Key Dates for the 2025-2026 VEX V5 and FIRST Robotics Competition

Get Ready for the 2025-2026 Season!

The excitement is building for the upcoming 2025-2026 Robotics Competition season! Whether you're a seasoned participant or a newbie, marking your calendar with these crucial dates is essential for a successful adventure in both the VEX V5 and FIRST Robotics competitions. Let’s break down the key dates to keep in mind.

The 2025–2026 season for VEX V5 and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is shaping up to be an exhilarating journey for robotics enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or new to the scene, staying informed about the key dates is crucial for preparation and success. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the upcoming season’s milestones.

Kickoff

The 2025-2026 season kicks off in early May 2026 with the publication of the season calendar for both competetions. From May to August rund the period called off-season intended for preparations such as building skills, planning, registering and reflecting upon the previous season, if it is the case.

VEX V5 Robotics Competition (V5RC)

New Game Reveal:

• Date: June 1, 2025

• Details: The new game for the 2025–2026 VEX V5 season will be announced. Teams should stay tuned for the official reveal to begin strategizing and designing their robots accordingly.

Signature Events:

• Application Deadlines:

  • New Events: Initial proposals due by January 31, 2026; final applications by March 31, 2026.

  • Existing Events: Final applications due by March 31, 2026.

• Event Window: August 1, 2025 – February 22, 2026

• Purpose: Signature Events offer teams the opportunity to qualify directly for the VEX Robotics World Championship.

2026 VEX Robotics World Championship:

• Dates: To be announced (typically held in May)

• Location: Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas, Texas

• Note: While the exact dates for the 2026 championship are pending, teams can anticipate the event to occur in May, following the pattern of previous years.

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)

Competition Season:

• Date: January 4, 2026

• Details: The season officially begins with the release of the new game challenge. Teams will receive their kits and can start building their robots.

Regional and District Events:

• Event Weeks:

  • Week 1: February 26 – March 2, 2026

  • Week 2: March 5 – March 9, 2026

  • Week 3: March 12 – March 16, 2026

  • Week 4: March 19 – March 23, 2026

  • Week 5: March 26 – March 30, 2026

  • Week 6: April 2 – April 6, 2026

FIRST Championship (the "World Cup" of FRC):

• Dates: April 29 – May 2, 2026

• Location: George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, Texas

• Note: Teams should plan ahead for travel and accommodation arrangements for this pinnacle event.

Tips for Teams

• Stay Updated: Regularly check the official VEX and FIRST websites for the latest information on game rules, event registrations, and updates.

• Plan Ahead: Mark these key dates on your calendars and start preparing early to ensure your team is ready for each milestone.

• Engage with the Community: Participate in forums, attend workshops, and connect with other teams to share knowledge and experiences.

Embarking on the 2025–2026 robotics season promises a journey filled with innovation, collaboration, and competition. Best of luck to all teams as you design, build, and compete!

Next Steps for Participation

Ready to jump in? Here are your next steps for both competitions. First, assemble your dream team—gather students, mentors, and volunteers who are passionate about robotics. Next, establish your teams on the official websites and ensure they’re registered before the deadlines. Download any available resources and familiarize yourselves with last season’s game strategies to help spark inspiration for your new designs. Finally, attend mentorship sessions or workshops, often advertised through school programs and online forums, to sharpen your team's skills further.

By staying engaged and proactive, your team can elevate your robotics journey this upcoming season. Mark those calendars, and let's gear up for an extraordinary 2025-2026 competition season!