OpenECSC 2026 Has Started
Archive: the open competition ran from 1 March to 1 May 2026.
Read announcementNews & Media
Latest updates from ECSC 2026, media accreditation, press materials and information for covering the challenge.
LATEST NEWSAll news
Germany to Host the European Cybersecurity Challenge (ECSC) 2026 in Bochum
Europe's championship for young ethical hacking talent comes to RuhrCongress Bochum, 12–16 October 2026.
Read announcementMedia accreditation
For media enquiries and accreditation questions, contact the ECSC 2026 Communications Team at media@ecsc2026.de.
Accreditation is required for every person creating photos, video, audio, interviews or written coverage for public release. This includes journalists, freelancers, broadcasters and people reporting for a team, sponsor, partner, organisation or public social-media channel.
Accreditation is personal and non-transferable. Each person must submit a separate application. Submission does not grant access. The Communications Team confirms accreditation and the permitted access.
Request media accreditationOn arrival & access
Report to general registration on arrival. Registration will refer you to the Communications Team for the accreditation check and media badge.
Access to teams, backstage areas, interviewees, ceremonies or the competition area must be arranged with the Communications Team.
Private recordings & public social media
Strictly private, unpublished recordings need no accreditation. Consent, screen protection, access and non-disruption rules still apply.
Public social-media coverage requires accreditation, including coverage for teams, sponsors and partners. Each person applies through the same process.
Event facts
The European Cybersecurity Challenge 2026 brings teams from 42 countries and more than 400 young cybersecurity talents aged 14 to 25 to Bochum, Germany, from 12 to 16 October 2026. National teams compete, learn and connect at one of Europe's leading events for the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. ECSC 2026 is organised by NFITS with the City of Bochum as host city partner, supported by ENISA and ECCC, and made possible together with event partners and sponsors.
- Dates
- 12–16 October 2026
- Host city
- Bochum, Germany
- Participation
- 42 teams from 42 countries
- Competitors
- More than 400, aged 14–25
- National qualifiers
- More than 30,000 participants
- Expected onsite attendance
- Around 1,000 people
Opening ceremony
Monday, 12 October · 16:00–18:30 CEST
RuhrCongress Bochum
Competition
Tuesday to Thursday, 13–15 October
RuhrCongress Bochum
Closing & awards ceremony
Friday, 16 October · 15:00–18:00 CEST
Arrival from 14:00
Jahrhunderthalle Bochum
Media rules
For approvals or questions, contact the Communications Team at media@ecsc2026.de or speak to the designated media contact onsite.
Access & active competition
A press angel accompanies media; a watchdog monitors competition integrity. Both accompany approved media access during active competition.
- Carry and display your media badge while working onsite.
- Follow instructions from event and venue staff, watchdogs and press angels.
- During active competition, media may enter the competition area only with explicit Communications Team approval and accompanied by a press angel and a watchdog.
- Record only from outside the competition area or from a position approved by the Communications Team.
- Screens, whiteboards, notes, credentials, challenge material and other sensitive information must not be identifiable.
- Do not distract participants, block routes or sightlines, interfere with officials or disrupt the competition.
- Accreditation does not create a right to interview, photograph or record anyone.
People, consent & photo opt-out
- Do not photograph, film or record anyone wearing the photo opt-out marker. The marker’s appearance will be published here once confirmed. If you are unsure, ask the Communications Team before recording.
- The person creating the coverage and their organisation must obtain and document all permissions needed for recording and publication, including permissions involving minors.
- Do not record people in private, sensitive, medical or otherwise inappropriate situations.
Interviews
During active competition, participant interviews may take place only outside the competition area. They require:
- The participant’s consent.
- Coach approval.
- Organiser approval.
- An assigned press angel and a watchdog.
The watchdog or press angel must understand the interview language well enough to monitor the situation. Contact the Communications Team in advance so it can coordinate this process.
Outside active competition, interviews require the interviewee’s consent. Advance coordination with the Communications Team is strongly recommended.
Equipment & drones
- Indoor drones and other remotely operated airborne recording equipment are prohibited.
- Outdoor operators must comply with the law, local rules, venue restrictions and required permissions.
- Equipment must not block exits, routes, participant areas or technical operations.
Official photography, video and livestream coverage take place under the event’s internal rules.
Photos & logos
Selected approved press photos will be published here during the event. Publish each photo with its confirmed caption and individual credit.
Press photos may be used for editorial reporting about ECSC 2026. The credit shown for each asset is required. Do not use the images in a misleading commercial context, present them as an endorsement, alter them in a misleading way or use them outside the ECSC 2026 context.
ECSC 2026 logo
European Cybersecurity Challenge 2026 logo. Vector SVG and transparent PNG (2400 × 2400 px).
Credit: ECSC 2026
Usage: Usage guidelines are available from the ECSC 2026 media team.
NFITS logos
Primary for light backgrounds; alternate for dark backgrounds.
Credit: Nachwuchsförderung IT-Sicherheit e.V. (NFITS)
Usage: Usage guidelines are available from the NFITS / ECSC 2026 media team.
- Primary
- Alternate
Frequently asked questions
What is the European Cybersecurity Challenge?
An international competition for young cybersecurity talent. National teams solve technical challenges, compare their skills and exchange knowledge.
Who takes part?
Teams from 42 countries and more than 400 competitors aged 14 to 25. They qualify through national competitions.
Who organises ECSC 2026?
ECSC 2026 is organised by NFITS with the City of Bochum as host city partner, supported by ENISA and ECCC, and made possible together with event partners and sponsors.
How do media representatives apply?
Each person submits the accreditation form. The Communications Team confirms accreditation or requests more information.
Do team, sponsor and partner media need accreditation?
Yes. They use the same process. Additional access must be arranged with the Communications Team.
May media enter the competition area?
Only with explicit Communications Team approval and accompanied by a press angel and a watchdog during active competition. Otherwise, record from outside the competition area or an approved position. Sensitive information must not be identifiable.
Can participants be interviewed during the competition?
Only outside the competition area, with participant consent, coach and organiser approval, and an assigned press angel and watchdog. Contact the Communications Team in advance to arrange the approvals and language support described under “Interviews”.
Where can media obtain images?
Selected approved press photos will be published here during the event. Each image will carry its required credit and usage information.
Are drones allowed?
Not indoors. Outdoor operation remains subject to law, local rules, venue restrictions and permissions.
Who can answer further questions?
Contact the ECSC 2026 Communications Team at media@ecsc2026.de.