Inaugural FIRST Robotics Competition SoCal State Championship presented by Qualcomm, 2026

Inaugural FIRST Robotics Competition SoCal State Championship presented by Qualcomm, 2026

The inaugural FIRST Robotics Competition SoCal State Championship, presented by Qualcomm, took over the Anaheim Convention Center Arena April 9–12, 2026, bringing together 60 of Southern California’s top robotics teams and 1,200+ students for four days of FIRST® AGE™ REBUILT™ competition, community, and celebration that could only happen here.

From the sunshine outside to the electric energy on the competition floor, the inaugural SoCal State Championship had a character all its own, diverse, creative, and brimming with the kind of ambition this region is known for. These teams earned their spot, battling through the inaugural FIRST California District season to compete at the highest level of FRC in Southern California.

Opening Ceremonies

The weekend’s opening moments set exactly the right tone. On Saturday, Natalie Taitano of Qualcomm, our presenting sponsor and a longtime champion of STEM in Southern California and beyond, took the stage alongside Anaheim Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Leon, whose presence reflected the city’s pride in hosting this landmark event. On Sunday, the stage belonged to Michael Jobity, CEO of Jetson Infinity and FIRST alumni, whose journey from student competitor to tech entrepreneur was a living reminder of exactly why this program matters.

A Championship Week Full of Energy and Opportunity

The competition was just the beginning. The SoCal State Championship delivered a full lineup of experiences that made this event as much about futures as it was about robots:

  • Mentor Breakfast: Friday morning kicked off with a well-deserved celebration for the mentors who make FIRST possible, the people behind the scenes who give their time, expertise, and dedication every single season.
  • STEM for Everyone Career Roundtable: An incredible gathering of industry professionals from Google, UCLA Children’s Hospital, Lockheed Martin, LA28, Qualcomm, RTX, Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Sandisk and Universal Creative gave students a front-row seat to the breadth of STEM careers available to them.
  • Alumni Event: The alumni gathering drew a great crowd and featured guest speaker Brianne Wada of Qualcomm, a group photo, and prizes.
  • Qualcomm Trivia: Students and attendees tested their knowledge for a chance to win some seriously cool prizesincluding an Arduino Uno Q and a Rubik Pi. Equal parts fun and educational, just like FIRST.
  • Free Robot Glamour Shots: Because every robot deserves its moment in the spotlight.
  • FLL & FTC Demos: The next generation of FIRST participants got to show what they’re made of, with FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge dispays.
  • College and Scholarship Row: Students had the opportunity to connect with colleges and explore scholarship opportunities.

Officially Recognized by the California State Legislature

In a proud moment for the entire FIRST California community, the SoCal State Championship was officially recognized by the California State Legislature. Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi’s office provided a legislative certificate honoring FIRST Robotics and its impact on STEM education and student innovation across the state. It is a meaningful acknowledgment of the work that students, mentors, volunteers, and partners pour into this program every single year.

Awards

  • Impact Award Winners: Team 4201, Vitruvian Bots and Team 589, Falkon Robotics
  • Winning Alliance: Team 4414, High Tide; Team 3476, Code Orange; Team 8119, TigerBotics
  • Leadership Award Semi-Finalists: Zoe E with Jaguar Robotics Team 7415, Gabriel D withThe Nerd Herd Team 687, Matthew H with NOMAD Team 6995, Ashlyn D with Team Spyder Team 1622
  • Engineering Inspiration: Team 2429, The Blockheads
  • Full Awards List: 2026 Awards

A heartfelt thank you to Qualcomm, our presenting sponsor, to the Anaheim Convention Center, and to every team, mentor, volunteer, and partner who made this first-ever championship an unforgettable one. 

Southern California, this is just the beginning.

 

Feel free to download and share any of these photos.  You can tag FIRST California at @firstroboticscalifornia on Instagram  and use hashtags #FIRSTinCA, #morethanrobots, #omgrobots, #REBUILT and #FIRSTAGE.

Inaugural FIRST Robotics Competition NorCal State Championship, 2026

Inaugural FIRST Robotics Competition NorCal State Championship, 2026

History was made at inaugural FIRST Robotics Competition NorCal State Championship, held April 9–12, 2026, at the Cow Palace Arena & Event Center in San Francisco. It brought together 60 of Northern California’s top high school robotics teams and 1,200+ students for four extraordinary days of FIRST® AGE™ REBUILT™ competition, community, and celebration.

These teams earned their spot advancing through the inaugural FIRST California District season to compete at the highest level of FRC competition in Northern California. The energy inside the Cow Palace was electric from the moment the doors opened, and the competition did not disappoint.

A Record-Breaking Weekend

The NorCal State Championship will be remembered for one match in particular that stopped everyone in their tracks: a world high score of 869 points and a world high losing score of 707 points set in the same match. A jaw-dropping moment that showcased just how elite the level of competition had become, and one that had the entire arena on its feet.

Inspiring Voices from Industry

The opening ceremonies brought together some of the most inspiring voices in STEM and technology:

  • Debajit Ghosh, Distinguished Software Engineer, Platforms & Devices, Google
  • Greg Corrado, Distinguished Scientist, Research, Technology and Society, Google
  • Bryan Gerofsky, K-12 Program Manager, Hardware Engineering, Apple
  • Empowerly

Beyond the Field: A Championship Week Full of Impact

What set this inaugural championship apart was the rich programming that surrounded the competition, turning the event into a true STEM community experience:

  • STEM for Everyone Panel: Organized by a consortium of all-girl NorCal FRC teams, this special panel brought together representatives from Apple, PG&E, and NASA, alongside two student voices, for a powerful conversation about access, inclusion, and opportunity in STEM. A standout moment of the entire weekend.
  • Mentor Appreciation Lunch: More than 100 mentors gathered for a dedicated lunch. A well-deserved celebration of the adults who give their time, expertise, and hearts to make FIRST possible for students across Northern California.
  • School Field Trips: Approximately 300 students from local schools attended as part of organized field trips, many experiencing a FIRST event for the very first time. A powerful glimpse of the future of the program.
  • FLL Explore Festival: Young innovators from FIRST LEGO League Explore had their moment in the spotlight, bringing the full FIRST family together under one roof.
  • FLL Challenge & FTC Demos: Attendees got a front-row look at the breadth of FIRST programs in action, with demonstrations from FIRST LEGO League Challenge and FIRST Tech Challenge teams inspiring the next wave of participants.

Awards

  • Impact Award Winners: Team 1678, Citrus Circuits; Team 1671, Buchanan Bird Brains
  • Winning Alliance: Team 254, Cheesy Poofs; Team 1323, Madtown Robotics; Team 6238, Popcorn Penguins
  • Leadership Award Semi-Finalists: Clarina M with The Janksters Team 1967, Reet B with Aragon Robotics Team 840, Riya M with Eaglestrike Team 114, Ryan L with Popcorn Penguins Team 6238
  • Engineering Inspiration: Team 1868, The Space Cookies
  • Full Awards List: 2026 Awards

From the record-breaking matches to the inspiring panels and packed pit areas, the inaugural NorCal State Championship proved that California’s robotics community is ready to set the standard for the rest of the country. A heartfelt thank you to every team, mentor, volunteer, sponsor, and community partner who helped make this first-ever championship an unforgettable one.

The future of STEM in Northern California has never looked brighter.

Feel free to download and share any of these photos.  You can tag FIRST California at @firstroboticscalifornia on Instagram  and use hashtags #FIRSTinCA, #morethanrobots, #omgrobots, #REBUILT and #FIRSTAGE.

