by Rebecca Berggren | Apr 7, 2025 | Blog, Los Angeles
The FIRST Robotics Competition Los Angeles Regional, held March 13-16, 2025, featured 44 teams and 1,300+ students from California.
The Los Angeles Regional was extra special this year as we celebrated 25 seasons of FIRST in LA! From thrilling matches to nostalgic moments, the weekend was packed with energy, excitement, and community spirit.
Here are some highlights from the celebration:
- 25th Season Celebration: We marked a quarter-century of FIRST in Los Angeles with pride, honoring the legacy and growth of our incredible region.
- Game Piece Museum: A walk down memory lane! Attendees explored a showcase of FRC game pieces from the past 25 years.
- 25-Year Trivia: Teams tested their knowledge of LA Regional history with fun trivia challenges throughout the event.
- Alumni Mixer: FIRST alumni (and soon to be alumni) reconnected over bingo and sweet treats.
Thank you to our teams, mentors, volunteers, alumni, and sponsors for helping us honor 25 years of innovation, collaboration, and Gracious Professionalism.
Thank you Matt and Lily for these incredible photos! Please considering giving photo credit (tag) to @mattbeardphotos when you share.
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, #REEFSCAPE and #FIRSTDIVE.
LIST OF TEAMS ADVANCING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HOUSTON!!!
The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the San Diego Regional and earned their way to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston, April 16-19, 2025.
FIRST Impact Award
The FIRST Impact Award is the most prestigious award at FIRST, it honors the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the purpose and goals of FIRST.
The FIRST Impact Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture. The recipient team will be invited to a FIRST Championship where it will compete for the FIRST Impact Award against winners from other qualifying events.
This team has taken a deep DIVE into what it means to create an impact. They started small at school, then expanded their reach by training new coaches and securing funds to grow the FIRST network across their school district. With confidence, persistence, and professionalism, they have inspired everyone from toddlers to city officials. They may be NERDY, but this small robotics team is certainly mighty!
- Team 5089, Robonerds from Los Angeles
Engineering Inspiration
The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school or organization, and community. Inspiring others to respect science and technology requires passion, knowledge and commitment, and we recognize these qualities through this award. This team will advance to the Championships.
This team’s strong media presence SPARKS the discovery of FIRST and STEM. Their yearn for knowledge beyond robotics IGNITES hope. Through running summer camps and creating many robotics teams in their country, they flamed of inspiration for many. They are passing the torch to the next generations. “BONNE CHANCE!”
Regional Winners Qualifying for Championship
- Team 9408, Warbots
- Team 1197, Torbots
The Dean’s List Finalist
In an effort to recognize the leadership and dedication of FIRST’s most outstanding FRC students, the Kamen family sponsors an award for selected top students known as the FIRST Dean’s List. This award celebrates a student’s outstanding leadership and effectiveness in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as their community. FIRST Dean’s List Finalists will compete at the championship for the FIRST Dean’s List.
- Destiny R, Team 597, Wolverines
- Eylul D, Team 7840, Emoner Robotics
Woodie Flowers Finalist Award
FIRST stands apart from other competitions in STEM and sports due to the FIRST Ethos of Gracious Professionalism, the concept of Coopertition, and the commitment to the FIRST Core Values. The guiding force behind these principles was Dr. Woodie Flowers. Dr. William Murphy, Jr., who was instrumental in creating the concept of FIRST with Dean Kamen, recognized the unique perspective, wisdom, and communication style that Woodie brought to the FIRST Robotics Competition.
In honor of Woodie, Dr. Murphy founded the Woodie Flowers Award in 1996. He recognized that the FIRST ethos would be carried forward by our FIRST mentors and sought to celebrate those mentors who demonstrate the leadership, ethical behavior, and communication skills exemplified by Woodie. Woodie believed “societies get the best of what they celebrate”.
Being recognized by students, through nomination essays, makes this honor very meaningful to mentors. It is truly an honor for a mentor to be nominated for this award.
This mentor teaches seeing the big picture to assist with breaking down barriers within the team and in the process building well rounded individuals. Success comes from systems and creating the ability to check in with each other. No matter the team, this mentor is always field side looking to offer assistance to teams after they leave the field.
