FIRST Robotics Competition
ORANGE COUNTY
California District Qualifying Event
April 2-4, 2026 | Mission Viejo, CA
CAPISTRANO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
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The Ultimate Sport for the MindTM
Starting with a Kit of Parts, teams of high school students design, program, and build industrial-sized robots to play an action-packed game, released in January. They compete on a themed field as part of a three-team alliance in the spirit of Coopertition®.
In 360-degree learning guided by adult mentors, each FIRST Robotics Competition team also creates a team identity, raises funds to meet its goals, and advances appreciation for STEM in its community.
Join the Fun!
The California District Orange County Qualifying Event is a high-energy, high-tech spectator sporting event where teams, professionals and young people together solve an engineering design problem in an intense and competitive way. The program is life-changing, career-molding and a lot of fun.
Spectators welcome! Catch the excitement of this intense competition, tour the pits to visit with teams and robots, and cheer on their favorite teams. Admission is free.
Teams will vie for awards and a spot at the FIRST California Northern or Southern State Championship. The competition is part of FIRST, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology.
FIRST IS FUELED BY VOLUNTEERS
For 30 years, FIRST® volunteers have fueled the mission by inspiring millions of young people to reach for the stars. You are part of a global support system we’ve built for students who need a spark of curiosity and encouragement to launch their dreams. Together, we’re inspiring the next generation of innovators, technology leaders, and change-makers here on Earth – and beyond.
Volunteer Opportunities!
Non-Technical and Technical Roles Available
EXAMPLES OF ROLES
APPLY TO VOLUNTEER
- Create an account in the FIRST Dashboard – click here to apply.
- Click the Volunteer Registration tab & choose ‘Volunteer at an Event’.
- Filter events by location/ program and select CA Distric Orange County Event
- Choose up to five roles and apply.
- Complete the required Youth Protection Program requirements.
You will receive an email from your local event coordinator if you are assigned to a volunteer role.
FIRST Robotics Competition – Orange County Regional
The Orange County FIRST Robotics Competition Regional, held February 26- March 1, 2025, was an exciting event filled with innovation, teamwork, and recognition of outstanding achievements! The exciting event featured 47 teams and 1,400+ students from California,...
Orange County Regional – 2024
This year’s Orange County Regional FIRST Robotics Competition, held at the OC Fair & Event Center, was a great success! With 48 teams participating, the weekend went smoothly, despite a messy, rainy final day of competition. Marie Castelo, of longtime regional...
Orange County Regional – 2023
Congratulations to all Teams PLUS all the Mentors, Volunteers, Sponsors, Friends and Family members from all over California, plus Hawaii, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho and England who participated in the FIRST Robotics Competition Orange County Regional from March 9-12,...
Thank You to our Sponsors!
WAYS TO SPONSOR
SUPPORT THE ORANGE COUNTY QUALIFYING EVENT
To discuss sponsorship opportunities and benefits of sponsorship, please contact FIRST California Senior Regional Director, David Berggren, through the Contact Form at the bottom of this page.
Welcome to FIRST® AGE™ presented by Qualcomm, our 2025-2026 robotics season inspired by archaeology.
In REBUILT™ presented by Haas, a new challenge releasing January 10, 2026, FIRST Robotics Competition teams will use engineering skills and re-imagine the past.
Resources for Teams
Coming soon!
LET’S CONNECT!
FIRST CALIFORNIA SOCIAL MEDIA