That ringing in the back of your mind, the itch to log on, that is the Cathedral’s call.

Welcome back to Bugcrowd’s epic platform wide hacker tournament, Hacker Showdown! This time you are entering The Mind Cathedral. You and your team will compete to win a $30K team bonus and a true moment of ascension for winning the 2nd annual #Hackershowdown!

The Cathedral welcomes all. Many of you brought your voice to the chorus during early sign ups. If you are already signed up and beginning recon: we see you and we support you. If you are just hearing the call, apply now for Bugcrowd’s hacker Showdown: The Mind Cathedral.

We’ve rounded up some of the best public and private programs to put your crew’s hacking skills to the ultimate test. But no need to focus solely on our recommendations, public programs are there for the taking.

Gather your teammates, join your minds, and fill out the Team Application. Team selection for Bugcrowd’s Hacker Showdown is based on the aggregate totals of all-time P1s and P2s on the Bugcrowd platform of participating members. Please read the following rules and instructions:

How does the Hacker Showdown work?

  • Assemble a team of 2-3 players
  • Hack with your pals and make $$
  • Expedited triage for team submissions on Hacker Showdown programs
  • Earn Bugcrowd Top 8 Teams bragging rights
  • Compete against other teams for a grand prize of $30K and exclusive Bugcrowd swag

Important dates to know

  • Selection for the Hacker Showdown will launch September 4th ending September 26th
  • Start Date Teams will be announced: September 26th
  • First Round: September 29th – October 13th
  • Top 8 will be announced by October 15th
  • Final Round: October 17th – October 31st

Hacker Showdown has a total of 2 rounds. Participating teams will face potential elimination from Hacker Showdown based on challenge points earned during the first round. From there, 8 teams move forward to the second round, where remaining teams continue toward the $30k bonus prize. Keep in mind, only teams with the highest number of points from unique, non-duplicate submissions will proceed to the next round.

How do points work?

Challenge points:

  • P1 unresolved/resolved non-duplicate valid submissions get 60 points along with the standard 40 points
    • Total point value for a unique P1 submission: 100
  • P2 unresolved/resolved non-duplicate valid submissions get 30 points along with the standard 20 points
    • Total point value for a unique P2 submission: 50
  • P3 unresolved/resolved non-duplicate valid submissions get 15 points along with the standard 10 points
    • Total point value for a unique P3 submission: 25

Important details

Teams that move on to the final round will be informed individually and announced via Twitter. Eliminated teams will not go home empty-handed!

  • Teams that are eliminated in the first round will gain more hacking opportunities on the Bugcrowd platform.
  • Only the Top 8 teams will receive swag this year.
  • Private invites will go out to the top 8 teams within 4-8 weeks of Hacker Showdown ending.

Participation criteria

  • Public programs are opted in automatically
  • Hackers may not have any active escalations or bans to participate.
  • Hackers must be ID Verified to participate.
  • Hacker Teams are two to three individuals.
  • There will be a maximum of 500 participants this year.
  • Hacker Teams are chosen by the total team volume of valid P1s and P2s submitted on the platform.
  • New Hackers are requested to complete a background check to participate.

Please note:

  • Previous year’s first place team will automatically advance to the Top 8…
  • Hackers can only participate as part of one team for the duration of the showdown
  • A Team must be composed of 2-3 hackers. No more, no less.
  • No swaps are allowed under any circumstances.
  • Any team can compete in round one.


You have until September 19th, 2025 5:00PM Pacific Time to submit your TEAM APPLICATION. Best of luck!

Hey, don’t forget to stay current on Hacker Showdown updates, special announcements, and all things Bugcrowd through our Twitter, Instagram, and Discord.

Tags: