Take a look back at the incredible achievements and inspiring innovations from the 2025-2026 competition season!
2025-2026 Season Competitions
Hosted by USEL
District Championships 2026
The District Championships 2026, took place at the Ontario Convention Center from April 17th and 18th, 2026. It was one of the most thrilling moments of the season as students bring their hard work, creativity, and determination to the competition floor. This high energy event is where teams will battle for a coveted spot in the School National Championships and a chance to join the US National Robotics Team.
Hosted by USEL
Robopalooza 2025-2026
The Robopalooza 2026 competition was held at the Toyota Arena on February 7th, 2026, with the Awards Ceremony on March 4th, 2026. This event is where students showcased the skills they have learned throughout the semester. Stay tuned for more information.
World Robot Olympiad
Open Championship: Middle East & North Africa
Jubail, Saudi Arabia
The WRO 2025 Open Championship: Middle East & North Africa is scheduled to take place in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, from October 23 - 25, 2025. This event featured competitions across all WRO categories and age groups, bringing together talented young minds from the region to showcase their robotics skills and innovation.
World Robot Olympiad
Open Championship: Americas Panama City, Panama
The WRO 2025 Open Championship: Americas took place in Panama City, Panama, from October 19 - 21, 2025. This event featured competitions across all WRO categories and age groups, bringing together talented young minds from across the Americas to showcase their robotics skills and innovation.
World Robot Olympiad
Open Championship: Asia & Pacific Manila, Philippines
Hosted in one of Asia’s most vibrant cities on September 19th - 21st, 2025, this championship offered participants the opportunity to showcase their problem-solving skills, engineering expertise, and teamwork on an international stage. With a focus on cutting-edge robotics and STEM education, teams engaged in thrilling competitions that push the boundaries of innovation.
World Robot Olympiad
Open Championship: Europe Ljubljana, Slovenia
The WRO Open Championship: Europe in Ljubljana, Slovenia, took place from
September 2nd – 5th 2025, bringing together top robotics teams from across the continent to compete in a dynamic and innovative environment. This prestigious event challenged participants to apply their engineering skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork to tackle real-world robotics challenges.
World Robot Olympiad
International Final: Singapore
The WRO 2025 International Final took place in Singapore from
November 26 - 28, 2025. This premier event is the culmination of a season of hard work and engineering. It challenged participants to apply their engineering skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork to tackle real-world robotics challenges.
Hosted by USEL Affiliate: Blue Ridge Boost
WRO-USA Panama Open: Charlottesville, VA
Held in Charlottesville for the WRO-USA Open August 23rd , proudly hosted by Blue Ridge Boost, an official affiliate of the US Engineering League—National Organizer of WRO-USA. Over 30 teams competed in this exciting qualifier, where participants had the chance to advance to the Open Championship: Americas in Panama City, Panama—facing off against top talent from across the region.
World Robot Olympiad
WRO-USA Open: Dekalb, Illinois
Hosted in the iconic city of Chicago on August 1st - 3rd, 2025. Known for its rich history, architectural marvels, and vibrant cultural scene, the US Open offers participants a unique opportunity to compete on a national stage.
We expect over 50 teams to compete in the US Open for a chance to qualify for all international competitions, excluding Singapore.
USEL Youth Robotics
WRO-USA National Championships: Ontario, CA
Located in Southern California, Ontario July 18th - 20th, 2025 on provides an ideal venue for this thrilling event. With its proximity to major airports, world-class entertainment, and diverse dining options, participants and spectators can enjoy a seamless and engaging experience.
We anticipate over 150 teams competing across four categories, all aiming to secure their spot on the USA National Robotics Team.
USEL Youth Robotics
Regional Championship: Ontario, CA
Located in Southern California, Ontario on April 18th - 19th, 2025 provides an ideal venue for this thrilling event. With its proximity to major airports, world-class entertainment, and diverse dining options, participants and spectators can enjoy a seamless and engaging experience.
What makes the Regional Championship unique is that it features over 40 schools competing in the RoboMission category, all striving to secure a spot at the National Championships.
USEL Youth Robotics
Online Competition Challenges
Participate in engaging online mini-challenges that test your creativity, problem-solving, and technical skills in robotics and STEM. These challenges provide a fun and accessible way to improve your abilities and compete against peers from across the country.
RoboPalooza Championships
RoboPalooza 2024-2025
Get ready to showcase your robotics skills at the exhilarating RoboPalooza Championships hosted in Ontario, CA! With over 100 teams expected to compete across four exciting categories, this is an event you don't want to miss.
WRO 2026 FAQ
Everything you need to know about the season
How does a WRO season work?
