Fly Tribe FPV Freestyle Contest 2025

Official Contest Terms & Conditions

Effective Date: February 26, 2025

​

1. Overview

The Fly Tribe FPV Freestyle Contest 2025 (the “Competition”) is a skill-based, first-person view (“FPV”) drone contest hosted by Fly Tribe Inc. (“Fly Tribe” or the “Organizer”). Contestants compete at Qualifier Events for a chance to advance to the Finals in Oregon, where they will compete for cash prizes, sponsorship opportunities, and other awards.

 

By registering for or participating in the Competition, all Contestants, as well as any sponsors, affiliates, or spectators, expressly acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to be legally bound by these Terms & Conditions (the “Terms”), including but not limited to all liability waivers, indemnification provisions, and dispute resolution clauses. These Terms constitute a binding legal agreement between the participant and Fly Tribe Inc.

 

2. Eligibility & Entry Requirements

Contestant Eligibility

To enter, Contestants must meet all of the following requirements:

Age & Residency

• Be legal residents of the United States.

• Be 18 years or older at the time of entry.

 

Identification & Verification

• Provide a valid, government-issued ID during registration for age and identity verification.

• Contestants must register using their full legal name as listed on their ID.

• Use of aliases, stage names, or registering under another person’s identity is strictly prohibited.

• Any attempt to register under a false identity or circumvent prior bans will result in:

  • Immediate disqualification from the competition.

  • A lifetime ban from all Fly Tribe-sponsored events.

 

Employment & Conflicts of Interest

Contestants may not be:

• Employees, officers, or directors of Fly Tribe Inc.

• Immediate family members of Fly Tribe staff.

​

Ability to Travel

• Contestants who qualify for the Championship Finals must be able to travel to Oregon from September 5-7, 2025.

• Fly Tribe will cover travel expenses only for the contestant (not for guests, family members, or support personnel).

• Failure to attend the Finals after travel arrangements are made will require full reimbursement of all travel costs incurred by Fly Tribe Inc. within 30 days of the scheduled event date, unless such failure is due to documented medical emergencies or other circumstances beyond the contestant's reasonable control.

 

Drone Equipment Requirements

• Only 5” spec build drones are allowed in the competition.

• Contestants must ensure their drone complies with event safety and performance specifications.

• Fly Tribe reserves the right to inspect or disqualify drones that do not meet safety standards.

• Contestants goggles must be able to transmit live flight footage from the drone. This can be achieved through wireless signals via radio frequencies or a physical cable to the goggles.

• A contestant might be required to lower their data rates to ensure the transmission of live flight footage from the drone is achieved.

 

• SD Card & DVR Recording Requirement: Contestants must ensure that an SD card is inserted in their goggles and recorded throughout all flights. In case of a video signal failure, judges shall review the Contestant’s DVR footage to assess the performance and determine the appropriate score.

  • Handling of DVR Failures: If the DVR recording failed, is not available for any reason, the Contestant shall be entitled to one (1) redo attempt at the end of the active competition round. If the DVR recording fails again, the run shall be deemed invalid and shall not be scored.

 

Contestant Submission Requirements

As part of the registration process, Contestants must submit the following information:

• Full Legal Name

• Date of Birth

• Pilot Handle (Pilot Name)

• Email Address

• Residential Address

• Goggle/Video System Used

• Song Selection #1 and Song Selection #2

• The Contestant should not include other companies or sponsorships if they wish to submit pilot logos.

 

Logo Usage

Contestants must have full rights and ownership of any logos or images submitted, and hereby indemnify and hold harmless Fly Tribe Inc., its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from any claims, damages, expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees), or liabilities arising from copyright or licensing issues related to submitted artwork. Contestants warrant that their submitted artwork does not infringe on any third-party intellectual property rights.

 

Use of Contestant Submissions for Promotional Purposes

Contestants acknowledge and agree that Fly Tribe may use submitted logos and images in event branding, live streams, and promotional advertising. By submitting logos or other materials, Contestants grant Fly Tribe Inc. a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute these materials in connection with the Competition, including but not limited to promotional campaigns, live broadcasts, and social media content.

 

By submitting pilot content or any other content captured at the event to Fly Tribe the submitting party grants Fly Tribe a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, and worldwide license to use, reproduce, distribute, modify, adapt, publicly perform, and publicly display such content in any promotional videos, marketing materials, or other content created by or on behalf of Fly Tribe, in any media now known or hereafter developed, without any obligation to provide compensation, royalties, or attribution to the submitting party. The submitting party represents and warrants that they have all necessary rights, permissions, and authority to grant this license and that the content does not infringe upon any third-party rights, including but not limited to intellectual property or privacy rights.

