The game: DECODE presented by RTX

The 2025-2026 FIRST Tech Challenge game is DECODE, presented by RTX, built around an archaeology theme of investigating artifacts and unlocking mysteries through STEM and teamwork. Teams design and build a robot that starts each match inside an 18-inch cube, then compete two-on-two on a 12 by 12 foot field. Each match opens with an autonomous period where the robot runs on its own program, followed by a driver-controlled period and a final scoring push. Alongside the matches, events hand out a full slate of judged awards for engineering, outreach, and team interviews, which is where both of our teams shone.

What a year for River City Robotics. Both of our FIRST Tech Challenge teams, Gladius and the Dapperbots, competed through the 2025-2026 DECODE season, and both brought home awards. Here is what each team accomplished.

Team Gladius (26089)

In their second year, Gladius won the Inspire Award at the Inukshuk Interleague Tournament, where they also ranked second of thirty-one teams. The Inspire Award is the top honour in FIRST Tech Challenge. They carried it through to the Alberta Championship, where their alliance won the playoff finals to earn a spot at the FIRST World Championship in Houston, one of only 14 teams from across Canada, where they won four matches in the Edison Division.

The Dapperbots (23695)

Now in their third year, the Dapperbots are a student-led team focused on strong engineering, mentoring newer teams, and building community with other clubs. They went undefeated in qualification at the Inukshuk Interleague Tournament, ranking first of thirty-one teams, and earned the Inspire Award 3rd Place. This summer they are taking their robot international, having earned a spot at the Mexico Premier Event, putting River City Robotics on the world stage. The team is Connor, Jack, Calvin, Adam, and Armin.

Moments from the season

Season launch

League meets

Both teams competed through the fall league meets, building toward the interleague tournament.

Inukshuk Interleague Tournament

A big day for the club. Gladius ranked second of thirty-one teams and won the Inspire Award, while the Dapperbots ranked first in qualification and earned the Inspire Award 3rd Place.

Alberta Championship

At Provincials, Gladius’s alliance won the playoff finals, earning their spot at the FIRST World Championship.

FIRST World Championship, Houston

Gladius represented Alberta and Canada at the FIRST World Championship in Houston, one of only 14 teams from across Canada, winning four matches in the Edison Division.

Mexico Premier Event

The Dapperbots cap the season by going international, having earned a spot at the Mexico Premier Event this summer. Competing on a global stage alongside teams from around the world is a proud milestone for a young team and for River City Robotics.