A new chapter in the history of event technology was written on 19 July 2025: The Dutch event brand Verknipt staged the world’s largest laser show at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam. Using 1,100 lasers simultaneously, they significantly surpassed the previous Guinness World Record – a technical and logistical masterpiece that caused an international sensation.
The project scope and target record is 1,100 lasers as a benchmark
The previous world record for the largest laser show was 824 units, set at a closing ceremony in Dubai in 2021. Verknipt aimed to surpass this figure and demonstrate the feasibility of large-scale laser technology by using a four-digit number of lasers.
However, quantity alone was only part of the concept. The key factors were synchronised control, secure integration into the multifunctional stadium and seamless coordination with other show elements, such as LED walls, pyrotechnics and audio playback.
Laser technology explained: control, positioning and signal routing
Control systems and media servers
At the heart of the show was a central show control system with timecode synchronisation (SMPTE), working alongside a combination of media servers (e.g. Disguise or Resolume), lighting consoles (e.g. GrandMA3) and laser software (e.g. Pangolin or LaserAnimation Sollinger). The laser devices were network-based (Art-Net/DMX, partly ILDA) and were controlled in real time.
Exhibitors at Prolight + Sound
Equipment mix and control:
Over 1,100 laser units were used, including:
– High-performance lasers with RGB colour mixing and power classes >30 watts
– Single-colour devices for specific effects (e.g. the green tunnel effect).
Beam lasers for creating line patterns and achieving atmospheric density
The devices were installed at various heights: on the stage, along the edges of the stands, at truss height and partly on the stadium roof. All units had to be supplied via a redundant signal structure and reliable power distribution.
Lighting design and choreography
The design team worked with a pre-visualised 3D show, in which all positions, beam angles and movement sequences were defined with precision. This was implemented alongside a 10-minute musical composition featuring dramatic highlights, during which the laser output pulsed, rotated or was projected over a large area. The combination of horizontal and vertical beams, enhanced by fog machines, was particularly impressive.
Safety management for large-scale laser shows
With over 1,000 lasers in use, it was essential to have a precise safety concept in place. Risk analyses were carried out for all devices and the sight lines and exit angles were calculated precisely. A laser safety officer oversaw the planning and implementation process. Compliance with the DIN EN 60825-1 standard formed the basis of the entire setup. Emergency stop systems, access restrictions and live monitoring ensured operational safety. In addition, optical barriers and automatic interruption systems were employed to detect any deviation of individual beam units from the programmed axis. All safety-related systems were tested and approved by external testing agencies before the event began. The show itself was also continuously monitored to enable immediate action to be taken if necessary.
Logistics and energy supply: electricity demand in the megawatt range
The show’s energy requirements were in the region of several hundred kilowatts, with the laser systems accounting for a significant proportion of this. The production was supplied via redundant feeds and mobile load distribution. The systems were strictly separated into audio, lighting and laser, and the control technology was additionally secured by UPS units. Mobile generators were on standby to ensure an uninterrupted supply in the event of a power failure. A central load management system coordinated the power supply in phases to cushion power peaks specifically. Particularly sensitive components, such as media servers, were connected via separate stabilised lines. The entire power setup was tested in advance through simulations and coordinated with the stadium operator.
Exhibitors at Prolight + Sound
Stage design and spatial effects: a 360° stadium-scale experience
A key feature of the show’s staging was the 360° stage with a central, rotating DJ platform. This ensured that all visitors had an equal view of the show’s special effects, regardless of their position in the Johan Cruijff ArenA. For the laser technology, this meant:
- Axially symmetrical lighting design featuring a ring-shaped beam alignment
- The multilayer concept involves horizontal, inclined and vertical beam axes
- Focus on the immersive spatial effect rather than isolated show moments
The laser effect was enhanced and the spatial depth emphasised thanks to the targeted use of fog machines and atmospheric projections.
Relevance to the event industry and technology service providers
The world record set by Verknipt demonstrates the technical capabilities available for large-scale events today. This provides valuable insights for the industry:
- Scalability: Even large-scale laser shows can be carried out safely and efficiently if planning and technology are coordinated properly.
- System integration: The media servers, lighting control, security architecture and power supply must be closely interlinked.
- Sustainability: Despite the wide range of effects available, LED and energy-efficient laser technology enable a comparatively low carbon footprint – provided that electricity is sourced from renewable sources.
A technical exclamation mark setting an example
With 1,100 lasers, Verknipt broke a world record and set a new benchmark for the entire event industry. This achievement demonstrates how technical excellence, precise planning and creative show direction can come together, even under real operating conditions in a stadium.
The Verknipt ArenA 2025 laser show sets a new global standard for large-scale events. It demonstrates the industry’s ability to enhance visual experiences without compromising on safety or quality.
