<BearcatCTF 2026>
Setting Sail
February 21st 2026
The first 100 in-person competitors to check in will receive this exclusive challenge coin!
About the CTF
Welcome to Cyber@UC's BearcatCTF 2026! This is Cyber@UC's third year running this cybersecurity CTF competition and we are excited for what is planned this year. This event is welcoming students across Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southern Indiana to compete in person at the 1819 Innovation Hub. Online participation is encouraged, however, those who are unable to attend in person are ineligible for prizes. Whether you're just starting or you're a seasoned pro, BearcatCTF is the perfect place to learn and test your skills. The day will be packed with more than just the CTF competition, enjoy our sponsor expo, hands-on workshops, fun activities, and free food and drinks. Registration is free and open now!
Challenge Categories
Web Exploitation
Open Source Intelligence
Cryptography
Reverse Engineering
Forensics
Binary Exploitation
Event Schedule
Day 1
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM EST
Sponsor Expo
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM EST
Keynote
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM EST
Lunch
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM EST
CTF 101
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST
Fifth Third Resume Workshop
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EST
Dinner
Day 2
12:00 AM EST
Midnight Snack
12:00 AM EST
Late Night Movie
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM EST
Breakfast
12:00 PM EST
CTF Competition Ends
12:00 PM EST
Closing Ceremony & Winner Announcements
Prizes
*Only available for students who pre-register as an in-person competitor.
2nd Place
Flipper Zero
1st Place
Raspberry PI starter Pack + Display
3rd Place
External SSD + Ifixit Set
Our Sponsors
Platinum Tier
Gold Tier
Silver Tier
Bronze Tier
Code of Conduct
CTF Rules
- All in-person competitors must be 18+
- Do not exploit the game server in unintended ways. This includes, but is not limited to: brute forcing and other attacks that could damage the server.
- Do not attack or interfere with other player's systems.
- If you need help, come to the CTF desk. The organizers can help you with tools and resources but they will not give you answers.
- If you find a challenge to be unsolvable for a possibly unintended reason, come talk to the organizers. They may be able to help you troubleshoot the problem or fix the challenge.
- The organizers may add challenges throughout the competition. This is to keep the competition interesting and challenging for all participants.
Common Sense
- Be respectful of others. This includes treating others with courtesy and kindness, even if you disagree with them. It also means respecting their privacy and personal information.
- Do not harass or bully others. Harassment and bullying include any behavior that is intended to intimidate, threaten, or humiliate another person. This can include verbal, physical, or online abuse.
- Be a good sport. This means playing fair and being mature. Be kind to your fellow competitors.
- Do not cheat or plagiarize. This includes bruteforcing to solve challenges or copying someone else's work.
- Report any violations or problems to the event organizers.
Prizes
- Prizes are only available for students who are in-person competitors.
-
A competitor is officially considered "In-Person" if they meet all of the following
criteria:
- Check-In: They must check in at the registration desk before their team submits its first successful challenge solve.
- Late Arrivals: We welcome walk-ins! However, anyone registering after the event begins will be granted prize eligibility only at the explicit discretion of the organizers. (This is to prevent teams from "recruiting" local bodies specifically to meet the 50% threshold after they see they are winning).
-
Hybrid Team Requirements:
We allow teams to be composed of both remote and local players, but to maintain a fair environment, the following applies:- The 50% Rule: A team must consist of at least 50% In-Person competitors (as defined above) to be eligible for any prizes.
- Prize Distribution: Prizes are awarded only to the physical, In-Person members of the team. Remote teammates will not receive any prizes.
-
Status Changes:
- Remote to In-Person - You may change your status to In-Person at the registration desk until the event starts.
FAQ
Is this event beginner-friendly?
Absolutely! We have a range of challenges suitable for all skill levels. We encourage beginners to participate and learn.
What do I need to participate?
All you need to do is register and use a computer with a stable internet connection.
How do I communicate with organizers and other teams?
All event communication will happen on our official Discord server. This is where we'll post announcements, and provide support.
What should I do if I get stuck on a challenge?
If you need help related to challenges please submit a ticket or ask the CTF organizer desk. The organizers can help you with tools and resources but they will not give you answers.