About this competition
VEX Robotics Competition (VRC) is the largest competitive robotics program in the world by participation. Teams use the VEX V5 metal kit to build a robot, then face off in a yearly head-to-head game during alliance-based matches at local, regional, state, and world championships.
VRC overlaps in age and ambition with FTC but tends to be more accessible at the school-club level. The V5 ecosystem (kits, programming, sensors) is well-supported, and the worlds qualifier path is open to thousands of teams globally.
Season & deadlines
New game revealed each April; teams register through RobotEvents.com year-round.
Season window: May through May.
Cost
$1,000–$5,000 — V5 starter kit ~$1,000, registration ~$150 per team, plus tournament entry fees and travel.
Prizes & outcomes
World championship titles, Excellence Award, scholarships
Prep resources
- Official rules and game manual · website
Summer VEX prep camps
VEX teams typically practice build skills over the summer at offseason camps.
Related competitions
Similar alternatives: FIRST Tech Challenge