Dubai: Nineteen-year-old Fehmi Atalar from Trkiye has made history by winning the inaugural Red Bull Tetris World Championship. The event, held in Dubai, saw Atalar's every move displayed by drones illuminating the city's skyline, marking a significant milestone for the iconic puzzle game developed four decades ago.
According to Philippines News Agency, the championship took place from December 11 to 13, bringing together top Tetris players from 60 nations. The tournament was a rare international gathering for one of the most enduring video games of all time. The finale was projected onto the facade of the Dubai Frame, where over 2,000 synchronized drones created a massive playable screen, turning the landmark into an esports arena. This event followed months of online qualifiers that saw more than 7 million matches and national finals across six continents.
Atalar, a computer engineering student, faced off against Peru's Leo Solorzano in a Grand Final that lasted just 10 minutes. Achieving a score of 168,566, Atalar more than doubled his opponent's score, securing the first-ever global Tetris title in one of the most technologically ambitious settings competitive gaming has ever witnessed.
While the final relied on cutting-edge technology, Atalar's journey with Tetris started in a much simpler setting. The puzzle game, first released in 1984, has sold over 520 million copies worldwide and ranks among the best-selling video games ever. Atalar's connection to Tetris was sparked by his aunt, whom he watched play the game on a CRT television as a child. This early exposure stayed with him, leading him to begin playing online in 2019 and gradually transition into competitive play.
Despite the dramatic scale of the Dubai final, Atalar stated that transitioning from an old television screen to a drone-lit display was not as challenging as it appeared. 'It has the same mechanics,' he said, crediting this familiarity with helping him win the world championship.
Atalar emphasized that success at the top level of Tetris requires more than just reflexes. He described the game as one that demands speed, composure, and constant decision-making under pressure. His calmness and ability to make swift decisions were key factors in his victory, as he noted that mistakes often stem from pressure rather than a lack of skill.
Beyond Tetris, Atalar believes that the skills developed through the game are applicable to other competitive games, especially those requiring quick reactions and situational awareness. 'Tetris gameplay, especially the classic one, is known for fast decision-making,' he said, adding that such skills are beneficial in other first-person shooter games as well.