 

Contestant Responsibilities

By registering for the Competition, Contestants agree to assume full responsibility for their conduct, safety, and participation.

 

Compliance with Event Rules & Safety Protocols

Contestants must abide by all venue rules, competition guidelines, and event safety protocols.

Contestants must follow all judge and event staff instructions to ensure safety and fairness.

 

Assumption of Risk & Liability

All contestants assume full responsibility for any risks associated with competing, including but not limited to:

• Injury resulting from crashes, collisions, or lost control of drones.

• Damage to equipment (including drones, FPV gear, and personal property).

• Travel-related expenses, including any unforeseen costs due to delays, cancellations, or personal emergencies.

• Contestants expressly and voluntarily assume all risks and waive any and all claims against Fly Tribe Inc., its officers, directors, employees, sponsors, affiliates, venues, and event organizers for any injuries, losses, or damages incurred before, during, or after the event, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

Fair Play & Integrity of Competition

To maintain a fair and sportsmanlike competition environment, Contestants:

• May not engage in any form of fraudulent conduct, including:

  • Manipulating results or influencing judges.

  • Submitting falsified registration details or misrepresenting qualifications.

  • Using unauthorized drone modifications or performance-enhancing software.

• May not disrupt, interfere, or tamper with another contestant’s equipment, performance, or concentration.

• Failure to comply with these requirements shall result in immediate disqualification and may result in legal action, including but not limited to claims for damages, injunctive relief, and recovery of Fly Tribe's reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.

 

3. Competition Format & Locations

Qualifier Events & Locations

The Competition consists of five (5) Qualifier Events, followed by the Championship Final:

Qualifier Events

• Sloss Drone Derby – April 12-13, 2025 (Alabama)

• Quadro de Mayo – May 4, 2025 (California)

• Beast of the East - NY – June 7-8, 2025 (New York)

• Rumble in the Jungle REVIVED – July 13, 2025 (Florida)

• Beast of the East - OH – August 2-3, 2025 (Ohio)

 

Championship Final

• Date: September 5-7, 2025

• Location: Private NW FPV Park, Oregon

• Prizes: Cash Prizes, Trophies, Gifts and Awards

 

*Dates and times are subject to change

​

Each Qualifier Event is hosted at an existing drone event, and Fly Tribe runs its competition on the second day of each event if the event is more than one day.

 

4. Registration, Entry Fees & Ticketing

Registration Process

• Contestants must register online at: www.flytribemagazine.com. By completing the registration process, Contestants hereby electronically acknowledge that they have read and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.

• Registration is only completed upon receipt of the entry fee online and a government issued form of identification at the in-person event must be provided at check-in.

 

Entry Fees & Ticketing

• Entry Fee: $50 per Contest Qualifier Location (non-refundable).

• IMPORTANT: Entry fee does NOT include general event admission. A separate ticket may be required to access the venue.

• Contestants must check in at least 60 minutes before the competition start time.

 

Participation Limitations

Multiple Qualifier Participation Policy: Contestants may enter multiple qualifiers but can only win one of the top two (2) spots. Once a contestant wins a top two (2) placement, they are no longer eligible to enter additional qualifiers. 

 

5. Competition Format & Judging

Competition Format

• Each contestant performs two (2) runs per event:

  • Flight #1: 120 seconds

  • Flight #2: 90 seconds

  • Highest Flight Score Counts

 

Judging Criteria (0-5 points per category)

• Variety of Tricks – Assortment of freestyle tricks.

• Difficulty / Risk – Complexity and technical challenge of the tricks performed.

• Quality of Execution – Clean entry/exit, intentional execution.

• Flow – Smooth and consistent flight throughout pack.

• Versatility on the Course – Effective utilization of the park or course area.

Bonus Points:

• Complete Course – Return to takeoff point.

 

Total possible points each run: 30 Points

• Each judge's highest and lowest scores are dropped; the remaining three are averaged for the pilot's total score for that run.

 

 Judging Transparency & Appeal Procedures

1. Judges shall maintain physical scorecards for each round of competition.

2. Appeals may be submitted in writing to info@flytribemagazine.com within one (1) day of score postings. 

3. The final decision regarding any appeal shall be made by Fly Tribe Inc. and shall not be subject to further review.

 

Drone Malfunction, Tie-Breaking & Redo Policy

1. Allowable Redo for Initial Malfunctions

In the event of a technical failure or equipment malfunction within the first ten (10) seconds following takeoff, the Contestant shall be granted one (1) additional attempt at the round. The Contestant must notify the event staff immediately and will be placed at the end of the queue to attempt the redo.

