Basketball star Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews made a basket from 30m high in a helicopter, days before Red Bull Half Court World Finals in Dubai.
DUBAI: In a stunning athletic feat, American basketball star Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews scored a basket from a helicopter flying 30 metres above the ground in Dubai—making it the first shot of its kind in the UAE. The spectacular moment comes just days before the city hosts the 2025 Red Bull Half Court World Finals on 29 November.
The shot was made from a helicopter piloted by distinguished Emirati Captain Husam Gamal, hovering near Atlantis The Palm. “Sitting at the edge of a helicopter at that height isn’t easy,” Matthews said. “This was the first time I’ve ever taken a shot from an aircraft in the air.”
Known for his incredible shooting precision and creative challenges worldwide, Matthews said the successful basket ranks among the top three achievements of his career. “I’ve done shoots in Kenya and China, but this one was different. It took precise coordination with Captain Gamal, who kept adjusting the position mid-air to get me the perfect angle.”
Captain Gamal, an experienced pilot with Falcon Aviation Services, called it one of his most demanding flights. “I had to hold the aircraft steady and work with Chris through every angle and adjustment. The shot needed absolute timing and stability.”
The attempt was completed in only a handful of tries, and Matthews credits the calm expertise of his pilot for helping him stay focused: “He told me, ‘Chris, you’re in good hands. Relax and you’ll make the shot.’ He was right.”
The high-flying moment sets the tone for the Red Bull Half Court World Finals, the leading 3on3 street basketball competition, taking place in Dubai for the first time. The event is organised in partnership with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai Sports Council, and Jumeirah Emirates Towers.
Teams from 18 countries — including Japan, USA, Lebanon, Maldives, and South Africa — will compete in a high-intensity format that encourages fast, offensive play. Unique to the tournament is the “Own the Court” rule, where teams with the highest total points can advance regardless of match wins.
With Matthews’ incredible helicopter shot already going viral, Dubai’s role as a global stage for basketball culture continues to grow. Tickets are available via Platinumlist
