Overview of the Red Bull Tetris World Final in Dubai, UAE on December 13, 2025. // Marc Schwarz / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202512130252 // Usage for editorial use only //
In an extraordinary fusion of retro gaming and cutting-edge technology, Red Bull orchestrated a live Tetris game using 2,000 drones in Dubai over the weekend. The event marked the inaugural Red Bull Tetris World Final, transforming the iconic Dubai Frame into a massive, interactive game board in the sky.
This groundbreaking event saw players stacking blocks across a 150m by 93m Tetrimino grid formed by synchronized drones, turning the Dubai night sky into a glowing spectacle. The drone system, engineered by Lumasky, responded in real-time to player inputs, accurately rendering every move and rotation. This was not merely a light show; it was Tetris at esports speed, several stories above the ground.
Tetris Redefined: A Sky-High Competition
The event brought together 60 national champions from around the globe, all vying for the title in a series of intense matches. Competitors battled through seeding rounds and head-to-head duels, with the final showdown taking place inside the illuminated Dubai Frame.
Red Bull’s custom Tetris ruleset introduced modern twists, including gravity shifts and speed boosts, challenging players to adapt beyond traditional strategies. The final match featured Fehmi Atalar from Türkiye and Leo Solorzano from Peru, culminating in a thrilling contest.
Fehmi Atalar emerged victorious with a staggering score of 168,566 points, becoming the first-ever Red Bull Tetris World Final Champion.
A Spectacle Beyond Gaming
The event was not only about the game. It featured a live performance by El Waili and the Firdaus Orchestra, blending electronic music with orchestral arrangements of the iconic Tetris theme. This musical fusion evoked nostalgia while highlighting the timeless appeal of Tetris, a game that originated in the 1980s.
The spectacle underscored how classic games can be reimagined beyond screens, creating immersive experiences that engage audiences in new ways. By integrating esports with architectural landmarks and drone technology, Red Bull offered a glimpse into the future of live competitive gaming and interactive entertainment.
Implications for the Future of Gaming
This event demonstrated the potential for classic games to evolve into large-scale, shared experiences. The combination of technology and creativity showcased how familiar games can captivate audiences in novel environments, paving the way for future innovations in the gaming industry.
The Red Bull Tetris World Final highlighted the enduring appeal of Tetris and its ability to adapt to modern technological advancements. As competitive gaming continues to expand, events like this set a precedent for what is possible when traditional games meet futuristic technology.
“This event was a testament to the timeless nature of Tetris and the endless possibilities of gaming innovation,” said a gaming industry expert.
As the gaming world anticipates what comes next, Red Bull’s successful integration of drones and gaming sets a high bar for future events. The Red Bull Tetris World Final was more than a game; it was a vision of what gaming could become.
