Drone Racer Yuki Hashimoto nominated for The World Games Athlete of the Year 2025
Top Drone Racing Pilot Yuki Hashimoto has been selected as a candidate for The World Games ‘Athlete of the Year’ 2025, a huge achievement for this dedicated sportsman from Japan.
FAI is calling upon all air sports fans to support Yuki and start his 2026 season ready for more success by voting for him as The World Games Athlete of the Year. Voting begins 12 January at 12:00 GMT and the details will be published on FAI channels.
Having triumphed at The World Games, and as the reigning FAI World Drone Racing Champion, the World Air Sports Federation decided to put forward Hashimoto's name to The World Games organisers (IWGA) for the award. The IWGA has now announced that he is among the 30 nominated candidates for the 2023 Athlete of the Year.
Meet Yuki Hashimoto
In August 2025, Hashimoto put in an incredible performance to become the second ever drone racing champion at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, and was also named “Athlete of the Day”.
Also the reigning Champion in FAI World Drone Racing, 18 year old Hashimoto first started drone racing aged 13 in a school FPV club and was instantly hooked by the fast-paced sport.
Some say his natural aptitude is close to genius, but he knows that success is down to hard work: he trains “pretty much every day” and for up to 10 hours before a major competition.
Hashimoto (centre) with his medal at The World Games 2025 (Photo credit: FAI/Marcus King)
Hashimoto says what he most likes about the sport is "When I win the race!" and with such dedication and focus, it’s no surprise he gets to feel that top-of-the-podium thrill regularly!
Whilst extremely focused and ambitious, Yuki is also a true sportsman who values the friendships within the drone racing community. After winning The World Games, he paid a respectful tribute to his friend and close rival MinJae Kim who entered the final leg of the competition as favourite but crashed in his final race, meaning Yuki could seize the opportunity for glory.
When and how to vote for Yuki
- Round 1 voting starts on 12 January. Voters must make two votes and their first place vote counts for two points, and second place vote gives one point. (Link for voting will be announced on FAI channels on 12 January)
- Round 2 voting starts on 25 January and voters must vote again.
- Winners announced on 2 February
Follow Yuki Hashimoto
The 30 candidates for Athlete of the Year 2025. Credit: The World Games
