This spring marks another defining moment for TechBlazers.
At the 2026 CREATE U.S. Open Robotics Tournament (V5RC Middle School), TechBlazers middle school teams traveled to the United States to compete alongside top-tier teams from around the world.
On the field, it was a test of strategy and engineering. Beyond the matches, it was a showcase of team culture, creativity, and professionalism. This time, TechBlazers not only participated—we made a strong and meaningful impact across multiple dimensions of the competition.
Event Overview
- Event Type: Open Tournament (Invitational)
- Dates: March 19–21, 2026
- Location: Council Bluffs, USA (5 Arena Way)
- One of the largest robotics tournaments in the world
- Features invited teams from the U.S., Canada, and internationally—primarily regional champions and elite teams
- Competition Structure: A multi-division event including
- V5RC Middle School (this division)
- V5RC High School
- VIQRC Middle School
- VIQRC Elementary
Widely regarded as one of the most competitive international proving grounds before the VEX World Championship, the U.S. Open offers teams a unique opportunity to test their skills on a global stage.
Highlights & Achievements
🏆 Skills Challenge Excellence | Team 16610B (Be Happy)
Team 16610B (Be Happy) delivered a strong and consistent performance under pressure, earning 2nd Place in Robot Skills Worldwide—a remarkable recognition of both programming precision and driver control.
Beyond the competition field, their creativity stood out as well. With an eye-catching and thoughtfully designed pit display, the team captured significant attention and was awarded 1st Place – Best pit award . This achievement reflects not only visual creativity but also strong team identity and communication.
🥇 Excellence Award Winner | Team 16610G (Good Gravy)
A defining highlight came from Team 16610G (Good Gravy):
- Qualification Record: 11–3
- Advanced to the First Seed Alliance
- Awarded the event’s highest honor: Excellence Award
What is the Excellence Award?
The Excellence Award is the highest distinction in the VEX Robotics Competition. It is not awarded solely based on match performance. Instead, it recognizes a team that demonstrates outstanding achievement across all aspects of robotics competition:
- A well-documented and thoughtful engineering design process
- Strong communication and clarity during judging interviews
- Consistent and effective performance on the field
- Exemplary teamwork, professionalism, and sportsmanship
What sets Team 16610G apart is their ability to excel across all these dimensions with balance and consistency.
Beyond the Competition
For our students, the U.S. Open was far more than a tournament.
They represented not only their teams, but also Canada—competing in an environment filled with diverse strategies, fast-paced gameplay, and world-class opponents. It required adaptability, resilience, and continuous learning under pressure.
While the results are impressive, this is not the finish line for TechBlazers.
Our journey continues as we prepare for the VEX Robotics World Championship, where even greater challenges await.
What Truly Matters
Looking back on the season, the most valuable moments are not just those on the podium.
They are found in the late nights of debugging code, the iterations of redesign, and the countless conversations that shaped teamwork and problem-solving.
When our students step onto the stage, what we see is more than victory—we see the skills, mindset, and growth that brought them there.
And that is the true meaning of robotics education.