FIRST Robotics Competition – Contra Costa District Event, 2026

FIRST Robotics Competition – Contra Costa District Event, 2026

Pittsburg, California welcomed FIRST back for the second year running. The FIRST Robotics Competition Contra Costa District Event, held April 2–4, 2026, at Pittsburg High School, brought together 38 teams and 1,100+ students for a weekend of FIRST® AGE™ REBUILT™ competition in the East Bay.

With the NorCal State Championship on the horizon, the energy in the building reflected just how much was at stake. Teams came ready, and the community showed up to cheer them on.

Awards

  • Impact Award Winners: Team 1967, The Janksters
  • Winning Alliance: Team 5507, Robotic Eagles; Team 8, Paly Robotics; Team 701, RoboVikes
  • Leadership Award Semi-Finalists: Jeanelle D with Presentation Invasion Team 2135, Ayden G with Harker Robotics Team 1072
  • Engineering Inspiration: Team 4159 , CardinalBotics
  • Full Awards List: 2026 Awards

A genuine thank you to Pittsburg High School, and to every mentor, volunteer, and sponsor who invested their time and energy into making this event possible.

Feel free to download and share any of these photos.  You can tag FIRST California at @firstroboticscalifornia on Instagram  and use hashtags #FIRSTinCA, #morethanrobots, #omgrobots, #REBUILT and #FIRSTAGE.

FIRST Robotics Competition – Central Valley District Event, 2026

FIRST Robotics Competition – Central Valley District Event, 2026

Clovis welcomed the FIRST community with open arms. The FIRST Robotics Competition Central Valley District Event, held March 27–29, 2026, at Buchanan High School, brought together 27 teams and 800+ students for a weekend of FIRST® AGE™ REBUILT™ competition in a tight-knit and passionate robotics communities.

Awards

  • Impact Award Winners: Team 766, M-A Bears
  • Winning Alliance: Team 1323, MadTown Robotics; Team 254, Cheesy Poofs, Team 2367, Lancer Robotics
  • Leadership Award Semi-Finalists: Hope P with Buchanan Bird Brains Team 1671, Riya M with Eaglestrike Team 114
  • Engineering Inspiration: Team 971, Spartan Robotics
  • Full Awards List: 2026 Awards

Off the field, the weekend reflected the warmth and generosity the Central Valley is known for. A heartfelt thank you to Buchanan High School, and to every mentor, volunteer, and sponsor who showed up to make this event possible.

Feel free to download and share any of these photos.  You can tag FIRST California at @firstroboticscalifornia on Instagram  and use hashtags #FIRSTinCA, #morethanrobots, #omgrobots, #REBUILT and #FIRSTAGE.

FIRST Robotics Competition – Sacramento District Event, 2026

FIRST Robotics Competition – Sacramento District Event, 2026

The FIRST Robotics Competition Sacramento District Event, held March 20–22, 2026, at Pleasant Grove High School, welcomed 40 teams and 1,200+ students to the Sacramento region for a weekend of FIRST® AGE™ REBUILT™ competition. Year after year, the Sacramento community continues to rally around FIRST, and this year was no exception.

Pleasant Grove High School made for a terrific host, and the Elk Grove community brought the kind of hometown warmth that makes a FIRST event feel like more than just a competition.  It feels like a gathering of people who genuinely care about students and their futures.

On the field, teams came ready. The pits buzzed with strategy sessions, last-minute adjustments, and the collaborative problem-solving that is the hallmark of FIRST. Whether it was a rookie team experiencing their first district event or a veteran team chasing NorCal Championship qualification points, the drive and dedication on display all weekend long was something to see.

Awards

  • Impact Award Winners: Team 3598, SEStimatic Eliminators
  • Winning Alliance: Team 1678 Citrus Circuits; Team 5940, BREAD; Team 2204, Rambots
  • Leadership Award Semi-Finalists: Anna T with Citrus Circuits Team 1678, Dhananjay K with The Funky Monkeys Team 846
  • Engineering Inspiration: Team 4698, Raider Robotics
  • Full Awards List: 2026 Awards

To every team, mentor, volunteer, and sponsor who made the Sacramento District Event possible, thank you! This community continues to grow, and we love every minute of it.