 

2. Finality of Redo Attempts

If the same Contestant experiences a second malfunction within the first ten (10) seconds during the redo attempt, no further opportunities will be granted, and the round shall be scored as incomplete.

 

Tie-Breaking Procedures

If a tie occurs, a 60-second sudden-death round will be held.

 

Dispute Resolution

All judging disputes must be submitted within 1 day of the results being posted. Fly Tribe has sole discretion to determine final rankings.

 

6. Prizes & Advancement to Finals

Qualifier Prizes

• 1st Place: Gold Fly Tribe Challenge Coin + Travel & Hotel for Final

• 2nd Place: Silver Fly Tribe Challenge Coin + Travel & Hotel for Final

• 3rd Place: Bronze Fly Tribe Challenge Coin + 1 Year Subscription to Fly Tribe Magazine + Fully Build Drone kit + Gift Bag

 

Championship Final Prizes

• 1st Place: $10,000 Cash + Trophy + Cover of Fly Tribe Magazine

• 2nd Place: $3,500 Cash + Trophy + Gift Bag

• 3rd Place: $1,500 Cash + Trophy + Gift Bag

 

Tax Compliance for Cash Prizes

Winners of prizes over $600 must submit a completed W-9 tax form (or appropriate W-8 form for non-U.S. persons) to Fly Tribe within 30 days of winning. Failure to provide required tax documentation may result in prize forfeiture. Fly Tribe will issue appropriate tax forms as required by law.

Contestants are responsible for any applicable taxes on their winnings.

 

Prize Forfeiture Rules

If a contestant is disqualified after winning, their prize goes to the next highest finisher.

 

7. Travel and Accommodation 

Travel Booking & Reimbursement Policy

Fly Tribe books all travel directly.

Contestants must confirm their availability for the Final before competing.

If a contestant cancels after travel is booked, they must reimburse Fly Tribe for non-refundable costs.

 

Finalist Guest Policy

Finalists may bring a +1 guest, however:

• Fly Tribe will not cover their travel, lodging, or expenses.

• Finalists must get approval for their guest at least 2 weeks before the event.

• Guests who do not receive approval will not be allowed to attend.

 

Fly Tribe will provide travel and lodging support to contestants who qualify for the Championship Final in Oregon, subject to the following conditions:

 

Covered Travel Expenses:

• Round-trip airfare to the Final from the contestant’s nearest major airport.

• Standard hotel accommodations (double-occupancy or single-occupancy, at Fly Tribe’s discretion).

 

Expenses NOT Covered:

• Incidentals, including but not limited to: room service, personal charges, laundry, phone calls, and other hotel-related extras.

• Meals, snacks, and beverages.

• Baggage fees, travel insurance, or flight change fees.

• Transportation to/from the airport or competition venue.

• Local transportation (e.g., Uber, rental cars, or taxis).

• Upgraded flights, seat selections, or special accommodation requests.

 

Travel Policies & Conditions

Flights will be booked directly by Fly Tribe. Contestants must provide their full legal name as listed on their government-issued ID at the time of booking. Failure to comply with airline requirements (e.g., missing a flight, TSA violations, lack of proper identification) is the contestant’s sole responsibility.

 

If a contestant fails to attend the Final after travel is arranged, they shall be required to reimburse Fly Tribe for the full cost of their flight and accommodations within 30 days of the scheduled event date, unless such failure is due to documented medical emergency or death in immediate family. Contestants must arrive on the scheduled date and depart on the assigned travel date unless otherwise approved by Fly Tribe in writing.

 

Hotel Policies

Contestants will be assigned hotel accommodations by Fly Tribe. Rooms may be shared with another finalist unless a single room is deemed necessary by Fly Tribe. Contestants are responsible for any damages or charges incurred during their stay. Any violations of hotel policies or disruptive behavior may result in disqualification and removal from the competition.

 

8. Code of Conduct

All contestants must adhere to the highest standards of sportsmanship, professionalism, and ethical conduct while participating in Fly Tribe events.

 

General Conduct Expectations

Contestants must follow all event rules and respect judges, staff, other competitors, and spectators.

Cheating, pilot shaming, manipulation of results, or attempts to influence judges will result in immediate disqualification and possible permanent exclusion from future events.

 

Contestants must conduct themselves in a respectful, professional manner both in person and on social media when discussing the event, organizers, sponsors, or other participants.

