4th International
Drone Show Competition

Announces the Results

Organized by
SPH Engineering proudly announces the outstanding results of the 4th International Drone Show Competition. This year's competition, with 105 applications, highlights the growth and innovation in the drone show industry.
22 winners from 24 countries were selected across 8 diverse categories, earning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places

Winners

Partner Nomination: Drone Show Animation
Drone Show Japan
Japan
Winner's Project

This project merges the fairy tale “The Bremen Musicians” with endangered species, using music and drone shows to draw attention to these animals, enhanced by sound-framed animation, with an aim to both improve skills and raise awareness about wildlife conservation.

Winner's Team

"It’s a great honor to be among the finalists. Japan's Drone Show Industry has just begun, so if we are selected, it will be a boost to popularity in Japan."

Nomination: Drone Show at the Event
Lumasky Drone Show
United Arab Emirates
Winner's Project

In April 2023, a spectacular Formula 1 event in Baku, Azerbaijan, featured 1000 LED drones and 20 pyro drones, offering an unprecedented show with sporting and patriotic themes, witnessed live by the president's family and garnering nationwide attention.

Winner's Team

"For the 4th year in a row, the Drone Show Competition gathers the most talented teams from around the world to showcase their outstanding skills. This is a great opportunity for everyone to contribute to and benefit from the industry. Congratulations to all the winners and many thanks to the organizers!"

Nomination: Drone Show at the Event
Andrei Golenev
United Arab Emirates
Winner's Project

For the Saudi Tour cycling race, a remarkable 20-day project utilized 650 light drones and 3D projection on Elephant Rock near Al Ula, Saudi Arabia, synchronizing visuals and music for an immersive, mysterious atmosphere. The event was organized by Mice International with Luma Sky as the technical drone show provider.

Winner's Team

"The annual competition was an interesting starting point where I could track the growth of not only other companies, but also my own, and creates a harmonious way of sharing experiences, the competition for first place provides an opportunity for growth for each of the participants."

Nomination: Drone Show at the Event
Celestial
United Kingdom
Winner's Project

The 2023 Secret Garden Party (SGP) partnered with Celestial to deliver a groundbreaking drone show featuring a Space Invader illusion and Alan Watts' philosophies, captivating audiences and earning around £22k in media coverage, setting a new standard in festival experiences.

Winner's Team

"The competition experience was surprisingly simple and easy to navigate. Deadlines were clearly stated, and entry instructions were clear and concise. Any questions we had were also answered quickly."

Nomination: Drone Show Storytelling
BotLab Dynamics
India
Winner's Project

During Janmashtami in Rajasthan, 1000 drones illuminated the sky, displaying formations that depicted Lord Krishna's life, adding grandeur and festivity to the celebration through a spectacular drone show.

Winner's Team

"It has been an incredible opportunity to participate in the 4th International Drone Show Competition and represent India on the world stage. Thanks to the organizing team for supporting the drone industry!"

Nomination: Drone Show Storytelling
Stellar Lights
Australia
Winner's Project

On April 20th, 2023, Western Australia's Ningaloo region, a World Heritage site, witnessed a total solar eclipse accompanied by “Nyinggulu”, a performance highlighting Aboriginal Dreaming stories about the eclipse, developed with local artists Hazel Walgar and Sonya Edney, as a centerpiece of the “Dark Sky Festival”.

Winner's Team

"Drone Show Competition grows and goes from strength to strength each year, raising the bar for excellence in this exciting industry. We at Stellar love the opportunity to showcase the work of our talented team and collaborators on this global platform."

Nomination: Drone Show Storytelling
AO - Drones
United Arab Emirates
Winner's Project

The “Como Residences”, a 300m high luxury real estate project on Palm Jumeirah in the UAE, was uniquely unveiled using a drone, sound, and light show to narrate its story of luxury and architectural elegance, captivating an exclusive audience of clients and agents at a beachside dinner presentation.

Winner's Team

"Drone shows are our passion and much more than just presenting Logos in the sky. The Drone-Show-Competition is an amazing platform to support this new kind of entertainment art and we are proud to be a part of it."

Nomination: Drone Show as Marketing Tool
Sky Elements Drone Shows
United States
Winner's Project

To uniquely promote “The Flash” movie, 600 drones created a sky billboard above Santa Monica Pier, captivating viewers both live and online. Despite lasting just 10 minutes, the drone show's video went viral on social media, reaching tens of millions globally and maintaining buzz well after the event concluded.

Winner's Team

"It has been such an honour to participate in the 4th Annual Drone Show Software Competition, which brings global attention to the technology and artistry of drone light shows. It is a privilege to be compared with the best in the world."

Nomination: Drone Show as Marketing Tool
Pixis Drones
United States
Winner's Project

Netflix launched their “One Piece” series with a drone show by Pixis Drones at Santa Monica Pier. This event achieved 22 million video views, 6 million social media interactions, and 34 million digital impressions, worth $2.8 million in media value.

