Post by : Maya Rahman

Victory Team has proudly claimed the XCAT World Championship title after triumphing in the main event of the Dubai Grand Prix. The dynamic duo of Salem Al Adidi and Issa Al Ali propelled their vessel, “Victory 7,” to a decisive first-place finish, securing the championship for the 2025 season even prior to the final race on Sunday. Held at Al Nessnass Beach in Jumeirah, Dubai, the team's performance showcased dominance from start to finish.

From the outset, Al Adidi and Al Ali maintained steady command, gradually extending their lead over competitors and ultimately winning the initial heat, thus clinching the title well ahead of schedule. Victory Team amassed an impressive 35 points from the outing, bringing their total to 165 points, which established a commanding 39-point advantage over the British competitors, their nearest challengers. The British team finished the race in fifth place, achieving only 126 points and unable to surpass Victory Team in the standings.

This win marks a remarkable seventh world title for Victory Team in the XCAT category, adding to their accolades gathered from previous wins between 2012 and 2017. Overall, this achievement adds to the team’s legacy as they now celebrate their 27th world title across various marine racing categories, underscoring their sustained excellence in international powerboat racing.

The victors were honored by Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE Marine Sports Federation, during an award ceremony attended by distinguished sports officials from Dubai and various emirates. This event emphasized the significance of marine sports in the UAE and the robust support extended to national teams competing on the global stage.

In the post-race reflections, members of Victory Team expressed immense pride in reclaiming the title after several years. Team officials attributed the victory to exceptional teamwork, meticulous planning, and concentrated preparation. Salem Al Adidi highlighted that remaining calm and waiting for the right opportunity to seize the lead was crucial to their success, while Issa Al Ali expressed gratitude to all who supported the team throughout the season, mentioning that enhanced coordination and experience played pivotal roles in their podium success.

#Global News