US CYBER GAMES®
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs on the US Cyber Games program, our team, athletes, and coaches, and much more!

Season II Timeline
Click on the circles to reveal more information.
Call for Athletes and Coaches Opens
Athletes
Cybersecurity skills are in huge demand in the workplace. If you’re interested in seeing how well you’re prepared to join one of the hottest job areas, apply to compete in the US Cyber Open™ and request to be invited to the US Cyber Combine™. You could make the Season II US Cyber Team® and compete on a global level.
APPLY TO PLAY IS NOW CLOSED
Coaches
As an expert in cybersecurity, we’re looking to you and the coaching staff to guide our cyber athletes across multiple domains and cybersecurity topic areas as well as teamwork, problem-solving, communicating, and leading. Through your leadership, you will cultivate a new game-based learning and development strategy that will prepare the US Cyber Team for global competition and help build tomorrow's cybersecurity workforce.
CALL FOR COACHES IS NOW CLOSED
Call for Coaches CLOSED
June 3, 2022, 11:59 PM ET
As an expert in cybersecurity, we’re looking to you and the coaching staff to guide our cyber athletes across multiple domains and cybersecurity topic areas as well as teamwork, problem-solving, communicating, and leading. Through your leadership, you will cultivate a new game-based learning and development strategy that will prepare the US Cyber Team for global competition and help build tomorrow's cybersecurity workforce.
US Cyber Open CTF
July 8–17, 2022
THE OPEN CTF IS NOW CLOSED
US Cyber Combine Virtual Kick-Off Event
August 4, 2022
2:00 PM–4:30 PM ET
US Cyber Combine Invitational
August 5–September 5, 2022
By Invitation Only
US Cyber Team Draft Day
October 17, 2022
Congratulations to the 30 cyber athletes drafted to the Season II US Cyber Team. Check out the event stream to watch the program.
Who is behind the US Cyber Games & Team?
The US Cyber Games was founded by Katzcy, in cooperation with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The first season's program ran from April to October 2021 and consisted of the US Cyber Open, the US Cyber Combine Invitational, and the selection of the first-ever US Cyber Team™ to represent the United States at the International Cybersecurity Challenge (ICC) held in Athens, Greece in June of 2022.
Learn more at www.uscybergames.com/about.
What need does the program address?
According to the November 7, 2019 edition of Information Security Solution Review, there is currently a talent gap of over 500,000 skilled and knowledgeable employees in the cybersecurity workforce. Our mission is to bring together elite cyber athletes, coaches, and industry leaders to help scout, train, and send a US Cyber Team to the International Cybersecurity Challenge. This program will help inform and inspire the broader community on ways to develop tomorrow’s cybersecurity workforce.
What is the program timeline?
- April 29, 2022 - Call for Athletes and Coaches Open - CLOSED
- June 3, 2022 - Call for Coaches Ends
Deadline to apply: June 3, 2022, 11:59 PM ET - CLOSED - June 30, 2022 - US Cyber Open Virtual Kick-Off Event - CLOSED
- July 8-17, 2022 - US Cyber Open CTF
Deadline to register to play: July 7, 2022, 11:59 PM ET - CLOSED - July 7, 2022 - Call for Athletes Ends
- July 28, 2022 - Top 60 US Open Combine Invitees Notified
- August 4, 2022 - US Cyber Combine Virtual Kick-Off Event
- August 4, 2022 - Coaches Announced
- August 5-September 5, 2022 - US Cyber Combine Invitational
- October 17, 2022 - US Cyber Team Draft Day
What do I need to be an athlete?
Athlete applications for the US Cyber Games Season II are open between April 29 and July 7, 2022.
To play in the US Cyber Open CTF, applicants must:
- Complete the online application
- Have experience or interest in online cyber competitions
- Have access to a laptop or PC with a modern web browser and internet connection
- Be excited about competing on the US Cyber Team
Applicants DO NOT need to be students or part of any collegiate cybersecurity program.
Applicants who wish to be considered for the US Cyber Combine and US Cyber Team:
- Cyber athletes invited to the US Cyber Combine and potentially drafted onto the US Cyber Team must be no older than 25 years of age on August 31, 2023 and a US Citizen with ability to obtain a US passport.
- Should enjoy competing in real-world scenarios to test your aptitude and abilities.
- Have a willingness to learn and invest the time for world-class coaching.
- Like teaming with others with solid communications skills.
- Want to learn from world-class cyber skills coaches.
What are the benefits?
- Obtain training, networking, and even potential employment opportunities.
- Validate your current cyber skills.
- Learn skills in areas such as reconnaissance, cryptanalysis, operations security, forensics analysis, and malware analysis.
- Earn digital badges as a tangible certification for social profiles, applications, and resumes.
- Win incredible prizes (US residents only).
