The Drone Champions League (DCL) is the team-based world championship of professional drone racing, often called the “Formula 1 of drone sports.” Pilots race high-performance drones on real and virtual courses, with split-second reactions and advanced flying skills deciding the winner.
If you’re new to drone racing — or looking to bet on the action — here’s everything you need to know about the DCL, how the league operates, and where betting markets are available. Now we go in to more detail on the DCL and where to bet on the DCL.
What Is the DCL?
Founded in 2016, the DCL quickly became the premier international team league for First Person View (FPV) racing. It is unique because it:
- Combines Real & Virtual Racing: Events take place in both physical locations and digitally via DCL – The Game. The virtual races use “digital twins” of real tracks, meaning the layouts are identical in both environments.
- Has Global Reach: Races have been held in Austria, Liechtenstein, China, Spain, Switzerland, and other iconic venues.
- Is a Pathway for Amateurs: Players of DCL – The Game can qualify for real-world teams via online competitions.
How the DCL Works
Teams and Pilots
Each team is made up of multiple pro pilots. These teams sign contracts, have sponsorships, and often maintain training programs to recruit emerging talent from the simulator scene.
Notable teams in recent seasons include:
- XBlades Racing (multiple-time champions)
- APEX Racing
- China Dragons
- Drone Sports
- Falcons Racing
- Quad Force One
- Raiden Racing
Race Formats
- Heats: Pilots race in multiple short heats per event. Points are awarded based on finishing position.
- Team Points: Each heat’s points are added to the team’s total for that event.
- Event Winner: The team with the highest score at the end of all heats wins the event.
- Season Standings: Teams collect points across the season. The one with the most points is crowned DCL Champion.
Courses
- Real-World Tracks: Built temporarily in iconic settings — e.g., mountain passes, historic city squares.
- Digital Twin Tracks: Created inside DCL – The Game so pilots can train and fans can race at home.
How to Bet on the DCL
Betting on DCL events is similar to betting on motorsport or esports:
Common Bet Types
- Event Winner: Pick the team you think will win a specific race.
- Outright Champion: Predict which team will win the overall season title.
- Match Bets: Wager on which of two teams will finish higher in an event.
- Special Markets: Sometimes includes fastest lap, qualifying performance, or podium finishes.
What to Look For Before Betting
- Team Form & Results — Check recent race performances and historical head-to-head matchups.
- Track Style — Some teams are better on fast, open tracks, while others dominate tight, technical layouts.
- Simulator Rankings — In DCL, strong results in DCL – The Game often translate into real-world success, especially on new courses.
- Roster Changes — Mid-season signings or pilot swaps can shift a team’s competitive edge.
Where to Bet on DCL
United States
Betting on DCL is not yet widely available, but some regulated sportsbooks have trialed markets during major events. Availability depends on state laws and sportsbook interest. Always check your sportsbook’s event listings before race day.
United Kingdom
Certain UK and offshore bookmakers — including specialist esports operators — have offered DCL markets in recent seasons.
Availability tends to peak during the DCL World Championship events.
International
Access varies by jurisdiction. Countries with established esports betting markets are more likely to offer DCL odds.
In Short:
The Drone Champions League is a fast-growing motorsport at the intersection of technology, esports, and live racing. Its mix of real and virtual competition, plus its team-based format, makes it unique — and a fresh betting market for fans of high-speed, high-skill sports.