Winner's Team

"It’s been great working with Alex and the SPH Engineering team this year. At Pixis, we’re very excited to participate in an event like The Drone Show Competition, which aims to recognize artistic, technical and creative achievements in our growing industry."

Nomination: Drone Show as Marketing Tool
Drone Show Europe by Spectrum production
Czech Republic
Winner's Project

In a major international collaboration, the “One Albania” advertising campaign for the telephone operator One featured a flawless 500-drone show in Tirana, Albania, one of the largest in Europe at the time, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators and televised nationally to millions, celebrating the onset of summer and symbolizing national unity.

Winner's Team

"We are always excited to participate in this global competition that brings together the global community of drone show creators. We are glad to be part of this great community."

Nomination: Drone Show for Raising Social Awareness
Celestial
United Kingdom
Winner's Project

Celestial's drone show at Point of the Bluff vineyards, part of New York's 4th of July celebrations, supported MDA.org with a 400-drone performance of poetry and music. The show, highlighting muscular dystrophy resilience, inspired 15,000 attendees to raise $185k, with an additional $27k from a related film and notable social media impact.

Winner's Team

"The competition experience was surprisingly simple and easy to navigate. Deadlines were clearly stated, and entry instructions were clear and concise. Any questions we had were also answered quickly."

Nomination: Drone Show for Raising Social Awareness
Sky Elements Drone Shows
United States
Winner's Project

The Wave of Light, observed annually on October 15th to honor families affected by pregnancy and infant loss, was marked by Sky Elements in downtown Dallas with a 400-foot candle formed by 300 drones, a tribute deeply personal to Chief Pilot Preston Ward, who lost his infant daughter in 2020.

Winner's Team

"It has been such an honour to participate in the 4th Annual Drone Show Software Competition, which brings global attention to the technology and artistry of drone light shows. It is a privilege to be compared with the best in the world."

Nomination: Drone Show for Raising Social Awareness
New Rise Technologies
Saudi Arabia
Winner's Project

Ribbons of Hope: Riyadh Unites Against Breast Cancer is a poignant drone show in Riyadh, emphasizing the importance of breast cancer awareness and early detection through powerful imagery and light displays, including symbols of hope, unity, and the significant role of social media, culminating in a tribute to the Zahra Association.

Winner's Team

"The New Raise drone show is an amazing experience that produces some of the most creative shoes in the region. Thanks to the dedication of our team. New Raise Techs has become synonymous with quality when it comes to drone light shows."

Nomination: Drone Show with a Small Fleet
Stellar Lights
Australia
Winner's Project

Seagulls and the Sea, a narrative by Ron Bradfield, playfully explores the lives of seagulls, integral to coastal myths and often seen as symbols of good luck, using 60 drones to bring to life the story and evoke nostalgic memories of childhood beach adventures.

Winner's Team

"Drone Show Competition grows and goes from strength to strength each year, raising the bar for excellence in this exciting industry. We at Stellar love the opportunity to showcase the work of our talented team and collaborators on this global platform."

Nomination: Drone Show with a Small Fleet
Martin Merkl
Czech Republic
Winner's Project

This show for 75 drones will be used as a background during one of the Pretty Lights's concerts. The objective was to create abstract colorful formations. The show was designed for US company Skylites (https://skylites.net).

Winner's Team

"I am glad to be among the finalists of the Drone Show 2023. I also want to thank Sky Lites (https://skylites.net) for entrusting me with the design of this show!"

Nomination: Drone Show with a Small Fleet
Andromeda
Belgium
Winner's Project

“INVASION”, a self-produced drone show using SPH's software, offers an immersive experience with drones mimicking an aerial attack. Held at the "Les Aigles de Battice" aeromodelling club in the Liège region, the show serves as a training exercise to sharpen the team's skills and preparedness.

Winner's Team

"As members of Andromeda, we have combined our skills to create a spectacular show using exclusively Drone Show Creator and our own original music composition. We are grateful and proud to have reached the finals of the competition."

Nomination: Rising Star Drone Show
That Drone Show Guy
United States
Winner's Project

On April 1st, 2023, That Drone Show Guy executed an April Fool's Day prank in Austin, Texas, by creating a 300-foot-tall QR code with 600 drones that linked to Rick Astley's “Never Gonna Give You Up”, preceded by a 60-minute countdown to draw in spectators.

Winner's Team

"The Drone Show Competition is something we look forward to every year. It's so exciting to see the growth of the industry in real-time and what companies are creating around the world!"

Nomination: Rising Star Drone Show
Flyby Guys
Finland
Winner's Project

The Helsinki show is the first ever drone light show in Helsinki and Finland. The show has a Nordic theme that delighted hundreds of people watching the show in the centre of Helsinki. This is Flyby Guys first major production, with a fantastic team in support.