- Athletes chosen for the US Cyber Team will compete on behalf of the United States at the international level.
- Show off your Cyber Athlete Swag.
Why consider a career in cyber?
Individuals seeking an exciting career or to continue to improve their skills can look in no better field than that of cybersecurity.
- Constant Growth: The current demand for cybersecurity professionals in the public and private sectors is making employers scale up and out. If you’re ready for a challenge, the opportunity is there for you.
- Interesting variety: This profession requires you to work in many different situations and with the latest technologies. The broad skills needed make cybersecurity an attractive profession for people from all sorts of backgrounds.
- Intellectual Puzzles: While you’ll learn best practices and principles, there’s always something new to learn and always a new opportunity to excel.
- Ongoing Fulfillment: You’re preventing real criminals from taking advantage of your friends and family, as well as schools, businesses, and more.
Application Process
How can I register to compete?
Athlete applications for the US Cyber Games Season II CTF are open April 29 - July 7, 2022.
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
If you are interested in being invited to the US Cyber Combine Invitational and potentially being selected to be part of the US Cyber Team, select the box expressing your interest and complete page 2 of the application.
What are the costs involved in the program?
There are no costs to apply or join the team. Travel to the International Cybersecurity Challenge (ICC) for athletes and coaches selected will be covered by the program. Participants will need money for food and incidentals.
How will I know I’m selected?
Both the information supplied on the application for the US Cyber Open and the performance results in the US Cyber Open will be used to select those athletes who will receive an invitation to the US Cyber Combine Invitational. Successful applicants will receive an email from the Program Coordinator with their invitation to the US Cyber Combine a few weeks after the US Cyber Open concludes.
Athletes and Coaches selected will be notified by email upon selection.
US Cyber Open CTF and Combine Invitational
US Cyber Open CTF | July 8-17, 2022
This FREE competition offers candidates aged 18 - 24 the opportunity to compete in an online competition for the chance to be one of the 120 cyber athletes to receive an invitation to the US Cyber Combine Invitational.
Cybersecurity skills are in demand in the workplace, so if you’re interested in seeing how well you’re prepared to join one of the hottest areas, then apply to participate in the US Cyber Open. You’ll definitely walk away with a better understanding of how your cybersecurity skills match up. You may even win the chance to go to the US Cyber Combine or become a member of the US Cyber Team to compete at the International Cybersecurity Challenge.
The US Cyber Games, in collaboration with the US Cyber Range, will hold a long jeopardy style challenge covering a wide variety of games such as cryptography, networking, web applications, reconnaissance, and more. Point values corresponding with challenge difficulty will be accumulated per each area and as a whole.
The goal of the US Cyber Open is to attract all levels of athletes so that coaches can easily scout top talent and invite them to the Combine where they will receive training and be scored in more depth to determine aptitude and potential.
Finishers will receive a digital badge showing they completed the Season II US Cyber Open. This badge can be used on social media profiles and resumes.
Top scorers will win prizes and more.
The top 120 athletes will be invited to continue in the US Cyber Combine Invitational. Scores alone won't confirm an invite to the US Cyber Combine--your application matters most.
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
US Cyber Combine Invitational | August 5 - September 5, 2022
Top 120 Invited to US Cyber Combine (August 5 - September 5, 2022)
This Combine Invitational is similar to a sports Combine in which the athletes will undergo a cyber aptitude evaluation, interview with multiple coaches, train weekly in cybersecurity skills, and compete in an advanced CTF to build their portfolio for the US Cyber Team Draft.
At this level of competition, we’re separating the GOAT (greatest of all time) from the good. We’ll put athletes through the same tests and trials top companies and the government use in their hiring process.
This Combine is designed to test you, but also to provide the top athletes a unique experience to hear from leading experts in their field. The selected coaching staff will use this time to get to know each athlete to understand their skills and competencies.
Each week, the coaches will provide virtual instruction and challenges to help strengthen your skills. We expect athletes to contribute 4-8 hours of practice each week. In return, we are seeking training partners to provide benefits such as vouchers for certifications along the way.
Additionally, athletes that perform well during the combine will have the opportunity to accumulate digital badges for performance and skills.
Get ready to compete, because only 20 Elite Cyber Athletes will make it to the next phase.
INVITATIONS to the Combine will be sent via email a few weeks after the US Cyber Open concludes.
How will I know I’m selected for the US Cyber Combine Invitational?
Both the information supplied on the application for the US Cyber Open and the performance results in the US Cyber Open will be used to select those athletes who will receive an invitation to the US Cyber Combine Invitational. Successful applicants will receive an email from the Program Coordinator with their invitation to the US Cyber Combine a few weeks after the US Cyber Open concludes.
