Qatar Airways Makes Aviation History with the World’s First E-Sports Competition Held at 35,000 Feet

(IN SHORT) Qatar Airways has made aviation history by hosting the world’s first e-sports competition aboard a commercial aircraft, ‘Gaming in the Sky’, during a flight from Doha to London on 11 May 2025. The event, powered by Starlink’s ultra-fast connectivity, brought together top gaming talent and allowed fans to follow the action live via the airline’s social media. The tournament is part of Qatar Airways’ broader initiative to upgrade its fleet with Starlink connectivity, enhancing the in-flight experience for passengers with high-speed internet access for gaming, streaming, and work.

(PRESS RELEASE) DOHA, 2025-May-13 — /Travel PR News/ — Qatar Airways has redefined in-flight entertainment with the launch of the world’s first-ever e-sports competition aboard a commercial flight, aptly named ‘Gaming in the Sky’. The innovative event took place on 11 May 2025, during a flight from Doha to London, powered by the cutting-edge Starlink connectivity, bringing a new era of gaming to the skies.

The high-altitude showdown featured an elite lineup of global gaming stars, including Tfue, Castro1021, Lisa Zimouche, Alodia Gosiengfiao, Dantic, SV2, AJ3, Aameghessib, Danny Aarons, Ffearfful, MattHDGamer, and Slater, with the charismatic Oussifooty hosting the event. The competition marked a landmark moment in the fusion of aviation, entertainment, and technology, setting a new precedent for immersive, real-time in-flight experiences.

At 35,000 feet, Qatar Airways transformed the aircraft into a competitive e-gaming arena. The tournament saw two teams — Team Burgundy Oryx and Team Grey Aviators — engage in an exciting mid-air match, all thanks to Starlink’s ultra-fast, low-latency internet that ensured uninterrupted gameplay and live updates throughout the flight. Fans worldwide could follow the action via Qatar Airways’ social media channels, which provided highlights and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, expressed his excitement about the event: “We are constantly looking to push the boundaries of in-flight experiences, and ‘Gaming in the Sky’ exemplifies this commitment. This competition is just one example of how we are enhancing passenger engagement and comfort, making every flight an unforgettable journey.”

As the event took place, Qatar Airways was also nearing the completion of its Boeing 777 fleet upgrade with Starlink connectivity. The airline is on the verge of introducing the world’s first Airbus A350 equipped with Starlink, offering passengers fast, complimentary Wi-Fi for activities like gaming, streaming, and work at cruising altitude. This move reinforces Qatar Airways’ leadership in aviation technology and customer experience.

Currently, Qatar Airways is the largest airline in the world and the first in the MENA region to offer Starlink’s high-speed internet on board. With the largest fleet of widebody aircraft equipped with Starlink and the groundbreaking Airbus A350 Starlink integration, Qatar Airways continues to set new standards in aviation connectivity.

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SOURCE: Qatar Airways