PORTLAND, ME — High-energy competition, cutting-edge engineering, and local pride were on full display this past weekend as the inaugural Harbor Havoc VEX V5 Robotics Signature Event officially concluded at Brick South at Thompson’s Point.
Over 40 high school robotics teams traveled from across Maine, the United States, and Canada to compete in three intense days of match play, technical interviews, and skill challenges. As one of the premier “Signature Events” on the global VEX Robotics calendar, Harbor Havoc offered teams a high-stakes stage to earn direct qualification spots to the VEX Robotics World Championship.
PUNCHING TICKETS TO WORLDS: EXCELLENCE & DESIGN AWARDS
The premier honors at Harbor Havoc came with the ultimate reward: official qualification spots for the 2027 VEX Robotics World Championship held in Las Vegas from April 23 through April 30, 2027.
The Excellence Award: Congratulations to team 197E Ethereus from Harriton Senior High School in Rosemont, Pennsylvania! This award is presented to the exemplary team that exemplifies overall excellence in building a high-performing robotics program. This award measures engineering notebook documentation, judges’ interviews, team conduct, and performance on the field.
Tournament Champions: Congradulations to 10102Z – Hard Drive (Cambridge, Massachusetts) & 1698Z – No Way (San Jose, California) for their thrilling elimination success and victory in a tight finals match.
All three teams secured invitations to compete on the world stage against top international robotics programs later this season!
MAINE TEAMS SHINE ON THE SIGNATURE STAGE
Host-state teams brought immense energy and skill to Brick South, demonstrating that Maine’s STEM programs can go toe-to-toe with elite international competition.
Tournament Finalist (Runner-Up): In a thriller of an elimination bracket, a Maine team powered all the way through to the Finals, earning the Tournament Finalist title in front of a roaring home crowd. Congrats to 1764P – Paradox (Yarmouth, Maine) & their alliance partner 197E – Ethereus (Rosemont, Pennsylvania)
4 Judged Awards Brought Home to Maine: Local programs made a huge statement on the judges’ table, with Maine teams taking home four individual awards across the event.
Standout Performances by Yarmouth & Fryeburg: Robotics programs from Yarmouth High School and Fryeburg Academy spearheaded the state’s success, racking up awards and deep playoff runs to solidify Maine’s growing reputation as a regional robotics powerhouse.
A HISTORIC VENUE & UNMATCHED COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Set against the rustic, industrial backdrop of Brick South on Portland’s historic waterfront, Harbor Havoc delivered an unforgettable atmosphere for competitors and spectators alike. Bustling practice fields, dynamic performances on competition and skills fields – including a top-ten World Skills score by 1698Z No Way, and packed pits kept the energy buzzing from Thursday’s load-in through Saturday’s awards ceremony.
Thank you to our amazing sponsors!
This landmark event was made possible through the tireless work of an army of volunteers, judges, referees, and field crews, alongside our generous sponsors, whose support brought world-class STEM opportunities to hundreds of student competitors.
EVENT RECAP & LIVESTREAM RECORDINGS
Missed the action or want to rewatch the matches? Full recordings of both competition days are available below:
📺 Day 1 Livestream (Friday): Watch on YouTube
📺 Day 2 Livestream (Saturday): Watch on YouTube
📊 Full Results & Rankings: Check out full match breakdown, skills scores, and detailed award listings on RobotEvents.