FIRST Tech Challenge Event Types

Workshop - These events can cover a variety of FIRST Tech Challenge and robotics-related topics. They are often hosted by vendors, Affiliate Partners or teams.

Kickoff - Held each September, this event is when the new season’s game is revealed. Kickoff offers the opportunity to see the game reveal live, network with other teams and strategize about the new season.

Scrimmage - A small event run by volunteers, usually a team or Affiliate Partner, good for practice and playing experience. These events can have anywhere from three to twenty teams and may not include judging and awards.  These events do not qualify teams for championship tournaments. May also be called a Practice Day.

Leagues/Meets - Meets are similar to a traditional sporting event. Teams compete in smaller, more frequent competitions to gain points that will advance them to the next level tournament play.  Leagues/Meets are currently in several regions and experiences may vary based on the region. Contact your local FIRST Tech Challenge representative with questions regarding these events.

Qualifying Tournament - These events are held in areas with a large number of teams.  In these events, teams compete for positions at Championship Tournaments. Qualifying Tournaments adhere to FIRST standards in format, judging and awards.

Super-Qualifying Tournament - These events are held in regions with a large number of teams and/or Leagues. In these regions, teams advance from either a League Championship or Qualifying Tournament to a Super-Qualifying Tournament, and then to the regional or state Championship. Super-Qualifying Tournaments adhere to FIRST standards in format, judging, and awards.

Championship Tournament - A regional- or state-level event. U.S. Teams compete for a chance to advance to one of our two FIRST World Championship events. Championship Tournaments may require teams to advance through a Qualifying Tournament structure. Championship Tournaments adhere to FIRST standards in format, judging and awards. For the 2021-2022 season, international Championship Tournaments will also advance directly to the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship.

FIRST Championship - The culmination of the season’s FIRST programs, bringing together tens of thousands of students, mentors, and volunteers of all ages for the ultimate celebration of science and technology. To compete in this event, U.S. teams will advance from their respective regional Championship Tournaments, and international teams will also advance from their respective Championship Tournaments. View Results and Hall of Fame.

Tournament organizers reserve the right to limit the numbers of teams attending any of these tournaments. Neither FIRST nor the local organizer can guarantee a tournament in your area, even if you have registered with FIRST.