Winner's Team

"We are delighted to be awarded at the Drone Show Competition 2023 along with the tremendous talent in our industry. It is incredible to see shows from all over the world and from incredible teams that I deeply respect. This was the first Drone Light Show in Finland and we were honoured to bring the show to the Flyby Guys home. Thanks to the Flyby Guys for making this show possible. It was purely a team effort, and success comes with your team. Special thanks to Dronisos for the fleet and animation. Thanks to the judges, and I am sorry that I cannot attend the awards ceremony in person. Fly Safely"

Nomination: Rising Star Drone Show
Illumin Drone Show Company Inc
Canada
Winner's Project

The Matrix 1 movie themed show with QR code included, with 340 drones. Location Downtown Toronto Canada.

Winner's Team

"Looking forward to seeing our colleagues push the creative boundaries of drone entertainment. Really excited to take part in the International Drone Show competition this year."

Nomination: Collaborative Drone Show
Andrei Golenev
United Arab Emirates
Winner's Project

In February 2023, a drone show in Kuwait for National Day made history by combining light and laser drones, along with pyrotechnics, water screens, and music. This collaboration created a mystic atmosphere with distinctive, fast, and colorful transitions, weaving a captivating narrative.

Winner's Team

"The annual competition was an interesting starting point where I could track the growth of not only other companies, but also my own, and creates a harmonious way of sharing experiences, the competition for first place provides an opportunity for growth for each of the participants."

Nomination: Collaborative Drone Show
Drone Sky Shows
Australia
Winner's Project

For the launch of an app, “Sky Symphony” brought together Drone Sky Shows from Australia, Japan, China, and Singapore in a groundbreaking international collaboration, featuring a synchronized performance of 300 drones that mesmerized audiences worldwide with its seamless execution and cutting-edge technology.

Winner's Team

"Being among the respected group of Drone Sky Shows companies around the world is not only an honour but also a testament to the dedication and talent of our team. This competition served as an incredible opportunity to showcase our capabilities and push the boundaries of creativity in our industry. We firmly believe that this experience will not only raise our profile but also inspire our designers and sales teams to reach new heights of innovation. Let's take this exciting journey and make our mark on the global drone community!"

Nomination: Collaborative Drone Show
Dutch Drone Shows
Netherlands
Winner's Project

Last summer, Dutch Drone Shows collaborated with Flock Drone Art at the Drone Show Festival in Gijon, creating a 200-drone show and forming valuable connections with Fran, Ernest, and their team, as well as Rick and Kyle from Sky Elements. This experience, filled with shared ideas and creativity, not only enhanced the winner’s knowledge but also strengthened the bond with the drone show community, leaving everyone excited for future collaborations.

Winner's Team

"We appreciate the outstanding experience of the Drone Show Competition, especially in the "Small Drone Fleet" and "Storytelling" categories. This well-organized event allowed us to showcase our creativity and demonstrate our storytelling prowess to a professional panel of judges from the community. Thanks to the entire team for making this competition inspiring and memorable."

Sponsors

Supported by
Media partners
Technological partners
Main partner for the Award event

Key Event for Professionals in the Drone Show Industry

The Competition aims to bring together the best representatives of the drone show industry and present their amazing drone light shows and projects to the whole world!
The 4th Drone Show Competition is shifting from online to offline, uniting the Global Drone Show Community. This year's dynamic two-stage voting involves both community members and a jury to choose winners. The international jury, including media, drone, and entertainment experts, awards valuable prizes. Winners gain Global Drone Show Community recognition and a chance to showcase animations at the 2024 International Flock's Drone Show Festival.
In 2020, SPH Engineering kicked off the 1st International Drone Show Choreography Competition. In 3 years, this contest has evolved into a broader Drone Show Competition, with 469 entries from 104 countries and honoring 31 outstanding creators.
Discover the Competition

#Throwback

1st Drone Show Competition
In 2020, SPH Engineering organized first-ever drone show competition with the goal of unleashing the hidden potential of drone light show animation designers worldwide. The competition saw 153 participants from 50 countries competing in six different nominations, ultimately leading to the recognition of six winners.
2nd Drone Show Competition
In 2021 SPH Engineering's Drone Show Software team successfully organized the 2nd International Drone Show Competition and had 214 registrations from over 104 countries.The concept of the Competition in 2021 turned into a multidisciplinary contest of both shows performed by real drones and drone show animations.
3rd Drone Show Competition
In 2022, the Drone Show Competition expanded, introducing new categories like "Best Drone Show Storytelling" and "Best Simulation with Drones and Fireworks." The competition received applications from 102 participants across eight exciting categories, and 15 outstanding winners were recognized. Additionally, a partnership with the Flock Drone Art International Festival allowed the Drone Show Competition to showcase the incredible talents of its winners.

Wish to know more about the Competition?