Feel free to download and share any of these photos.  You can tag FIRST California at @firstroboticscalifornia on Instagram  and use hashtags #FIRSTinCA, #morethanrobots, #omgrobots, #REBUILT and #FIRSTAGE.

FIRST Robotics Competition – Silicon Valley District Event presented by Apple, 2026

FIRST Robotics Competition – Silicon Valley District Event presented by Apple, 2026

There’s something fitting about 39 robotics teams descending on Silicon Valley, a region synonymous with innovation, disruption, and big ideas, to spend a weekend building, competing, and pushing the limits of what’s possible.

The FIRST Robotics Competition Silicon Valley District Event, presented by Apple, took place March 13–15, 2026, at Woodside High School in Woodside, CA, welcoming 39 teams and 1,200+ students for a weekend of FIRST® AGE™ REBUILT™ competition that felt right at home in the innovation capital of the world.

Woodside High School brought warmth and a great competitive atmosphere to the event, and teams rose to the occasion, filling the gym with the kind of creative problem-solving and Coopertition® spirit that makes FIRST unlike anything else.

A huge thank you to the volunteers, mentors, sponsors, especially presenting sponsor Apple, and to the Woodside High School community for hosting such a fantastic event. The FIRST California district season is in full swing, and Silicon Valley showed exactly why this region is a cornerstone of it.

Awards

  • Impact Award Winners: Team 1671, Buchanan Bird Brains
  • Winning Alliance: Team 254, The Cheesy Poofs; Team 9740, Clt-Alt-Defeat; Team 6665, C-Otters
  • Leadership Award Semi-Finalists: Clarina M with The Janksters Team 1967, Ryan L with Popcorn Penguins Team 6238
  • Engineering Inspiration: Team 1868, Space Cookies
  • Full Awards List: 2026 Awards

A heartfelt thank you to all teams, mentors, volunteers, and sponsors who helped write the first chapter of the Silicon Valley District Event.

Feel free to download and share any of these photos.  You can tag FIRST California at @firstroboticscalifornia on Instagram  and use hashtags #FIRSTinCA, #morethanrobots, #omgrobots, #REBUILT and #FIRSTAGE.

FIRST Robotics Competition – Aerospace Valley District Event, 2026

FIRST Robotics Competition – Aerospace Valley District Event, 2026

The 2026 FIRST Robotics Competition Aerospace Valley District Event, held April 2 to 4 at Eastside High School, brought together 34 high school teams from across California for a high-energy Week 5 competition. As part of the FIRST California District season, students designed, built, and competed with industrial-sized robots in the 2026 FIRST® AGE game, demonstrating innovation, collaboration, and advanced engineering skills.

The event welcomed hundreds of students, mentors, volunteers, and spectators, continuing Aerospace Valley’s strong tradition of connecting education with the region’s deep roots in aerospace and engineering. Opening ceremonies featured remarks from Keith Pedersen, Vice President of ADP Skunk Works at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, highlighting the importance of programs like FIRST in developing the future technical workforce. The event also featured a NASA flyover.  

Each day began with performances by the Eastside High School Color Guard, whose presentations added energy and pride to the opening ceremonies and set the tone for competition.

As a key late-season district event, teams competed in qualification and playoff matches to earn valuable district ranking points toward advancement to the Southern California District Championship. The Aerospace Valley District Event once again showcased the power of partnerships between schools, industry leaders, and volunteers in inspiring the next generation of engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers.

