1:37:16
🚀 Average Speed: 143.60 km/h
Link to Race Details: Race 3 Results
Race 4 – Tactical Flying in Klagenfurt, Austria
The weekend concluded with a demanding task around Klagenfurt, Austria, where tactical altitude control and weather strategy proved critical. The dramatic final glide provided nail-biting action for pilots and spectators alike.
🥇 Winner: Davis Chappins 🇺🇸 (DC1)
⏱️ Time: 1:34:10
🚀 Average Speed: 144.36 km/h
Link to Race Details: Race 4 Results
Overall Standings After Four Races
With four exciting races in the books, the competition is heating up! Here’s how the leaderboard stands:
🥇 Frank Schwerdtfeger 🇩🇪 (O9) – Points: 3,529.90
🥈 Davis Chappins 🇺🇸 (DC1) – Points: 3,329.02
🥉 Arne-Martin Guettler 🇳🇴 (AM) – Points: 3,310.82
Full standings and more details available here: Overall Results
Community Buzz and Social Engagement
The enthusiasm around the FAI eSports Series extended far beyond the racetrack, with fans and pilots sharing their experiences on social media. The FAI Virtual Gliding Facebook and Discord pages became a hub for post-race discussions, strategies, and celebrations.
For the first time, we had the pleasure of welcoming a pilot from China to our competition, and we look forward to seeing more participants from countries where gliding is still growing. Additionally, we are thrilled to observe a rising number of women joining the world of gliding—an exciting and promising trend for the future of our sport!
We want to thank everyone for tuning in, sharing your stories, and making this series an unforgettable experience.
You can catch the replays of Races 2 and 4 in our ‘Live’ section or watch them on our YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch channels.
Looking Ahead
Next weekend promises even more action as the final four races unfold. Tune in for our livestreamed events at 19:00 UTC and witness the world’s best virtual glider pilots battle for victory.
Stay connected, stay competitive, share your passion, and keep your eyes on the skies!
