Matthew Miller

Red Bull Converts 2,000 Drones into an Onstage Tetris Extravaganza for World Finals

Matthew Miller on December 18, 2025

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Brief Overview

Red Bull organized the inaugural live Tetris game employing 2,000 drones in Dubai.
The occasion showcased a 150m by 93m Tetrimino grid illuminated in the sky.
60 national champions took part, with distinctive regulations including gravity shifts.
Fehmi Atalar from Türkiye earned the championship title.
The event featured a live performance by El Waili alongside the Firdaus Orchestra.
This spectacle underscored the possibilities for future esports and immersive entertainment.

Tetris in the Firmament

In a groundbreaking event, Red Bull converted the Dubai Frame into the first-ever live, playable Tetris game, utilizing more than 2,000 drones. The drones established a colossal 150m by 93m grid, transforming the night sky into an interactive gaming platform. The drone technology was created by Lumasky, reacting immediately to player inputs, such as rotations, drops, and T-Spins. This was more than a light display; it was Tetris accelerated to esports velocity, suspended in the air.

Red Bull's drone-driven Tetris showcase in Dubai — Fehmi Atalar of Turkey celebrates victory at the Red Bull Tetris World Final in Dubai, UAE on December 13, 2025. (Image: Supplied – Dean Treml / Red Bull Content Pool)

Sixty Nations, One Grand Finale

The event witnessed 60 national champions competing in Dubai after advancing through seeding rounds and direct confrontations. The finals implemented a unique Tetris ruleset with gravity shifts, speed enhancements, and the rare Golden Tetrimino, adding a contemporary flair. The ultimate final was a nail-biting, winner-takes-all match between Fehmi Atalar from Türkiye and Leo Solorzano from Peru. Atalar secured victory with a score of 168,566 points, earning the title of Red Bull Tetris World Final Champion.

A Show Beyond Gaming

In addition to the drone-operated game, the offline final included a live performance by El Waili and the Firdaus Orchestra, merging electronic and orchestral music. This infused a sense of nostalgia alongside a modern touch to the event, celebrating a game that began in the 1980s while remaining engaging and relevant today.

The Event’s Importance

The Red Bull Tetris World Final was not merely a record-breaking event. It illustrated how classic games can be redefined through cutting-edge technology and iconic structures. By integrating esports with architectural wonders and drone innovation, Red Bull offered a sneak peek into the future of live competitive gaming and large-scale interactive entertainment. This event reaffirmed Tetris’s lasting allure and established a high standard for what competitive puzzle gaming can accomplish beyond conventional displays.

Recap

The Red Bull Tetris World Final in Dubai represented a revolutionary blend of classic gaming and contemporary technology, utilizing drones to fabricate a live, playable Tetris experience in the sky. The event united global champions and incorporated distinctive gameplay features, culminating in an exhilarating finale where Fehmi Atalar emerged victorious. With a live orchestral accompaniment, the spectacle showcased the immense potential for future breakthroughs in esports and interactive entertainment.

Q: How was the Tetris game showcased in the sky?

A: The game was illustrated using over 2,000 drones, creating a vast 150m by 93m Tetrimino grid that was fully interactive and responsive to player commands.

Q: What distinguished the Red Bull Tetris World Final?

A: It was the first live, playable Tetris game employing drones, featuring a tailored ruleset with components like gravity shifts and speed boosts, all set against the iconic Dubai Frame.

Q: Who triumphed at the Red Bull Tetris World Final?

A: Fehmi Atalar from Türkiye won the championship with a score of 168,566 points.

Q: What was the significance of music in the event?

A: The event included a live performance by El Waili and the Firdaus Orchestra, integrating electronic and orchestral music to enhance the gaming experience.

Q: What does this event signify for the future of esports?

A: It illustrates the potential for integrating esports with innovative technology and architectural landmarks, paving the way for novel forms of interactive entertainment.

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University of Sydney Elevates Interim CISO to Full-Time Position

Matthew Miller on December 16, 2025

University of Sydney CISO Appointment

Quick Read

Damien Mathieson has been named the permanent CISO at the University of Sydney.
Prior to this, Mathieson worked as interim CISO and held significant positions in NSW government sectors.
Josh Roberts has been appointed executive director of Digital Sydney, overseeing digital transformation.
The Digital Sydney project aims to upgrade digital infrastructure by the year 2032.
These appointments are vital to the university’s approaches to cybersecurity and digital strategy.

Enhancing Cybersecurity at the University of Sydney

The University of Sydney enhances its cybersecurity leadership

In a strategic decision to enhance its cybersecurity framework, the University of Sydney has declared the appointment of Damien Mathieson as its permanent Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). This choice follows seven months after Mathieson initially took on the role in an interim capacity.

Holistic Cybersecurity Approach

Mathieson’s shift from interim to permanent CISO symbolizes an important advancement in the university’s dedication to a strong cybersecurity framework. His broad expertise, including a prior CISO tenure at the NSW Department of Education and leadership in cybersecurity uplift initiatives at the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, equips him to effectively steer the university’s cybersecurity strategy.

Advancing Digital Transformation: The Digital Sydney Initiative

Alongside Mathieson’s appointment, Josh Roberts has been designated as the executive director of “Digital Sydney.” This project is integral to the university’s comprehensive digital transformation strategy, with goals to substantially improve its digital capabilities by 2032.

Vision for 2032

The “Digital Sydney” initiative is fundamental to the university’s strategic emphasis on digital innovation. As per the 2024 annual report, the initiative is crafted to cultivate a vibrant digital ecosystem that will enhance teaching, research, and operational achievement.

Key Leadership Appointments

Nicole Gower, Vice President of Operations, highlighted that the appointments of Mathieson and Roberts are critical to the university’s ambitious digital strategy. These positions are essential in guaranteeing a secure and innovative environment for the academic community.

A Historical Perspective: The Evolution of the CISO Role

The CISO position at the University of Sydney has undergone significant transformations in recent years. Previously occupied by Steven Bennett from March 2021 until April 2023, the role is now being redefined to address the changing needs of digital security and governance.

Conclusion

The recent appointments at the University of Sydney underscore a strategic emphasis on cybersecurity and digital transformation. With Damien Mathieson serving as the permanent CISO and Josh Roberts directing Digital Sydney, the university is set to meet its digital objectives by 2032. These leadership positions reflect the institution’s commitment to creating a secure and forward-thinking academic environment.

Q: Who is Damien Mathieson?

A: Damien Mathieson is the newly named permanent Chief Information Security Officer at the University of Sydney, bringing experience in cybersecurity from NSW government sectors.

Q: What is the Digital Sydney project?

A: Digital Sydney represents the University of Sydney’s initiative aimed at enhancing its digital infrastructure and capacities, with significant advancements expected by 2032.

Q: Why is cybersecurity crucial for universities?

A: Cybersecurity is essential for safeguarding sensitive data, ensuring secure online operations, and upholding the integrity of academic and research efforts.

Q: What are the objectives of the University of Sydney’s digital transformation?

A: Objectives include improving digital capabilities to bolster teaching, research, and operations while fostering a secure and innovative academic atmosphere.

Q: What qualifications does Josh Roberts bring to his new position?

A: Josh Roberts will spearhead the Digital Sydney initiative, leveraging his experience in digital transformation to enhance the university’s digital capabilities.