Dubai: Nineteen-year-old Fehmi Atalar from Trkiye has emerged victorious in the first-ever Red Bull Tetris World Championship, a groundbreaking event that illuminated the Dubai skyline with over 2,000 synchronized drones. The tournament, held from December 11 to 13, attracted top Tetris players from 60 countries, marking a significant international assembly for the iconic puzzle game.

According to Anadolu Agency, the championship culminated at the Dubai Frame, where drones transformed the landmark into a massive playable screen, showcasing the final match between Atalar and Peru's Leo Solorzano. Atalar, a computer engineering student, clinched the title with a score of 168,566, more than double his opponent's score, in a match that lasted just 10 minutes.

Atalar credited his success to maintaining composure and making strategic decisions under pressure, while his opponent struggled with nerves. Despite the advanced technology used in the final, Atalar's journey with Tetris began on a much simpler scale. He was introduced to the game by his aunt on a CRT television, which inspired him to start playing in 2019 and gradually transition to competitive play.

The event highlighted the enduring legacy of Tetris, a game first released in 1984 that has sold over 520 million copies worldwide. Atalar emphasized that the skills honed through Tetris, such as quick decision-making and composure, are transferable to other competitive games, particularly those requiring fast reflexes.

Despite its current niche status within esports, Atalar sees potential for competitive Tetris to grow into a prominent esport. He is optimistic about its future, stating that with proper organization, it could become a major esport in the next few years. His victory also served to raise awareness of competitive Tetris in Trkiye, showcasing the potential of the game on a global stage.