Meet the Million Dollar Crew: Raül Martinez Danot

Nearly 28,000 HERO10 Black clips from 131 countries were submitted for the chance to be featured in the fourth annual Million Dollar Challenge highlight reel. Ultimately, 62 creators made the cut, earning $16,129.03 a piece.

This series celebrates the stories and the creative processes of these talented creators. We hope these behind-the-scenes looks inspire you as much as they did us. 

It’s time to hear from the man behind the FPV that captured the home stretch of an indoor go-kart race. Raül Martinez Danot is a first-time Million Dollar Challenge recipient, but the Barcelona-native is no stranger to GoPro.

Raül is an ex-professional snowboarder and wakeboarder turned professional FPV pilot. And he says GoPro has been a fundamental part of all these sides of his life. We caught up with Raül to learn more—check it out below. 

GoPro: What motivated you to submit to the Million Dollar Challenge?

I'm always up for a challenge!

You were just awarded $16,129.03 USD! Congrats! What do you plan to do with your earnings?

First, I’ll continue reinvesting in my work for consolidating and maximizing it. Saving a little money is always good, too! Then, a trip with the family. And, I’ll save a part to play hard on the next Million Dollar Challenge.

When did you first start using GoPro?

I am an ex-professional snowboarder and wakeboarder, and GoPro has always been a part of life. Most recently, my work and my professional studies are photography, and three years ago, I left photography to focus and train as a FPV pilot. For FPV, in most cases, it is the perfect complement. This year, I have used GoPro more than ever for international filming in the bike sector, including filming “The Hole” among other shootings.

What inspired your awarded clip?

After getting home the new HERO10, I wanted to try something complicated that same day to see the potential of the camera, and I had the opportunity to record the kart race. The idea was to record the start and the first lap, trying to capture the highlight moments. The truth is that the flight was great, and then at home, I was amazed at how well HERO10 worked in terms of colors and image quality—it’s insane!

What shots are you excited to chase on HERO10 Black now that you've seen the final video?

I have a lot of filming projects lined up for 2022 luckily. Many are related to the world of freeride mountain bike races. … The new HERO10 works great and gives me a lot of confidence, and it guarantees amazing quality results. Now, I really want to try the Max Lens Mod and new Enduro battery!

Would you participate in the Million Dollar Challenge again?

Absolutely, yes! I have a lot of ideas to apply in FPV in a very crazy way  for the next edition. And I’m very lucky to have friends who are professionally involved in action sports to film. Surely, I will play hard riding a water drone and record wake skate like never seen before!

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

2021 was my international debut as a FPV pilot. After effort and dedication, I can work on what I am passionate about. And winning the GoPro Million Dollar Challenge is the icing on the cake of an incredibly memorable year on a personal level. I’m very grateful for everything—thank you for the experience!

Watch the HERO10 Black Million Dollar Challenge reel here.