Tournament Information
Current Season Tournament Results
FTC Event Types
Workshop - These events can cover a variety of FTC and robotics related topics. They are often hosted by vendors, Affiliate Partners or teams.
Kick-off - Held each September, this event is when the new season’s game is revealed. Kick-off offers the opportunity to see the game reveal live, network with other FTC 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 20 teams and may not include judging and awards. These events do not qualify teams for championship tournaments. May also be called a Practice Day
Qualifying Tournament - These events are held in areas with a large number of teams. In these events, teams compete for positions at Championship Tournaments with advancement criteria. Qualifying Tournaments include judging and awards.
Championship Tournament - The largest, and sometimes only, regional or state event. Teams compete for a chance to qualify for the FTC World Championship Event. Championship Tournaments may require teams to advance through a Qualifying Tournament structure. Championship Tournaments adhere to standards in format, judging and awards.
World Championship - This event is the culmination of the season. To compete in this event, teams must win at a state or regional Championship Tournament.
FTC Affiliate Partners reserve the right to limit the numbers of teams attending any of these tournaments. Neither FIRST nor the local FTC Affiliate Partner can guarantee a tournament in your area, even if you have registered with FIRST.
Advancement Criteria
Teams will advance to the next level of competition in the order indicated below according to the number of spots available. The advancement criteria will be applied to teams advancing from Qualifying Tournament to Championship Tournaments and from Championship Tournaments to the World Championship Tournament.
In the event that the team listed has already advanced or there is no team fitting that description (as in 2nd team selected at smaller events), the advancement will continue in order.
- Qualifier Host Team (NOTE: Assuming that the team competes at one other tournament within the region and has met the criteria set forth by the Affiliate Partner in the agreement. This applies to qualifying tournaments only.)
- Inspire Award Winner
- Winning Alliance Captain
- Inspire Award 2nd place
- Winning Alliance, 1st team selected
- Inspire Award 3rd place
- Winning Alliance, 2nd team selected
- Think Award Winner
- Finalist Alliance Captain
- Connect Award Winner
- Finalist Alliance, 1st team selected
- Rockwell Collins Innovate Award Winner
- Finalist Alliance, 2nd team selected
- PTC Design Award Winner
- Highest Ranked Team not previously advanced
- Motivate Award Winner
- Highest Ranked Team not previously advanced
Tournament Q&A
Q. What are the tournaments like?
A. Tournaments consist of opening and closing ceremonies, complete with trophies, awards, and recognition. Tournaments are exciting and fun competitions packed with volunteers and spectators that celebrate learning about science, technology, and engineering.
Q. Does our team registration include participation at an event?
A. No, tournament application is a separate process. Event organizers determine the tournament fee, and the cost to attend varies. The registration fee for a Championship Tournament can range from $0-$300(US).
Q. Where can we find out about the tournaments?
A. Click here to check events in your area.
Q. How is a tournament run?
A. FTC Affiliate Partners, Tournament Partners, and many volunteers plan, coordinate, and run the one-day tournaments. Teams attending Qualifying and Championship Tournaments compete in the robot game and go before a panel of judges who assess the team's technical knowledge and understanding, as well as team interaction and spirit.
Q. If we pay the $275 team registration fee, will our team definitely be able to participate in a tournament?
A. You will most likely be able to participate in a tournament, but there is no guarantee that there will be enough tournaments, volunteers, or space to accommodate all teams in all locations, or that there will be a tournament available in your area. The FTC Affiliate Partners do everything they can to provide all teams with an event, which could mean teams traveling a little farther for a competition. In the event that more teams apply to a tournament than can be accommodated at the event, the organizers have the right to limit teams into the tournament on a first-come, first-served or other basis. In some areas with a large number of teams, local events sometimes serve as Qualifying Tournaments for team advancement to a Championship Tournament in that state or province.
Q. Can I schedule a local event, or do I need to work through FTC?
A. Teams can run their own local events. If your area hosts an area/provincial Championship Tournament, contact the FTC Affiliate Partner in your area and let him/her know about your local event. This will ensure adequate promotion and team awareness for your event.
Q. Do teams need to bring their computers to a tournament?
A. If your team attends a Qualifying Tournament or Championship Tournament, it is recommended that you bring a computer for the day of the competition. You may need to modify your robot's programs to accommodate the specific conditions of the tournament setting and to improve robot performance.
Q. What types of awards can teams win?
A. Award information can be found here.
Q. What are the criteria for award judging?
A. Please check the Mentor Guide for judging information. You will find judging criteria as well as suggestions for considerations in the awards process.
Q. How does a team win an award?
A. Judges will be observing and interviewing teams throughout the day, both on the field and off. At the end of the day they will recognize the most remarkable teams with trophies in various categories.
