FIRST® Robotics Competition combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Teams of students are challenged to design, build, and program industrial-size robots and compete for awards, while they also create a team identity, raise funds, hone teamwork skills, and advance respect and appreciation for STEM within the local community.
Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get. Plus, high school students gain access to exclusive scholarship opportunities from colleges, universities, and technical programs.
Each January at an event known as “Kickoff,” a new, challenging game is introduced. These exciting competitions combine the practical application of science and technology with the fun, intense energy, and excitement of a championship-style sporting event. Teams are encouraged to display Gracious Professionalism®, help other teams, and cooperate while competing. This is known as Coopertition®.
In 2025, FIRST Robotics Competition is projected to reach approximately 90,000 high-school students representing approximately 3,600 teams. Teams come from nearly every state in the United States, as well as many other countries.
FIRST Robotics Competition teams will participate in 69 Regional Competitions, 103 District Competitions, and 12 District Championships. In addition, approximately 600 teams will qualify to attend the FIRST Championship in April 2025.
This year’s game, and this manual, were presented at the 2025 FIRST Robotics Competition Kickoff on Saturday, January 4, 2025.
At the Kickoff, all teams:
- saw the 2025 game, REEFSCAPESM presented by Haas, for the first time,
- learned about the 2025 game rules and regulations, and
- received a set of game specific materials.