My First 24-Hour CTF Experience: The <br>CTF Finals

Participating in the 24-hour brCTF finals was an unforgettable experience. It was intense, thrilling, and deeply rewarding. As a beginner, I didn’t know what to expect, but the mix of mental challenges, even some physical tasks, and the camaraderie made it an adventure I will always treasure. Although my team didn’t win, the journey was worth every second. Here’s a recap of my experience at the competition.

The competition began around noon with an opening prayer, followed by a warm welcome from Gervin Appiah . He encouraged us to embrace the challenge and give our best, emphasizing that the competition was not just about winning but also about learning and supporting each other’s growth. As a newcomer, his words felt like a much-needed pep talk, helping me worry less about the leaderboard.

Then came Saeed Bala Ahmed , who went over the schedule and competition rules with a playful twist. He warned us about the “dense forests” we’d have to navigate (a creative metaphor for the challenges ahead). He laid out some ground rules: no Discord, WhatsApp, Telegram, or Notion for sharing information. These restrictions heightened the challenge, ensuring that everything we did was a direct result of teamwork and in-person collaboration.  Bala also gave us a heads-up on what to expect during the competition, including some physical challenges. His lighthearted approach helped calm some nerves, setting the stage for the intense hours to come.

One of the most exhilarating moments was the much-anticipated physical challenge Bala had hinted at earlier. As the night wore on, it finally took place. Two members from each team were given five minutes to break into as many “secured” padlocks as possible out of the four provided, using only the given tools. Watching each team work with precision and focus to unlock the padlocks was thrilling, and when they managed to crack it open, earning 50 points per unlocked padlock for their respective teams, the entire room erupted with cheers. This was a refreshing break from the digital challenges and a reminder of the dynamic nature of CTFs, where mental dexterity and quick thinking under pressure are as important as teamwork.

The event was packed with exciting moments, but there were some low points too. The constant mental strain, especially in the early hours of Sunday morning, was tough. Seeing some of the instructors succumb to sleep was a testament to how taxing the event was. Yet, even in those late hours, someone was always available to assist the competitors, which was comforting.

As we neared the end of the 24 hours, we all joined in the final countdown, feeling a mix of relief and pride. Afterward, we had the privilege of hearing from a few sponsors. A representative from dds55 spoke first, expressing pride in our efforts and encouraging us to keep going in our cybersecurity journeys. He even mentioned that hugging others can release dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone, into the body, so now I think it’s something I plan to do more of too. Next, Databus, the owner of @echoCTF, shared his insights. He talked about staying focused, ignoring negativity, and continuously striving to improve. He encouraged the community to keep growing with confidence and proudly work toward bigger goals.

Finally, it was time to celebrate the winning teams. While my team didn’t place, I couldn’t have been happier for the winners. Lazi3&T (Laziest) took third place, ShiftControl (Shift Control) came in second, and the champions, Sh3ll_sh0ck3rs (Shell shockers), received a standing ovation. Although all 3 teams had reached the same highest points, their rankings were decided by the time they reached that score. We applauded them as they received their awards, knowing the hard work it took to get there.

One of the challenging aspects was being one of the few women there. Cybersecurity, like much of tech, is a male-dominated field. Although everyone was welcoming, I couldn’t help but wish for more female representation. I hope future CTFs will see more women embracing the challenge because we bring a unique perspective to the table.

Before I wrap up, I must mention one of my favorite highlights of the event that cannot be overstated: the food. There was always something to munch on: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even breakfast the next morning. Snacks, juices, coffee, and toffees were plentiful, keeping our energy levels high throughout. For those who needed a mental reset, there were games like PS5 (Fifa 25) and virtual reality stations. Mattresses were provided for anyone wanting a nap. I made it a point to stay awake the entire time because I didn’t want to miss a single moment. In hindsight, it was worth it, though my body might disagree.

In conclusion, I am not disappointed about not winning. The real victory was qualifying for the finals and experiencing everything firsthand. This event was not just about hacking challenges; it was about pushing limits, growing, and learning from everyone around me, a true testament to perseverance, collaboration, and the thrill of taking on complex challenges. The experience has fueled my passion for cybersecurity, and I can’t wait for the next challenge. For anyone considering joining a CTF, my advice is simple: dive in, embrace the challenge, give it your best, and enjoy every moment. Do not be afraid to start, no matter your skill level. Win or lose, the experience will be worth it.