Leitrim gamer represents Ireland at Red Bull Tetris world final in Dubai

A Drumshanbo gamer has represented Ireland at the Red Bull Tetris® World Final in Dubai — a landmark global esports event that culminated in the first-ever live, playable Tetris game staged in the sky using thousands of drones.

Adam Houat competed as Ireland’s national champion following months of worldwide qualifiers, which ran from June 6 to October 31 and attracted millions of players across almost 60 countries.

Houat ranked first in Ireland during the online qualification phase, earning an invitation to the Irish National Final, which took place on November 6 at Zero Latency in Swords, Dublin.

“The national final wasn’t streamed and there were no spectators,” he explained. “It was very low-key, but the stakes were massive. The winner was going to Dubai.”

After winning that event, Houat went on to represent Ireland at the World Final, competing against champions from 59 other countries.

The opening rounds of the tournament were played on PC, with each player first competing against a CPU opponent to set seeding for the knockout bracket.

“In the first round, everyone played against a CPU to get a high score,” Houat said. “That score determined where you were seeded in the bracket. I placed 49th at that stage.”

The competition then moved into a single-elimination, one-versus-one format, where Houat was drawn against a highly ranked opponent.

“I faced Szabolcs from Hungary, who was seeded to finish ninth overall,” he said. “I lost that round, which meant I was eliminated, so that was the end of Ireland’s run.”

Despite the early exit, Houat said competing on the world stage was an unforgettable experience.

“As the Irish Champion, just being there and representing Ireland against that level of player was incredible,” he said.

The finals took place against one of the most striking backdrops ever seen in gaming. During the opening ceremony, a drone show involving 4,000 drones lit up the Dubai skyline. The tournament climaxed with the grand final played live using 2,000 drones, creating the first official playable Tetris game in the sky, set against the Dubai Frame.

The world title was ultimately claimed by Turkey’s Fehmi Atalar, who defeated Peru’s Leo in the grand final.

“That final was unbelievable to watch,” Houat said. “It was something that’s never been done before in gaming.”

READ MORE: An Garda Siochana remember Leitrim garda killed in Burt on 16th anniversary