From Virtual to Reality: Norway’s Arne Martin Güettler Joins Elite Field at SGP Final
Saint-Auban, France – August 18, 2025
The 12th World FAI Sailplane Grand Prix Final is just five days away, and all eyes are on Arne Martin Güettler, making his real-world Grand Prix Final debut after dominating the virtual skies. A late withdrawal by Sean Fidler of the USA created an unexpected opening in the field, which has been filled by the Norwegian pilot. Güettler earned his spot from the reserve list thanks to his third-place finish and strong performance at his first Sailplane Grand Prix event in Norway. The three-time national champion and reigning Virtual Sailplane Grand Prix Champion (2023) is no stranger to competition, but this will be his first time racing on the world stage outside of simulation.
A Pilot Forged in the Mountains
With 15 years of gliding experience, Güettler has spent most of his flying career navigating the breathtaking yet demanding landscapes of Norway. Saint-Auban will mark his eighth time in the French Alps, a terrain he clearly prefers over flatlands. His only other international flying experience? A single trip to New Zealand. Now, he’s trading the familiarity of virtual racing for the unpredictable challenges of real-world Alpine thermals—without the safety of a motor, as regulations require his JS3 RES to fly in its pure, unassisted form.
From Virtual Victory to Real-World Pressure
Güettler’s transition from virtual to real-world competition is one of the most compelling stories of this year’s SGP Final. After clinching the Virtual Sailplane Grand Prix title in Pavullo (2023), he now faces the ultimate test: proving his skills in actual competition. You will be able to witness his JS3 RES with a custom paint scheme, that makes it truly unique and recognizable from the others.
Replay the final race of the 2nd FAI Virtual Sailplane Grand Prix, that crowned Arne Martin Güettler. More info: virtualgliding.fai.org
A Rookie with a Champion’s Mindset
Though this is his first real Sailplane Grand Prix Final, Güettler is no underdog. His three Norwegian national titles prove his mastery of gliding fundamentals, and his virtual success suggests a deep understanding of race strategy. But the Alps are unforgiving, and the pressure of racing against four former World Champions and the best from 13 qualifying events will push him to his limits.
Read his interview before the SGP of Norway: https://sgp.aero/news/warm-up-a-dive-into-the-mind-of-a-arne-martin-gettler-world-champion-of-the-virtual-sgp
What to Watch For
Can Güettler translate his virtual precision into real-world racing? How will he adapt to the motorless JS3 RES in the unpredictable Alpine conditions? And most importantly can a virtual champion conquer the real thing?
The world will find out starting Sunday, August 24, 2025, when the races begin at 12:00 UTC. Live coverage starts at 11:30 UTC on www.sgp.aero, where fans can follow every twist of Güettler’s historic journey—from virtual legend to real-world contender.
Stay tuned to discover the final pilot lineup tomorrow, and more pilot presentations, as the competition promises to deliver a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and high-speed racing among the world’s elite glider pilots.
