Mārtiņa-CTF

Form a team of 2–5 aspiring wizards and set out on this quest of capturing flags! Cryptography, reversing, web, forensics, pwn, and plenty of other arcane arts. Every challenge hides a flag, and every flag brings your team one step closer to the top of the leaderboard.

If you are unsure how these events work, read more about them here, wait for the intro stream before the event, or message us through email or Discord.

This year, you can choose between two paths-plus an optional challenge: the Mark of No Clanking. Both paths follow the same magical curriculum, but your choice determines how your adventure ends.

Some spells are best cast the old-fashioned way.

When registering, your team can choose to bear the Mark of No Clanking-a promise to solve challenges without AI assistance. The Mark is entirely optional, based on trust, and every team member must agree to take the oath.

If your team decides to summon the machines after all, simply tell an organizer. You’ll shed the Mark and continue as proud Clankers.

This is not a separate track and has no special prizes. Using AI as an enhanced search engine to find documentation or resources is still allowed. Full details will be in the Mārtiņa-CTF Rules & Regulations.

December 4–6, 2026

For 48 hours, the spellbook is yours to explore. Challenges can be solved in any order, whenever inspiration strikes. The first two days take place entirely online on CTFd, with our Discord serving as the common room for announcements, questions, and magical mishaps.

On the final day, the portals open in Riga for the in-person finale. Remote participants can continue online, while those joining us on-site will face exclusive challenges that can't be solved from behind a screen.

Every participant who completes the quest earns their place in the history of Mārtiņa-CTF 2026. Those who master the arcane arts and climb the leaderboard can expect sponsor prizes, exclusive Mārtiņa-CTF merch, digital certificates, and everlasting glory in the Hall of Fame.

Joining the in-person finale in Riga? You may discover a few rewards that can't be delivered through the internet.

The tournament begins with a short YouTube kickoff livestream on December 4th. We'll cover everything you need to know, answer last-minute questions, and officially open the gates to this year's adventure.

Bring your teammates, prepare your spellbook, and make one last mana potion (coffee) before the countdown reaches zero.