Making Waves at Western Edge Open 2025

From May 30 to June 1, 2025, the Long Beach Convention Center became an ocean of innovation as the Western Edge FIRST LEGO League Open made a splash with its biggest event yet!

With 95 teams from 20 countries and 28 U.S. states, the event overflowed with energy, excitement, and incredible moments. Over three jam-packed days, participants navigated challenges, built friendships, and showed the world that when we come together, we rise…just like the tide.

Whether competing in robot missions, forming new alliances, or rocking brick-built LEGO shades, these young minds didn’t just ride the wave, they helped create it!

Moments That Made Waves

LEGO Shades Take Over Saturday
The future’s so bright, these teams had to build shades! Day 2 saw teams styling custom LEGO glasses.

Minifig Trading & Team Bonding
Minifigs were traded and lifelong friendships were formed over shared passions for STEM, LEGO, and global collaboration.

Saturday Night Glow Party
On Saturday night, the lights went down and the energy lit up at the Glow Party, where kids, parents, and coaches hit the dance floor, let loose, and celebrated the spirit of FIRST with non-stop moves.

Dance Floor Magic
The Closing Ceremonies on Sunday brought more than just awards . . . it brought vibes. With music, dancing and an unbelievably long conga line, the energy in the room was incredible.

On-the-Spot Challenge: Gates to Atlantis 

This year’s On-the-Spot Challenge pushed teams to the limit in the best way possible. After the main rounds wrapped up, a unique, brand-new game was revealed: Gates to Atlantis. 

Randomly grouped into alliances of three, teams had just one evening to collaborate, brainstorm, build, and program robots to take on the mysterious underwater mission. It was a true test of gracious professionalism, adaptability, and teamwork.

FIRST LEGO League Explore Game

Back for another year, California Southern FIRST LEGO League’s Explore game brought younger teams into the fun on their own Explore Stage!

Using the mat from their field setup kits, teams raced to complete 15 push/pull missions in just 2 minutes all while learning, laughing, and celebrating what it means to explore and engineer. 

A Steady Anchor in the FIRST Community

For their extraordinary commitment to education, innovation, and the FIRST community, the 2025 Founders Award was presented to the Gene Haas Foundation.

Congratulations Are in Order!

A massive round of applause to HFG Robos from Germany for earning the Champion’s Award and to every single team that competed with heart, curiosity, and creativity.

Making it to the Western Edge Open is no small feat, and each of you made this event one to remember.