General Info

Welcome to Ignite the Northwest 2026!

We’re excited to welcome you to the Bell Harbor International Conference Center, located right on the waterfront in beautiful Seattle, Washington. Get ready for an inspiring experience along the scenic pier!

Make sure to check back often for updates! Sign up for email notifications and check out more details about the event here: https://www.igniterobotics.org/signature

If your team requires financial aid to attend this event, or if you are registering multiple teams from an organization, please describe your situation and contact: [email protected]

About the Event

Welcome to Ignite the Northwest 2026! We aim to bring the best teams from all over the US and the World to compete and to prepare students for their own Regional Championships and the World Championship. The event setup is very similar to the World Championships and will provide the teams with a great experience of high-level competition! Elimination rounds will include 16 alliances.

Please note that this event is a 3-Day event. Check the Agenda tab for more information.

Competition Preparation

This event is sure to be a fast-paced and exciting event. All teams should come prepared for the competition. Here are a few steps that every team should take to ensure that they are prepared.

1. Review the rules, the code of conduct, and run through the inspection checklist. 

2. Check the VEX Forum and the Q&A for official rule updates and changes.

3. Carefully read all of the information contained in this tournament posting

4. Review the descriptions and criteria for the awards that are being given during the tournament. 

5. Prep for your interviews with the judges. Check the awards tab to see what awards will be given during the tournament.

6. Ensure that you have the latest version of firmware.

Food and Drink:

Information coming soon! 

Event Merchandise

Customize t-shirts and hoodies just like at the World Championships! Put your team number, personal motto, or alternative designs! 

*Qualification for the VEX V5RC World Championships

This event includes three spots for 2025-26 Push Back World Championships.

The awards that qualify for the World Championships are:

1x Excellence Award
2x Tournament Champions

*World Spot Eligibility:
Signature Events will be awarded World Championship qualification spots if they meet all established criteria set forth by the REC Foundation. Failure to fully comply with these criteria may result in the event being ineligible to receive World spots, regardless of prior expectations or historical precedent

Hotel Discounts:

Information coming soon! 

Local Attractions:

Seattle, Washington offers a mix of attractions sure to inspire, educate, and entertain. Perfect for students, parents, and teams alike, our handpicked selection of local attractions seamlessly blends tech wizardry, awe-inspiring nature, and adrenaline-packed adventure. Let's explore what awaits:

• Just a 20-minute walk from Seattle’s iconic Space Needle, our waterfront venue puts you right at the heart of this port city. With the Pikes Place Market and the Seattle aquarium just five minutes away, the waterfront boardwalk of Seattle is at your doorstep. 

• After checking out the Space Needle, you can walk 5 minutes to the Pacific Science Center. As the first science and technology center in the nation, it continues to inspire with hands-on exhibits, immersive theaters, and innovative learning spaces. 

• The Museum of Flight, a mere half-hour drive from Seattle, offers an unparalleled journey through the annals of aviation history. From vintage planes to space-age rockets, there's something to captivate everyone's imagination.

• Gear up for an exhilarating tour of the Boeing Factory! Witness firsthand where aviation marvels are born and take flight. From conception to completion, this is your chance to delve into the inner workings of one of the world's leading aerospace companies. Hurry though, spaces fill up fast!

• Stroll through the scenic University of Washington, Seattle Campus. On a clear day, you'll be treated to magnificent vistas of Mt. Rainier, providing a perfect backdrop to the university's impressive architecture.

• For the thrill-seekers among you, the powder-laden slopes of Stevens Pass, Crystal Mountain, or Snoqualmie Pass are calling. Experience the unrivaled snow conditions that make skiing in the Pacific Northwest an unforgettable adventure.

Get ready to unlock the limitless potential of your Seattle visit!

Grade Level: High School

Skills Challenge Offered: No

Judging Format: Remote Engineering Notebooks