RECORDED WEBINAR
Season VI, US Cyber Games: An Overview
The next generation of cyber professionals won’t be built in classrooms alone.The United States is facing a critical shortage of skilled cybersecurity talent—and traditional pathways alone aren’t enough to close the gap. While classroom learning lays the foundation, aspiring cyber professionals need real-world, hands-on experience to truly thrive. The US Cyber Games bridges that gap.
Through high-intensity, hands-on challenges and head-to-head competitions, players sharpen real-world skills on the latest technologies—gaining the experience it takes to operate on the front lines of cybersecurity. This isn’t just learning — it’s competition. It’s community. It’s the grind to get better every day. Whether you’re just getting started or are ready to test your skills against the best, the US Cyber Games opens the door to new talent from all backgrounds—connecting players with elite coaching, industry pros, and a community built to win.
Join this informational webinar to learn how you can get involved, grow your capabilities, and take your first step toward representing the future of U.S. cybersecurity.
Learn:
The importance of cybersecurity competitions and games
About the US Cyber Games program, who is behind it, and why
What's scheduled for Season VI and how to get involved
Your Presenter
BRAD WOLFENDEN, Director of Cyber Sports, PlayCyber by Katzcy
Video Outline:
00:02 - Introduction and Agenda**: The speaker introduces himself as the Director of Cyber Sports and outlines the session's agenda.
03:00 - US Cyber Games Mission**: Founded by Katzcy in cooperation with NICE (NIST), the program aims to redefine cybersecurity workforce development through competitions and games.
05:47 - Cybersecurity, Esports, and Athletics Fusion**: The program occupies a niche that combines technical cybersecurity skills with the competitive nature of esports and the teamwork and community of athletics.
08:31 - Cybersecurity Competition Formats**: An overview of different competition types, including virtual vs. in-person, individual vs. team-based, and various styles like Jeopardy CTF, King of the Hill, and social engineering.
13:13 - Program Impact and Statistics**: A review of data from previous seasons, highlighting the recruitment of talent from all 50 states and over 9,500 individuals impacted by the program since Season 1.
17:05 - International Competition Travel**: A timeline of domestic and international travel for previous seasons, including trips to Greece, Austria, Norway, Chile, Japan, and Australia.
18:31 - Season 6 Timeline**: A breakdown of the three main phases of Season 6: the US Cyber Open (June), the US Cyber Combine (July-September), and the Team Draft Day (October 22nd).
20:00 - US Cyber Open Series**: Details on the upcoming free events from June 4th–14th, featuring a virtual kickoff, beginner and competitive CTFs, and Cyber Rush Week.
25:51 - US Cyber Combine Phase**: Information on the intensive, invite-only phase for athletes aged 15–25 that includes assessments, lectures, and interviews to select the final team.
28:40 - International Cybersecurity Competition (ICC)**: The "Super Bowl" for the team, involving global competition with two-day events featuring CTF and attack-and-defense formats.
31:17 - Preparing for Success**: Advice for aspiring athletes, including getting curious, following content creators, building home labs, and joining local community groups.
37:44 - The Cognitive Athlete**: Discussion on the three skill buckets the program recruits for: technical skills, power skills (like teamwork), and cognitive skills (like endurance and intuition).
43:21 - Benefits of Participation**: Reasons to join, such as mentorship, career placement opportunities, networking with experts, and receiving referral letters from CISA.
45:16 - Registration and Application Process**: Final instructions on how to register for the free US Cyber Open and how to apply for the US Cyber Team by June 14th.
