ESP NOW sync in AP mode 8 devices

Hello all,

I have made 8 suits powered by batteries, that we are going to wear for a weekend (Dutch Carnaval). The 8 ESP32 are all in AP mode and now controlled via a Wiz remote with playlists, (sound reactive). Once a playlist is selected via Wiz remote (all have exact same presets) it goes great.

I also want to be able to use the Sync feature if the ESP NOW but I cannot get it to work. I used the normal "Sync to this device wit other devices that are in a network, but not yet all in AP mode and not connected with each other via a “traditional network”. Is this possible or need all controllers be connected in a AP of 1 particular device?

Best outcome would be that every WLED instance can control every WLED instance (8 total) without a network. (I used external antennas but range is unknown and people will walk in and out of range)