- Andrew Kempen, Team 4201, The Vitruvian Bots
Additional Awards
Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the Los Angeles Regional! See the list here.
by Rebecca Berggren | Apr 9, 2024 | Blog, Los Angeles
This year’s Los Angeles Regional FIRST Robotics Competition, held at Da Vinci High School in El Segundo, was a great success! The event was at full capacity with 44 teams participating.
On Friday, team 4201 Vitruvian Bots held a panel on Careers in STEAM, sponsored by LA Regional sponsor RTX. Students and mentors gathered to hear from panelists discussing some of the challenges and triumphs they’ve experienced as students and professionals in STEAM. All the panelists were FIRST alumni and/or mentors, and work for RTX, so students had an opportunity to glimpse a possible path for their futures.
Friday night, the Woodie Flowers Finalist Award was presented to team 597 Wolverines mentor Kevyn Arcudia. The Volunteer of the Year was presented to Kenneth Wah.
Saturday morning after Opening Ceremonies, all mentors were invited up to the volunteer room in the skybox to enjoy coffee and pastries – and a little gratitude from the Regional Planning Committee.
After an exciting playoffs, Team 368 Kika Mana, along with alliance partners rookie Team 9408 Warbots and Team 980 ThunderBots were the winning alliance. Team 687 The Nerd Herd won Engineering Inspiration, and 3473 Team Sprocket won Impact Award. Team Sprocket lead the charge giving away more than 500 3D printers this season, including to many teams participating in the LA Regional.
Help from multiple local teams with setup, breakdown and everything in between made it possible for FIRST to hold another successful Los Angeles Regional!
AWARDS
FIRST Impact Award
The FIRST Impact Award is the most prestigious award at FIRST, it honors the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the purpose and goals of FIRST.
The FIRST Impact Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture. The recipient team will be invited to a FIRST Championship where it will compete for the FIRST Impact Award against winners from other qualifying events.
- Team 3473, Team Sprocket from Diamond Bar, CA
Engineering Inspiration
The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school and community. This team will advance to the Championships and receive a $5000 NASA grant toward registration.
Regional Winners
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Team 368, Team Kika Mana from Honolulu, HI (Championship Qualifying Award)
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Team 9408, Warbots from Downey, CA (Championship Qualifying Award)
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Team 980, Thunderbots from Burbank, CA (Championship Qualifying Award – wildcard)
Dean’s List Finalist
In an effort to recognize the leadership and dedication of FIRST’s most outstanding FRC students, the Kamen family sponsors an award for selected top students known as the FIRST Dean’s List. This award celebrates a student’s outstanding leadership and effectiveness in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as their community. FIRST Dean’s List Finalists will compete at the championship for the FIRST Dean’s List.
- Natalie B – Team 1452, Omnicats
- Deetya S – Team 2637, Phantom Cats
Woodie Flowers Finalist Award
FIRST stands apart from other competitions in STEM and sports due to the FIRST Ethos of Gracious Professionalism, the concept of Coopertition, and the commitment to the FIRST Core Values. The guiding force behind these principles was Dr. Woodie Flowers. Dr. William Murphy, Jr., who was instrumental in creating the concept of FIRST with Dean Kamen, recognized the unique perspective, wisdom, and communication style that Woodie brought to the FIRST Robotics Competition.
In honor of Woodie, Dr. Murphy founded the Woodie Flowers Award in 1996. He recognized that the FIRST ethos would be carried forward by our FIRST mentors and sought to celebrate those mentors who demonstrate the leadership, ethical behavior, and communication skills exemplified by Woodie. Woodie believed “societies get the best of what they celebrate”.
Being recognized by students, through nomination essays, makes this honor very meaningful to mentors. It is truly an honor for a mentor to be nominated for this award.
- Kevyn Arcudia from Team 587, The Wolverines
Additional Awards
Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the Los Angeles Regional! See the list here. https://frc-events.firstinspires.org/2024/CALA/awards
by Rebecca Berggren | Mar 30, 2023 | Blog, Los Angeles
This year’s FIRST Robotics Competition Los Angeles Regional, held at Da Vinci High School in El Segundo, was a great success! The event was at full capacity with 44 teams participating, and despite some occasional rain moving in and out of the area, everyone managed to stay dry, and teams reported having a great time.