- The WRO 2026 season follows this structured competition schedule:
- Registration Opens: January 2026
- Game Rules Released: January 15, 2026
- District Championships (District Partners Only): Ontario, CA · April 17–18, 2026
- Virginia Open Qualifier: Charlottesville, VA · July 2026 (subject to change)
- School National Championships (District Partners Only): Ontario, CA · July 24–26, 2026
- USEL Affiliate Cup: Aurora, IL · August 7-9, 2026 (subject to change)
- US Open Championships: Ontario, CA · September 24–28, 2026
- Open Championship: Asia & Pacific: Delhi, India · September 25–27, 2026
- Open Championship: Europe: Zagreb, Croatia · October 13–16, 2026
- International Final: San Juan, Puerto Rico · December 8–10, 2026
How do I register a team for the competition?
- To participate in WRO competitions, you need one of two affiliate passes:
- Season Pass (Tier 1): For parents, schools, or organizations registering one team. Includes one team registration, eligibility to register for the Affiliate Cup and Regional Open Qualifiers (separate fees apply), and access to official WRO materials.
- Event Organizer Pass (Tier 2): For organizations wanting to host their own WRO events. Allows you to host sanctioned Regional Open Qualifiers, register unlimited teams to your own events at no additional USEL fee, and apply to host next year's Affiliate Cup.
- District Championships & School National Championships: Exclusive to school partners—affiliates cannot register for these events.
- Visit the USEL Store to purchase your Season Pass or Event Organizer Pass.
- A signed data protection form is required when submitting team member details.
What is the difference between the Season Pass and Event Organizer Pass?
- Season Pass: Includes one team registration and allows you to purchase additional registrations at a reduced cost. Grants eligibility to register for the Affiliate Cup and Regional Open Qualifiers (separate registration fees apply for each event).
- Event Organizer Pass: Allows organizations to host their own sanctioned WRO events, register unlimited teams to their own events at no additional USEL fee, and apply to host Regional Open Qualifiers or next year's Affiliate Cup.
- If you participate through an Event Organizer's hosted events, you may not need your own Season Pass for those specific events.
What is the USEL Affiliate Cup?
- The USEL Affiliate Cup is a national level competition held in Aurora, IL that awards USA National Robotics Team qualification spots to both the International Finals and the Americas Open Championship.
- The Affiliate Cup replaces the traditional US Nationals for teams outside of partnered public school districts.
- International Finals qualification spots from the Affiliate Cup:
- RoboMission – one team from each age group
- RoboSports – one qualifying team
- Future Innovators – one qualifying team
- Future Engineers – one qualifying team
- Event Organizers may apply to host next year's Affiliate Cup.
How do Regional Open Qualifiers work?
- Regional Open Qualifiers are hosted by Event Organizers and award qualification spots to the WRO Americas Open Championship.
- All Regional Open Qualifiers must be approved by USEL before being held.
- Important: Regional Open Qualifiers do NOT award spots to the International Finals—only the Affiliate Cup does.
- Event Organizers can apply to host Regional Open Qualifiers through USEL.
Can a team compete at both the Americas Open and International Finals?
- No. Starting this season, teams are no longer allowed to compete at both events.
- You must choose one path: either the WRO Americas Open Championship or the WRO International Finals.
- The Affiliate Cup awards spots to both competitions, while Regional Open Qualifiers only award spots to the Americas Open Championship.
Do I need my own robot?
- Yes, teams must provide their own robot.
- All robot systems are now allowed in all WRO categories for 2026!
- Each category has specific size and weight requirements (e.g., RoboMission: max 25x25x25cm, RoboSports: max 20x20x20cm and 1.2kg, Future Engineers: max 30x20x30cm).
How much does it cost to participate in WRO?
- Participation requires purchasing either a Season Pass or Event Organizer Pass from the USEL Store.
- The Season Pass and Event Organizer Pass grant eligibility to participate. Registration fees for the Affiliate Cup and Regional Open Qualifiers are separate and vary by event.
- Event Organizers do not pay USEL per-team fees to register teams to their own hosted events.
- For teams qualifying for international competitions, additional fees apply.
Move-in Date and Time
- District Championships (Ontario, CA · April 17–18, 2026): Day before event from 10 AM - 4 PM OR morning of event from 7 AM - 9 AM
- School National Championships (Ontario, CA · July 24–26, 2026): Day before event from 10 AM - 4 PM
- Affiliate Cup (Aurora, IL · August 8, 2026): Day before event from 10 AM - 4 PM
- Please check specific event details closer to the date for exact times and locations.
How many booths are available for exhibitors?
- District Championships: Up to 15 standard 10x10 booths can fit.
- School National Championships / Affiliate Cup: More space is available, allowing for double the booths.
- Contact USEL for specific booth availability at each event.
Is parking included for exhibitors?
- Yes, exhibitors receive one parking pass. Additional passes can be requested.
Will there be WiFi and electricity?
- Yes, WiFi and electricity will be available at all competition venues.