 

Prohibited Conduct

Unsportsmanlike Behavior: Any form of verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, physical altercations, excessive taunting, or disruptive conduct will result in immediate removal from the event.

 

Harassment or Discrimination: Fly Tribe has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, bullying, or discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, or other protected status.

 

Alcohol & Substance Policy:

Contestants may not compete under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or impairing prescription medications. Alcohol consumption is prohibited during competition hours and any official Fly Tribe meetings. Violation of substance policies will result in disqualification and possible legal consequences.

 

Social Media & Defamation:

Contestants may not engage in online harassment, defamation, or public attacks against Fly Tribe, its sponsors, judges, event organizers, or other competitors. Any false, negative, or misleading public statements before, during, or after the event that, in Fly Tribe's sole discretion, damage or could potentially damage Fly Tribe’s reputation or business interests will result in immediate disqualification and permanent prohibition from all Fly Tribe-affiliated events. Fly Tribe reserves all legal rights and remedies regarding such statements.

 

Enforcement & Consequences

Fly Tribe reserves the right to investigate any reports of misconduct and take appropriate action, including:

• Verbal or written warnings for minor infractions.

• Immediate disqualification and removal from the event for severe violations.

• Permanent bans from future Fly Tribe competitions based on the severity of misconduct.

• Legal action if necessary, including pursuing damages for defamation or breach of agreements.

 

Disqualification & Ban Appeals

Contestants may appeal bans by submitting a request to info@flytribemagazine.com.

All appeals will be reviewed by Fly Tribe Inc, and their decision is final.

 

9. Sponsorships, Media Rights & Intellectual Property

Sponsorship Rules & Branding Restrictions

Contestants may maintain personal sponsorship agreements, provided such sponsorships do not conflict with the official sponsorships of Fly Tribe Inc. Furthermore, only Fly Tribe official sponsors will be featured in:

• Event live & recorded streams

• Promotional content

• Official competition branding

• Sponsorships at the Finals

 

Restrictions for Final Event Sponsorships: For the Championship Final in Oregon, only Fly Tribe’s official sponsors may be featured in event media, live streams, and promotional materials. For the Final event in September, only Fly Tribe sponsors will be allowed.

 

At the Final, Contestants will wear custom jerseys provided by Fly Tribe, and judges/staff will wear official Fly Tribe apparel.

 

Media & Streaming Rights

Contestants may post their own POV footage on social media for personal, non-commercial use only. Any monetization, licensing, or commercial use of competition footage, including but not limited to advertising, sponsorships, or paid promotions, requires prior written approval from Fly Tribe, which may be withheld in Fly Tribe's sole discretion. Personal live streaming is permitted only in accordance with the Contestant Media Use guidelines detailed below, and Fly Tribe retains exclusive media ownership for official broadcasts.

 

Media Rights & Content Ownership

Fly Tribe retains exclusive ownership of all media and content captured during the competition.

 

Use of Contestant Likeness & Footage

By participating, contestants irrevocably grant Fly Tribe the perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free right to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, distribute, and display their name, image, likeness, voice, biographical information, and performance footage for any purpose, including but not limited to promotional, commercial, and marketing purposes, in any media format now known or hereafter developed. Contestants may not commercially exploit or license their competition footage without prior written approval from Fly Tribe. Fly Tribe may edit, distribute, and repurpose event footage for marketing, future events, and monetization.

 

Live Streaming & Recorded Broadcast Rights

The competition will be live-streamed or recorded for future broadcasts on official Fly Tribe platforms (YouTube, Instagram, etc.).

Fly Tribe owns all broadcasting and distribution rights and may sell media rights to third-party networks or sponsors.

 

Contestant Media Use Guidelines

Contestants may share personal footage captured from their perspective but must credit Fly Tribe by tagging @FlyTribeMagazine and using #FlyTribeFreestyle when posting on social media. Contestants cannot sell, license, distribute, or use event footage for any commercial purposes without Fly Tribe’s prior written consent. Any unauthorized commercial use of event footage shall constitute copyright infringement and will result in immediate legal action, including claims for monetary damages and injunctive relief.

 

10. Legal, Liability Waivers & Governing Law

Liability Waiver & Assumption of Risk

By participating in the Competition, each contestant expressly acknowledges and assumes all risks associated with participation, including but not limited to:

• Personal injury, including but not limited to cuts, burns, broken bones, concussions, or any other harm resulting from attending the event and competition.  

• Property damage or loss, including but not limited to damage to drones, FPV equipment, or personal belongings, and theft.

• Third-party liability, including potential injury or damages caused to other contestants, spectators, or event staff.