Students were excited to have visits with Cathy Looman, Director of Education for season sponsor HAAS Automation, and Annabel Flores, Chief Operating Officer, Global Spectrum Dominance, for local lead sponsor Raytheon Technologies. Annabel welcomed teams Sunday morning during Opening Ceremony, sharing some of her personal experiences in the professional world and offering words of encouragement to all the students participating.
On Friday, team 4201 Vitruvian Bots held a panel on Neurodiversity in STEAM, sponsored by LA Regional sponsor Raytheon. Nearly 100 students and mentors gathered to hear from panelists discussing some of the challenges and triumphs they’ve experienced as students and professionals in STEAM. Panelists also shared suggestions for students about how to successfully pursue any needed accommodations as they navigate their educational and professional futures.
Saturday night, the Woodie Flowers Finalist Award was presented to Rigoberto Cruz, mentor for team 5089 Robo-Nerds. It turned out to be a very exciting weekend for team 5089 Robo-Nerds, as the team also received the FIRST Impact Award for the region on Sunday night! The Volunteer of the Year was presented to Joan Horvath, who has served as Judge Advisor for a number of years, and has been a judge in Los Angeles since the region started in 2000.
The playoffs were highly competitive, with well-matched alliances turning in close-scoring matches. In the end, Team 687 Nerd Herd led the winning alliance, along with Team 5199 Robot Dolphins from Outer Space, Team 702 Bagel Bytes and Team 6833 Phoenix Robotics.
Gracious host venue Da Vinci High School and their team, 4201 Vitruvian Bots, helped make it possible for FIRST California to hold another successful LA Regional!
Big thanks to Matt with Matt Beard Photography for capturing these amazing Los Angeles Regional memories!
Feel free to download and share any of these photos. You can tag FIRST California on Instagram at @firstroboticscalifornia and use hashtags #FIRSTinCA, #firstininspires, #CHARGEDUP and #omgrobots.
LIST OF TEAMS ADVANCING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HOUSTON!!!
The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the Los Angeles Regional and earned their way to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston, April 19-22, 2023
FIRST Impact Award
The FIRST Impact Award is the most prestigious award at FIRST, it honors the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the purpose and goals of FIRST.
The FIRST Impact Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture. The recipient team will be invited to a FIRST Championship where it will compete for the FIRST Impact Award against winners from other qualifying events.
Engineering Inspiration
The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school and community. This team will advance to the Championships and receive a $5000 NASA grant toward registration.
- 4201 – The Vitruvian Bots from El Segundo, CA
Regional Winners
-
Team
687, The Nerd Herd from Carson, CA
-
Team
5199, Robot Dolphins from Outer Space from Dana Point, CA
-
Team
702, Bagel Bytes from Culver City, CA
Dean’s List Finalist
In an effort to recognize the leadership and dedication of FIRST’s most outstanding FRC students, the Kamen family sponsors an award for selected top students known as the FIRST Dean’s List. This award celebrates a student’s outstanding leadership and effectiveness in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as their community. FIRST Dean’s List Finalists will compete at the championship for the FIRST Dean’s List.
- Brianna Adewinmbi from Team 687, The Nerd Herd
- Naomi Uehara from Team 4201, The Vitruvian Bots
Woodie Flowers Finalist Award
FIRST stands apart from other competitions in STEM and sports due to the FIRST Ethos of Gracious Professionalism, the concept of Coopertition, and the commitment to the FIRST Core Values. The guiding force behind these principles was Dr. Woodie Flowers. Dr. William Murphy, Jr., who was instrumental in creating the concept of FIRST with Dean Kamen, recognized the unique perspective, wisdom, and communication style that Woodie brought to the FIRST Robotics Competition.
In honor of Woodie, Dr. Murphy founded the Woodie Flowers Award in 1996. He recognized that the FIRST ethos would be carried forward by our FIRST mentors and sought to celebrate those mentors who demonstrate the leadership, ethical behavior, and communication skills exemplified by Woodie. Woodie believed “societies get the best of what they celebrate”.
Being recognized by students, through nomination essays, makes this honor very meaningful to mentors. It is truly an honor for a mentor to be nominated for this award.
