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LockpickingCTF 2026

Six locks, twenty minutes, one shot. Show what your fingers can do, then go for the final.

Qualification
Fri. Oct 30
Final
Sat. Oct 31, early afternoon
Included
Hackfest ticket
In collaboration with

No separate registration: your Hackfest ticket is all you need. Just show up at the Lockpicking village.

Get a ticket The tournament

What is lockpicking?

Lockpicking is the art of opening a lock without its key, by understanding and manipulating its components. Nothing gets broken: the lock comes out intact, which is exactly what makes it so revealing.

The most common locks, pin tumblers, give way to simple tools, some patience and a bit of know-how. It is a hands-on lesson in physical security, a layer that security strategies often overlook.

Never tried it? This village is for you. Locks and tools are provided, and the crew walks you through the basics before you take on the tournament.

The tournament

Three stages stand between you and the title of Hackfest 2026 lockpicking champion.

  1. Details to come

    Pre-qualification

    At the village

    • Open a series of locks to earn your spot in the qualification round.
    • Successful candidates move on to the qualification, first come, first served.
    • Full details will be posted on this page.

  2. Qualification

    Friday, October 30

    • The qualification box holds 6 locks of increasing difficulty.
    • Each lock is worth points, in steps of 5 (5, 10, 15, and so on).
    • You get 20 minutes, and your time breaks ties.
    • One attempt per person: that result is the one that counts.
    • Leave your contact details so we can reach you if you make the final.
  3. Time to be confirmed

    Final

    Saturday, October 31, early afternoon

    • The top 3 qualifiers who are on site face off.
    • Three locks of increasing difficulty, opened in order.
    • All three finalists pick at the same time; stations are drawn by short straw.
    • 30 minutes max. First to open all 3 locks wins, otherwise the most locks opened in the best time.
The Hackfest lockpick challenge qualification box, branded with Aéroports de Montréal
The qualification box: 6 locks, 20 minutes.

Fair play

Manual picking only, at every stage: no bump keys, pick guns or any other automatic picking tool.

Prizes

To be announced

Tournament prizes will be announced soon. Check back on this page.

See you at the village

Curious beginner or seasoned picker, drop by the Lockpicking village on October 30 and 31. Your Hackfest ticket is all you need.

Get a ticket All CTFs

The lockpicking tournament is presented in collaboration with Aéroports de Montréal.