• Travel-related risks, including flight cancellations, delays, lost luggage, or local transportation issues.

• Environmental risks, such as weather conditions, terrain hazards, alien invasion, unforeseen venue-related dangers, or any other conditions that may affect drone operation or participant safety. The Organizer reserves the right to modify, postpone, or cancel the Competition due to adverse environmental conditions without liability.

 

Release of Claims

Contestants fully release and discharge Fly Tribe Inc., its officers, employees, agents, affiliates, sponsors, venue hosts, and any associated parties (the “Released Parties”) from any and all legal claims, liabilities, damages, or demands, including but not limited to:

• Personal injury, property damage, or financial loss sustained before, during, or after the Competition.

• Claims arising from ordinary negligence of Fly Tribe Inc. or any event organizers. This release does not apply to claims arising from intentional misconduct or any liability that cannot be excluded under applicable law.

• Any claims for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, consequential damages, punitive damages, or any other form of damages or compensation, whether direct or indirect, known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen.

 

Indemnification Clause

Each contestant agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties against any claims, losses, damages, legal fees, or liabilities arising from:

• Their participation in the Competition or actions at the event venue.

• Any injury or harm caused to another contestant, spectator, or staff member due to the contestant's negligent or reckless behavior, equipment malfunction, failure to follow Competition rules and safety guidelines, or any other actions or omissions, whether intentional or unintentional, that result in harm or damage to persons or property.

• Any breach of these Terms & Conditions, including unauthorized use of event footage, violation of event rules, or misconduct.

 

This indemnification survives the conclusion of the Competition and applies to any post-event disputes, claims, or legal actions.

 

Waiver & Release Requirements

Requirement for Contestant & General Attendee Waivers

• All Contestants and general attendees must sign a Waiver and Release of Liability prior to entering the Competition venue.

• Fly Tribe Inc. shall provide separate waivers for Contestants and for general event attendees, each tailored to the applicable risks.

Execution of Waiver Prior to Entry

• Contestants must execute the required waiver prior to gaining entry to the event. No Contestant will be permitted to compete unless the waiver has been properly signed and submitted.

 

Electronic Acknowledgment During Registration: Contestants are required to electronically acknowledge and accept these Terms & Conditions as part of the registration process. Such electronic acknowledgment, which records the date, time, and IP address of the consent, shall be deemed equivalent to a handwritten signature and is binding on the contestant.

 

Scope of Waiver & Release

The waiver shall expressly release Fly Tribe Inc., its affiliates, sponsors, event organizers, and associated parties from any and all liability related to:

• Personal injury, property damage, or economic loss sustained before, during, or after the Competition.

• Incidents involving third parties, including but not limited to spectators or other competitors.

• Equipment malfunctions, environmental hazards, or unexpected event disruptions.

 

Indemnification: Contestants and attendees agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Fly Tribe Inc., its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates against any claims, demands, damages, liabilities, losses, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) for personal injuries, property loss, or third-party damages. The waiver explicitly disclaims Fly Tribe’s liability for any accidents, equipment malfunctions, spectator injuries, or any other losses or damages arising from participation in or attendance at the event.

 

Governing Law & Venue

Applicable Law

These Terms & Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to conflicts of law principles.

 

Venue & Jurisdiction

All disputes, claims, or legal proceedings arising out of or related to the Competition must first proceed through the Alternative Dispute Resolution process outlined below. Only if specifically permitted by the arbitrator or required by law may any action be brought in the state or federal courts located in Hillsborough County, Florida. Contestants irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of these courts and waive any objections based on lack of personal jurisdiction, venue, or inconvenient forum.

 

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Before filing any lawsuit, contestants must first attempt to resolve disputes through mediation in Hillsborough County, Florida within 60 days of the dispute arising. Written notice of the dispute must be provided to Fly Tribe at least 30 days before initiating mediation, detailing the nature of the dispute and proposed resolution. If mediation fails, disputes shall proceed to binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA). The arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator in Hillsborough County, Florida. Arbitration decisions are final and legally binding, and parties expressly waive their right to a jury trial. Each party shall bear its own attorneys' fees and share equally in the costs of mediation and arbitration unless otherwise awarded by the arbitrator.

 

11. Cancellation & Refund Policy

Fly Tribe shall not be liable for event cancellations due to Acts of God (weather, natural disasters, pandemics, etc.). If possible, Fly Tribe will reschedule the event, but contestants must cover any personal losses incurred.

 

Contest tickets ($50) will be refunded if:

• The event is canceled.

 

12. Contact Information

📧 info@flytribemagazine.com