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FIRST® Robotics Competition

Event Preference System

FIRST® Robotics Competition uses a preferencing system for teams selecting the events they want to attend. The preference-based system is intended to make event slot distribution fairer and more convenient for teams. 
View Resource Library List of Events
2025-event-preferencing-page
Under this system, all FIRST Robotics Competition teams have one week to enter their ranked event preferences in the system. They will be able to enter and rank as many or as few eligible events as they like. There will be no advantage or disadvantage to entering preferences early or late, as long as preferences are in by the deadline. Also, teams will be able to change their preferences as often as they like before the deadline. After the deadline, a lottery is run and teams who entered preferences are either placed in an event or waitlisted. This process is used for both first and second round event selection. Some Districts use a process called the "home event system," the User Guide below lists how that process works. 

Review the User Guide for more details plus a step-by-step walkthrough and the  FAQ to help answer any questions you may have.

Event Preferencing Timeline

All deadlines are noon, Eastern, unless otherwise noted.

Click the links to view a calendar and even download entries to add to your own calendar. 

FIRST Robotics Competition Team Registration Opens: The Team Registration System allows Teams to create a new or update an existing Team Profile.

May 14, 2025

First Event Registration - Round 1 Preference: All rookie and veteran teams are able to select events to preference for their 1st Regional Event or 1st District Event for the 2026 FIRST Robotics Competition Season.

Sep. 25 - Oct. 2, 2025

First Late Registration Opens: First Late Registration opens for any team who did not participate in the first round preference. This allows teams to select available events for their first event only. 

Oct. 3, 2025

Second Event Registration - Round 2 Preference: All rookie and veteran teams are able to select events to preference for their 2nd Regional Event or 2nd District Event for the 2026 FIRST Robotics Competition Season.

Oct. 16-23, 2025

Second Late Registration Opens: Second Late Registration opens for any team who did not participate in the second round preference. This allows teams to select available events for their second event.

Oct. 24, 2025

Additional In-District Event Registration Opens: District teams may register for an additional In-District event.

Oct. 30, 2025

Unrestricted Regional Event Registration Opens: All teams are able to select and register for any Regional Event.

Oct. 30, 2025

Additional Inter-District Registration Opens: District teams are eligible to register for any open spots in other Districts.

Nov. 6, 2025

Event Registration Closes

Nov. 18, 2025

Payment Due for Initial Event Registration

Nov. 18, 2025

Payment Due - Additional Registered Event(s)

Jan. 21, 2026