Next Gen Hack Challenge

Next Gen Hack Challenge 2025 –Rules

1. Fair Play

Both players are expected to follow common fair play principles. It is not allowed to exploit systems or rules in unintended ways, including aspects not mentioned in the rules. If there is doubt about whether there is an unintended exploitation of rules or systems, the organizers should be contacted before any actions are taken.

All participants are expected to behave nicely and respectfully towards each other. Bullying and harassment are not accepted.

2. Rules

2.1 Participation is individual.

It is not allowed to help other participants unless explicitly mentioned in the specific task (e.g., team tasks). This includes exchanging flags, hints, or other types of information.

Note that this only applies during the competition itself (qualification, regional, and national championships) – during training sessions where no points are awarded, participants are encouraged to help each other.

2.2 Who can participate

There are two categories of participants:

15-20 years olds 21-25 years olds

The age on December 31 of the competition year is decisive.

Participation in the European Championships also requires Finnish citizenship. Therefore, it is a requirement for participation in the final round of the competition (Final Qualifiers) to have Finnish citizenship. All Finnish citizens aged 15-25 can participate on the National Qualifiers.

2.3 Physical attacks

Physical violence and attacks are strictly prohibited.

2.4 Scope of the competition

It is only allowed to solve the tasks included in the competition. Attacks on other participants (unless specifically included in a task description) or on the platforms and infrastructures on which the competition/tasks are conducted are not allowed. This means, among other things, that:

DoS/DDoS attacks are not allowed. It is not allowed to attack the networks provided (e.g., access to websites and labs, or wifi/LAN). It is not allowed to manipulate the point system, except to earn the points one is entitled to. It is not allowed to affect the platform/infrastructure.

2.5 Problems with a task

If a participant experiences problems with a task, they can contact the organizers or another representative from the competition for help, such as resetting the task.

2.6 Writeups

It is allowed to publish writeups when the individual competitions are over. That is, writeups from Qualifiers can be published from March 17, 2025.

2.7 Complaints or irregularities

Complaints should be directed to the organizers. If there are technical errors and the complainant wishes to receive points (e.g., a flag that does not work), it is important to secure evidence such as screenshots to support the complaint. Complaints must generally be received before the competition is decided and the winners are announced. Only in exceptional cases (e.g., if it is later discovered that a participant has attacked the infrastructure, or if it is revealed that a participant has provided incorrect age/nationality) will it be possible to consider complaints received afterward.

3. About the competition

The competition consists of the following elements:

The virtual qualification will run from 22.2 to 16.3. The Next Gen Hack organizers will select 20-40 finalists for Final national team qualifiers held later determined date in the end of April or in May.

4. Sanctions

In case of rule violations, the organizers can impose one of the following sanctions, or a combination thereof. Disqualification. This sanction is usually imposed for serious, repeated, or intentional rule violations. Warning. This sanction is usually imposed for mild rule violations where the participant has not intentionally or deliberately cheated or attempted to cheat. Two warnings result in disqualification. Deduction of points. This sanction is used if it is deemed that a participant has gained an advantage by violating the rules, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

FAQ (Updated continuously)

Can you participate and solve tasks if you are over 25 years old?

You can solve the challenges, but you are not eligible for the national team qualification or any possible additional prizes.

Is it required to participate in the virtual qualification if you want to be on the national team?

Yes. The virtual qualification is a prerequisite for qualifying in the National qualifiers. Former national team players can count as an exception.

What should I do if I experience technical problems?

Do I need to be a Finnish citizen to participate?

Finnish citizenship is a requirement to participate in the final round of the competition (National team qualifiers). All 15-25-year-old Finnish citizens can participate in the Qualifying round. Those invited to the final national team qualifiers will be contacted directly by email.

If you need any further assistance or have any questions, feel free to ask!