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The FIRST ® World Championship is an unforgettable fusion of excitement, inspiration, and engagement. It is an experience as coveted as a rare prize. It’s not just the roar of the crowd, the waving flags, and the signs from every corner of the world that make it special. Nor is it merely the precision and swiftness of the robots or the flash of Texas team shirts weaving between the pits and fields. At the 2025 FIRST World Championship in Houston, our 28 FIRST Robotics Competition, 15 FIRST Tech Challenge, and 3 FIRST LEGO League teams didn’t just bring robots; they brought heart, determination, and the unmistakable spirit of Texas.
These teams stood side by side with peers from over 50 countries, competing and collaborating at the pinnacle of youth robotics, surrounded by over 50,000 attendees and 1,000 robots under the grand roof of the George R. Brown Convention Center. It’s a celebration of innovation, teamwork, and the shared sense of belonging that defines the FIRST community worldwide.
Congratulations to every team that made it to the 2025 FIRST World Championship. From those who took home awards to those who competed with passion and embodied the core values of FIRST on a global stage—congratulations. Head coach Arjun Gupta of FIRST LEGO League Challenge team Quantum Leap shared a sentiment that captures it all: “Medals are great, but memories last longer.” And that’s the essence of this event. While not every team leaves with a trophy, each one walks away with skills, friendships, and moments that will last a lifetime.
When asked how Quantum Leap handled the pressure of competing on a world stage, Coach Gupta gave a response that perfectly epitomizes the spirit of FIRST:
“Instead of stressing about scores, several decided they also had to win the unofficial ‘best cheer’ contest—loudest chants, most spirited dance moves. That comic relief kept nerves in check.”
If you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong.
We also had the opportunity to hear directly from Quantum Leap in real time about what it felt like to be at the World Champs.
Texas Triumphs on the Global Stage
We are especially proud to recognize the outstanding success of Texas teams who achieved remarkable accomplishments at this year’s Championship:
FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)
Division Winners
Division Finalists
Judged Awards
Team 3847 Spectrum
Team 3005 The RoboChargers
When asked about their Creativity Award on the Milstein Division, Team 324 Chips and their Chief Strategist, Anistacia, shared how fostering open dialogue opens countless doors for creativity. “As we decide what our design for the year is, every member votes on each idea for the design, until everyone is willing to move on with our proposed solutions and subsystems.” She shares the sentiment that her team is a family, and what solidifies it is their seamless ability to allow each member of their team an opportunity for their voice to be heard and to be part of the final design. Team 324 Chips coach, Danielle Pettinger, shared from her coaching perspective on what she believes led to their success: their team opted out of using resources from other teams, creating a deeper learning experience, and a design that stands out. “Also, keeping a positive and inclusive team environment allows all student and mentors to feel comfortable in sharing ideas and trying things that may not work.” At FIRST, students are always encouraged to not only think outside of the box but to challenge the box itself.
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)
Dean’s List Winner
Winning Alliance
Finalist Alliance
Division Winners
Judged Awards
Team 12313 Hotdawgs
Team 18270 RoboPlayers
As we know, FIRST is not just about winning, but the journey and the lessons learned on the way. Team 19746 BrainSTEM exemplified this beautifully. Coach Nidhi shared that beyond trophies, her students walked away with a deeper understanding of resiliency, determination, and perseverance. She reflected on how they supported one another, connected with teams from around the world, and believed in their limitless potential. “Success,” she said, “is built on a foundation of belief in themselves and in each other and that’s something they’ll carry long after the season ends.” For her, the most rewarding part of being a mentor is watching students grow—not just technically, but emotionally and as collaborators. FIRST doesn’t just open doors to future careers, it helps students become the best version of themselves.
When asked what winning the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship meant, Nav, team captain and co-hardware lead, said, “It felt like the culmination of all our efforts. It was the moment when our hard work toward consistency, teamwork, and resilience finally paid off.” But for Team 19746 BrainSTEM, the win was only part of the experience. “The pits and the people stand out too—trading pins, debugging with other teams, and just being part of a global robotics community,” Nav added. This is what it’s all about.
Team 19746 BrainSTEM
Honorable Mention – Houston FIRST Tech Challenge Teams
While they may not fall under the FIRST in Texas region, they are an essential part of our state’s robotics legacy and deserve recognition:
Division Finalists
Judged Awards
Team 23213 Open Source
Team 19502 Moment Makers
One thing is certain; our Texas teams continue to lead with passion and ingenuity. We are endlessly proud of the way they represent the Lone Star State on the global stage, not just through their achievements, but through their teamwork, perseverance, and spirit. Their efforts are a true testament to the power of youth-driven innovation, and we are excited for the future they are building, one robot and one moment at a time. Congratulations once again to all of our remarkable Texas teams.
Team 60398 Digital Dominators