“This mentor evolved from starting an FRC team with a few students to a strong contingent of support for all three FIRST programs. He not only emphasizes technical skills but embraces everyone’s natural talents to help them improve and build a better team. He has made great strides in creating opportunities for underrepresented students and combating language barriers. He is helping his students cruise to success.
Please join us in congratulating the 2023 Los Angeles Regional Woodie Flowers FINALIST Award winner, Rigoberto Cruz, from Team 5089, The Robo-Nerds!“
- Rigoberto Cruz, from Team 5089, The Robo-Nerds
Additional Awards
Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the Los Angeles Regional! See the list here.
Instagram Highlights
Don’t Miss Out on the Best Moments of Los Angeles Regional. Watch Our Instagram Highlight Tab!
by Rebecca Berggren | May 4, 2022 | Blog, Los Angeles
rCongratulations to the 42 Teams PLUS all the Mentors, Volunteers, Sponsors, Friends and Family members who participated in the Los Angeles FIRST Robotics Regional Competition from March 31 – April 3, 2022.
TEAMS ADVANCING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HOUSTON!
The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the Los Angeles Regional and earned their way to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston, April 20-23, 2022.
See your team in action at the event’s photo gallery.
Regional Chairman’s
The Chairman’s Award represents the true spirit of FIRST. It honors the team that best serves as a model for other teams to emulate and that embodies the goals of FIRST. It remains FIRST’s most prestigious team award. The Chairman’s Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants, school, and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season or school year. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture. The recipient will be invited to the FIRST Championship where it will compete for the Chairman’s Award against the winners from all the other qualifying events.
Engineering Inspiration
The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school and community. This team will advance to the Championships and receive a $5000 NASA grant toward registration.
- Team 2637, Phantom Catz from Rolling Hills Estates, CA
Regional Winners
- Team 696, Circuit Breakers from La Crescenta, CA
- Team 3476, Code Orange from Irvine, CA
- Team 599, The Robodox from Granada Hills, CA (wildcard)
Rookie All Star
- Team 8898, Royal Rebels Engineering from Fullerton, CA (wildcard)
Dean’s List Finalist
In an effort to recognize the leadership and dedication of FIRST’s most outstanding FRC students, the Kamen family sponsors an award for selected top students known as the FIRST Dean’s List. This award celebrates a student’s outstanding leadership and effectiveness in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as their community. FIRST Dean’s List Finalists will compete at the championship for the FIRST Dean’s List.
- Regan Song from Team 3473
- Yogini Vazirani from Team 980
Woodie Flowers
- Joy Uehara from Team 4201
Additional Awards
Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the Los Angeles Regional! See the list here.
Support
An immense THANK YOU to all the sponsors, mentors and volunteers who contributed to this very successful Regional.
We hope you too had a memorable experience at the Los Angeles Regional!
by Rebecca Berggren | Oct 28, 2019 | Blog, Los Angeles
Congratulations to the 56 Teams from California, Hawaii, Arizon and Chile PLUS all the Mentors, Volunteers, Sponsors, Friends and Family members who participated in the Los Angeles FIRST Robotics Regional from March 20-23, 2019!
ADVANCING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HOUSTON!!!
The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the Sacramento Regional and earned their way to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston in April.
Regional Chairman’s Award
Team 1515, MorTorq from Beverly Hills, CA
The Chairman’s Award represents the true spirit of FIRST. It honors the team that best serves as a model for other teams to emulate and that embodies the goals of FIRST. It remains FIRST’s most prestigious team award. The Chairman’s Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants, school, and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season or school year. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture. The recipient will be invited to the FIRST Championship where it will compete for the Chairman’s Award against the winners from all the other qualifying events.
What the judges had to say …
“This year’s recipient strives to enrich their students with the knowledge of robotics and nurture their members as future leaders of society by creating a launch pad for their success. As an active participant in FIRST for over 13 years, this team embodies FIRST’s mission by spreading their love of STEM beyond robotics in order to foster a multi-generational change. The team motivates members to create their own events, plan meetings, and develop vital leadership skills. They have developed applications for FRC teams to efficiently organize tasks, manage files chat with members, aid in scouting, map teams around the globe, and help track their inventory of parts. This team impressed the judges with their Developer Evangelism, Qualitative Focus and introduction of ‘Women in STEM’ speaker series. They are MORE than a team, they are ‘MorTorq’.“
Engineering Inspiration
Team 5512, Pizza Mecanica from Santiago, Chile
The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school and community. This team will advance to the Championships and receive a $5000 NASA grant toward registration.