Awards

  • Impact Award Winner: Team 3749, Team Optix
  • Winning Alliance: Team 294, Beach Cities Robotics; Team 2659, RoboWarriors; Team 9706, R^3
  • Leadership Award Semi-Finalists: Kayla B with Patribots Team 4738, Aditi K with Team Optix Team 3749
  • Engineering Inspiration: Team 1622, Team Spyder
  • Full Awards List: 2026 Awards

A heartfelt thank you to all teams, mentors, volunteers, and sponsors who helped write the first chapter of the Aerospace Valley District Event.

Feel free to download and share any of these photos.  You can tag FIRST California at @firstroboticscalifornia on Instagram  and use hashtags #FIRSTinCA, #morethanrobots, #omgrobots, #REBUILT and #FIRSTAGE.

FIRST Robotics Competition – Glendale District Event, 2026

FIRST Robotics Competition – Glendale District Event, 2026

The 2026 FIRST Robotics Competition Glendale District Event, held March 27 to 29 at Glendale High School, marked the inaugural FIRST Robotics Competition event hosted in Glendale. The event brought together 37 high school teams from across California for a high-energy weekend of innovation and competition as part of the new FIRST California District model.

Students designed, built, and competed with industrial-sized robots in the 2026 FIRST® AGE archaeology-themed game, working in alliances to solve complex engineering challenges while demonstrating teamwork, creativity, and technical skill. The event welcomed hundreds of students, mentors, volunteers, and spectators, highlighting Glendale’s growing role in supporting STEM education and hands-on learning opportunities.

Opening ceremonies featured remarks from Arda Tchakian on behalf of State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, and Glendale Councilwoman Elen Asatryan, recognizing the importance of programs like FIRST in developing the next generation of innovators and leaders.

Teams traveled from across the state to compete in this Week 4 district event, earning valuable points toward qualification for the Southern California District Championship. As the first event of its kind in Glendale, the competition established a strong foundation for continued growth, community engagement, and expanded access to STEM opportunities in the region.

Awards

  • Impact Award Winner: Team 3501, Firebots
  • Winning Alliance: Team 7415, Jaguar Robotics; Team 6995, NOMAD; Team 2404, NEY Techs (TNT)
  • Leadership Award Semi-Finalists: Zoe E with Jaguar Robotics Sponsored By Feit Electric Team 7415, Demir G with Harvard Westlake Robotics Team 1148
  • Engineering Inspiration: Team 4, Element
  • Full Awards List: 2026 Awards

A heartfelt thank you to all teams, mentors, volunteers, and sponsors who helped write the first chapter of the Glendale District Event.

Feel free to download and share any of these photos.  You can tag FIRST California at @firstroboticscalifornia on Instagram  and use hashtags #FIRSTinCA, #morethanrobots, #omgrobots, #REBUILT and #FIRSTAGE.

FIRST Robotics Competition – Orange County District Event, 2026

FIRST Robotics Competition – Orange County District Event, 2026

Innovation was on full display in Southern California as the FIRST Robotics Competition Orange County District Event took over Capistrano Valley High School from April 2–4.

With 1,100+ students and 38 teams in attendance, the event brought together a vibrant community of young engineers, creators, and problem-solvers ready to put their robots and their teamwork to the test.

Where Creativity Meets Competition

Each team arrived with a unique approach to the challenge, reflecting weeks of iteration, testing, and teamwork. Whether refining code, adjusting mechanisms, or strategizing between matches, students were immersed in a real-world engineering experience that goes far beyond the classroom.

A Community Built on More Than Winning

What makes events like Orange County truly special is the culture. Teams didn’t just compete. They supported one another, shared ideas, and celebrated each other’s wins.

This spirit reflects the heart of FIRST: a community grounded in Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition, where learning, respect, and inclusion are just as important as performance.

It’s this environment that helps students build confidence, develop leadership skills, and discover pathways into STEM. It prepares them for whatever future they choose.

Awards

  • Impact Award Winner: Team 115 – MVRT
  • Winning Alliance: Team 4414 – High Tide; Team 3476 – Code Orange; Team 3309 – Friarbots
  • Leadership Award Semi-Finalists: Braiden K with Metal Maniacs Team 9730; Andrea F with SMbly Required with 5805
  • Engineering Inspiration: Team 4201 – Vitruvian Bots
  • Full Awards List: 2026 Awards

Inspiring the Next Generation

Throughout the weekend, mentors, volunteers, and supporters played a critical role in guiding and encouraging students. Their presence reinforces what makes FIRST so impactful. It’s a powerful network of role models helping students connect their passion for STEM to real-world opportunities.

Events like the Orange County District competition are more than a showcase of robotics. They are a launchpad for future innovators, where students gain the skills, mindset, and inspiration to take on the challenges of tomorrow.

Call to Action

Be part of what’s next:

  • Volunteer at a local event
  • Mentor a team
  • Partner with FIRST California to support student opportunities

Together, we’re creating experiences that inspire students to lead, innovate, and build a better future.

Thank You!

A heartfelt thank you to all teams, mentors, volunteers, and sponsors who helped write the first chapter of the Orange County District Event.

Feel free to download and share any of these photos.  You can tag FIRST California at @firstroboticscalifornia on Instagram  and use hashtags #FIRSTinCA, #morethanrobots, #omgrobots, #REBUILT and #FIRSTAGE.

FIRST Robotics Competition – East Bay District Event, 2026

FIRST Robotics Competition – East Bay District Event, 2026

From April 2–4, Berkeley High School came alive with innovation, energy, and teamwork as more than 1,200 students and 40 robotics teams gathered for the FIRST Robotics Competition East Bay District Event.

Over three action-packed days, students designed, built, and competed with industrial-sized robots, showcasing not only technical skill, but the collaboration, creativity, and resilience that define the FIRST community.

More Than Robots in the East Bay

The East Bay District Event was a powerful example of how FIRST is truly More Than Robots. It’s a place where students gain real-world experience in engineering, teamwork, and leadership while building confidence and community.

From intense matches on the field to collaboration in the pits, teams embodied Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition, supporting one another while striving for excellence.

Spotlight on Partnership: Empowerly

A highlight of the event was the presence of Empowerly, who connected directly with students and families through an on-site booth.

Founder Changxiao Xie also helped kick off the event, sharing insights and inspiration with participants during opening ceremonies. His message reinforced the importance of access, mentorship, and pathways to future success, values that closely align with the FIRST mission of preparing young people for the future.

This kind of engagement reflects the growing ecosystem around FIRST California, where partners play a critical role in supporting students and helping them explore what’s possible beyond the competition field.

Awards

  • Impact Award Winner: Team 3256 – WarriorBorgs
  • Winning Alliance: Team 4698 – Raider Robotics; Team 841 – BioMechs; Team 1854 – The Chomp Bots
  • Leadership Award Semi-Finalists: Bhavya D with WarriorBorgs Team 3256; Brody I with SF UNITY Team 9038
  • Engineering Inspiration: Team 5419 – Berkelium
  • Full Awards List: 2026 Awards

Building the Future, Together

Events like the East Bay District competition highlight the impact of hands-on STEM experiences. Students are not just building robots. They are building skills in problem solving, communication, and leadership that prepare them for college, careers, and life.

With the support of mentors, volunteers, and partners, FIRST continues to create opportunities for students across California to discover their potential and shape their futures.

Be Part of the Impact

  • Get involved as a mentor, volunteer, or sponsor
  • Support local teams and events
  • Help expand access to STEM opportunities across California

Together, we are building the next generation of innovators, leaders, and change makers.

Thank You!

A heartfelt thank you to all teams, mentors, volunteers, and sponsors who helped write the first chapter of the East Bay District Event. We can’t wait to come back!

Feel free to download and share any of these photos.  You can tag FIRST California at @firstroboticscalifornia on Instagram  and use hashtags #FIRSTinCA, #morethanrobots, #omgrobots, #REBUILT and #FIRSTAGE.

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