Airways launches first ever in flight gaming showdown powered by Starlink

DOHA, QATAR – What do you get when you mix a luxury airline, top tier gaming influencers, and next gen satellite internet? A world-first esports tournament.. mid-air. Qatar Airways just turned the in-flight experience on its head with Gaming in the Sky, the airline’s boldest entertainment leap yet with a real time gaming competition played live at cruising altitude, powered by Starlink’s ultra-fast satellite connectivity.

On May 11, 2025, a regular Doha to London flight morphed into an airborne battleground as global gaming influencers like Castro1021, Lisa Zimouche, Alodia Gosiengfiao, Dantic and a stacked roster of digital legends went head to head in a friendly (but fierce) match-up between Team Burgundy Oryx and Team Grey Aviators. Hosted by the charismatic Oussifooty, the event had all the energy of a live esports arena, minus the gravity.

At 35,000 feet, Qatar Airways made history by transforming the cabin into an interactive gaming zone with zero lag, zero boundaries and all the adrenaline. Starlink’s low-latency internet ensured real time gameplay, seamless streaming, and social media updates that kept fans on the ground plugged in and cheering from afar.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “At Qatar Airways, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the sky to deliver an in-flight experience that captures the imagination and makes you feel right at home. This competition represents a bold step into the future of passenger engagement and comfort when flying with Qatar Airways.”

Qatar Airways is currently the largest global airline and the first and only in the MENA region offering Starlink’s high-speed internet on-board. The multiple-award-winning airline also operates the largest Starlink-equipped fleet of widebody aircraft and is the first in the world to equip Airbus A350 fleet with Starlink connectivity.