What the judges had to say …
“This team has helped lead a regional culture shift toward inclusion of diverse team members in STEM activities and exposure to the FIRST philosophy, especially in underserved communities. Based on significant growth over the past year, they have been recognized by national government agencies leading to increased visibility of FIRST, locally, and regionally. Their efforts to channel the message of FIRST through teacher engagement will allow this message to thrive and grow for years to come. The passion, dedication and commitment to their community programs in robotics are a true inspiration to us all. For having demonstrated the core values and philosophy of FIRST in such a “flavorful” way, we recognize PIZZA MECÁNICA.“
Regional Winners
Team 5199, Robot Dolphins from Outerspace from San Juan Capistrano
Team 330, Beach Bots from Hermosa Beach, CA
Team 2710, JetStream from Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Rookie All-Star Award
Team 7871, South Gate High School Robotics from South Gate, CA
This award celebrates a 1st year team demonstrating an early but strong partnership effort, implementing the mission of FIRST. Its winner understands what FIRST is really trying to accomplish and realizes that technical work is fun and challenging, made better by building a partnership among team, community and school. This is not an easy challenge for a rookie team but the judges want to recognize and reward one team that got it right.
What the judges had to say …
“When embarking on this journey, this team discovered a lot. Through partnerships with the team’s school, faculty, city, and other FRC teams, this rookie team launched a successful first season. With continued fundraising efforts, this team has built a strong foundation. We’re excited to recognize this team that came strong out the GATES.”
Regional Finalists
(Advancing to Championships because of 2 Wild Cards)
Team 4415, Epic Robotz from Cerritos, CA
Team 2375, Dragon Robotics from Phoenix, AZ
Dean’s List Finalist
FIRST Dean’s List Finalist – Shyla Summers from Team 589
What the judges had to say …
“This Dean’s List finalist has been a long-time FIRST participant, and truly represents the best of FIRST through strong leadership, outreach activities, and technical contributions to the team.”
FIRST Dean’s List Finalist – Josef Kirkman from Team 687
What the judges had to say …
“This Dean’s List finalist is a dedicated and hard-working team member. With strong technical and leadership skills, this individual motivates other team members and constantly promotes FIRST.”
In an effort to recognize the leadership and dedication of FIRST’s most outstanding FRC students, the Kamen family sponsors an award for selected top students known as the FIRST Dean’s List.
This award celebrates a student’s outstanding leadership and effectiveness in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as their community. FIRST Dean’s List Finalists will compete at the championship for the FIRST Dean’s List.
Woodie Flowers Finalist Award
Shane Palmerino from Team 330, Beach Bots
Additional Awards
Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the Los Angeles Regional! See the list here.
Press
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
High Schoolers Compete for Robotics Glory
AZFamily.com
Phoenix high school robotics team hopes to earn money for big competition
EQUIPO PIZZA MECÁNICA DEL LICEO VALENTÍN LETELIER CLASIFICA AL MUNDIAL DE ROBÓTICA
Support
An immense THANK YOU to all the Sponsors who contributed to this very successful Regional with funding, mentors, volunteers and enthusiasm! Regional Sponsors include Raytheon, Marathon, Roddenberry Foundation, Boeing, PWC, Southern California Edison, Walt Disney Imagineering, The Kenneth T and Eileen L Norrris Foundation, SpaceX, Boston Scientific, GoGuardian, Vigrin Orbit, Aerojet Rocketdyne Foundation, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Petty, Gerald Oppenheimer Family Foundation, The Habiby Family, Sue Baumgarten and David Totheroh, Bancroft-Clair Foundation and the Armand Hammer Foundation.
We hope you too had a memorable experience at the Los Angeles Regional. We’d love to hear your stories. Please consider sharing them with us here in the comments below or on our facebook page. Photo and video links welcome!
*Blog cover photo credit goes to Team 1323