US Cyber Team Draft | October 17, 2022
From August 5 through September 5, 2022, the Coaches and Advisory Board will meet to select the top cyber athletes that will be invited to join the Season II US Cyber Team.
Athletes will be evaluated based on application, aptitude, interview, effort, attitude, and skill. The final US Cyber Team will be purposely diverse bringing different backgrounds and skills to play key roles on the team.
The Season II US Cyber Team will be announced at the US Cyber Draft on October 17, 2022.
What training do athletes receive?
Cyber athletes who successfully complete the US Cyber Open and are invited to participate in the US Cyber Combine will receive training from the coaching staff. Assigned coursework will include both self-paced individual and team-based exercises. The coaching staff will guide the athletes’ progress through a series of increasingly difficult activities in which athletes will learn both offensive and defensive tactical concepts. The training will demand the athletes demonstrate their technical abilities via training courses, challenges, and virtual labs. The Team of top 20 elite cyber athletes will progress to more advanced training to help them better prepare to function as a cohesive team.
What is the International Cybersecurity Challenge (ICC)?
The International Cybersecurity Challenge (ICC) encourages students and young professionals to pursue a career in cybersecurity by providing them with an opportunity to compete and collaborate with others in the cybersecurity industry across the globe.
The ICC competition (formerly called the European Cyber Security Challenge) has been hosted by ENISA since 2016. Starting with the 2021-'22 competition, ENISA will expand the Challenge and welcome select teams from countries outside the European Union.
Learn more about the ICC here.
What are the requirements to be a Coach?
- All coaches and assistants will be US-based adults, with an academic background and/ or professional cybersecurity experience.
- Coaches will need a valid passport and the ability to travel internationally.
- Coaches will be chosen from various schools and organizations to best ensure diversity in athlete selection and training support.
- Coaching positions are volunteer-based. Coaches will not be paid for this commitment, and coaching terms are for one year/ one season.
- Travel for coaches, including flights and accommodations, will be covered based on US Cyber Games fundraising and sponsorship dollars.
- Coaches will be able to state that they have coached the US Cyber Team and will be recognized online, in promotions, and through press releases.
What is the time commitment to be a Coach?
Coaching positions demand an average of approximately 4 hours per week, but may fluctuate throughout the season.
Coach responsibilities include:
- Scouting cyber athletes.
- Designing learning and training opportunities for cyber athletes.
- Developing a learning and training schedule for cyber athletes.
- Reviewing athlete performance and scores.
- Training, coaching, and mentoring cyber athletes.
- Selecting the US Cyber Team.
How do I apply to be a Coach?
Coach applications for Season II of the US Cyber Games are being accepted from April 29 to June 3, 2022.
CALL FOR COACHES IS NOW CLOSED
What is the Accelerated Training Program?
Developed in collaboration with 2021–22 CTF Coach Jasmine Jackson, the US Cyber Games Accelerated Training Program is a limited seat, by coach invitation only, program for US Cyber Combine athletes who demonstrate drive and potential but may benefit from additional cybersecurity training and mentoring. The program aims to better train and mentor individuals interested in cybersecurity professions.
What does the Accelerated Training Program include?
This exclusive training program will allow athletes to take part in a six-month training program that includes small group mentorship with the coaches and can be renewed based on participants’ continued dedication and progress. Athletes who perform well in the program are automatically invited to the next season’s US Cyber Combine.
A Scholarship Program has been designated for an exclusive subset of these athletes that includes:
- 90-day access to HackTheBox (HTB) and TryHackMe (THM) software
- 90-day access to Offensive Security’s PEN-200 course with OSCP exam voucher
What is the purpose of the Accelerated Training Program?
The US Cyber Games Accelerated Program has been established to identify high-potential athletes who would benefit from special access to cybersecurity education, training, and mentoring.
How can I join the Accelerated Training Program?
Participation in this program is by coach invitation only.
Information about cyber athletes
For more information about cyber athletes, visit our Athletes website page or email info@uscybergames.com.
Information about coaching
For more information about coaching, visit our Coaches website page or email info@uscybergames.com.
Information about sponsorships
For more information about sponsoring the US Cyber Games & US Cyber Team, visit our Sponsor website page or email info@uscybergames.com.
Media Contact
All media inquiries can be directed to info@uscybergames.com.
Information for fans
Join the US Cyber Games & Team fandom here and subscribe to alerts and notifications. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and help us Spread the Word to your peers, industry colleagues, and your community.
About the US Cyber Team Logo
Did you notice the elements in the US Cyber Team logo?
- The slight cross line symbolizes guardianship.
- Morse code on the sides stating Train.Compete.Win.
- The torch symbolizes knowledge.
- The key represents cryptography and information.
- The shield represents the USA and protection.
- The SOARing eagle for aspiration, freedom, victory, and also Security Orchestration Automation and Reporting.