What is The Gauntlet?

The Gauntlet is a quarterly competitive event hosted on the OffSec platform where you can put your skills to the test in a fun, challenge-driven way.

Who can participate in The Gauntlet Events?

Anyone who is at least 18 years old with an active OffSec account can join. You do not need a subscription, prior certification, or purchase to participate.

Is there a cost to participate?

No, entry is free. 

How does it work?

Each week, new challenges become available to engage with. Participants complete objectives to earn points and improve their standing on a live leaderboard. Top performers are rewarded, while all participants gain bragging rights and digital badges. 

How can I register for an upcoming Gauntlet event?

If you already have an OffSec account, just log in to your OffSec learning Platform account, locate the Gauntlet event banner on the Event Overview page, and click the “Register” button. If the event is marked as Ongoing or Upcoming, the button will be available for you.

If you haven’t created an account on the OffSec Learning Platform yet, you will need to pre-register for the event.

What is the competition format?

The competition is individual-based, which means you’ll be competing on your own against all the other participants. 

Will the content of each Gauntlet be the same, or does it change?

Each Gauntlet is unique. Every one of them has its own theme and comes with a different set of labs. 

Are the labs in Gauntlets new content, and what kind of content will I find in each lab?

Yes! The labs in the Gauntlets are completely new — you won’t find them anywhere in our Learning library. Each lab offers a curated set of challenges to solve and includes the necessary resources to work through them.

What happens if I start a Gauntlet lab but haven't registered for the event?

If you are not registered for the event and you access a lab, submitting a correct answer will automatically register you for the event, and all your progress will count towards the leaderboard.

How do I earn points?

You earn points every time you submit a correct answer. The final leaderboard will determine all prize winners, based on:

• Total points earned across all challenges
• Challenge difficulty: 
  • Easy: Total Lab Points – 40 | First PWN Bonus – 4
  • Medium: Total Lab Points – 60 | First PWN Bonus – 6
  • Hard: Total Lab Points – 80 | First PWN Bonus – 8
  • Insane: Total Lab Points – 100 | First PWN Bonus – 10
• Bonus points for First, Second, and Third PWN (being the first to fully complete a lab, bonus points outlined above) 
  • Easy 
    • First PWN: +4 points
    • 2nd PWN: +2 points
    • 3rd PWN: +1 point
  • Medium 
    • First PWN: +6 points
    • 2nd PWN: +3 points
    • 3rd PWN: +2 points
  • Hard 
    • First PWN: +8 points
    • 2nd PWN: +4 points
    • 3rd PWN: +3 points
  • Insane

• First PWN: +10 points
• 2nd PWN: +5 points
• 3rd PWN: +4 points

• Speed of submission in case of a tie
• First week completion bonus:

• Easy: +2 points
• Medium: +3 points
• Hard: +4 points
• Insane: +5 points

So, whether you’re climbing the ranks or racing for First PWN, every challenge you solve boosts your chances of securing a reward. The more you engage, the better your position, and the greater your shot at glory.

What is a “First Pwn”?

If you’re the first participant to fully solve a lab, you’ll earn bonus points. Difficulty levels affect how many bonus points are awarded.

Are there other bonuses for fast solvers?

Currently, only the first solver gets bonus points.

Can I join after the first scenario is released?

Yes! You can join at any time during the 8-week event. However, earlier participation gives you more chances to score points, earn First Pwns, and climb the leaderboard.

What does "Submission Time" mean, and why does it matter?

 "Submission Time" is simply the time recorded when you last submitted a valid answer for a Gauntlet lab during its active week. It acts as a tie-breaker on the leaderboard, giving an advantage to players who achieve their points total earlier in the Gauntlet.

What will I see on the leaderboard?

On the leaderboard, you’ll be able to see your Rank, Username, the total Points you’ve earned, and your First Pwns. You’ll also see the Submission Time and the Country Initials of participants.

Can I always see my rank on the leaderboard?

Yes! You’ll always be able to see your personal rank. If you tap on your rank, it’ll take you straight to the exact spot on the leaderboard where you’re listed.

How are participants ranked on the leaderboard?

The leaderboard shows real-time rankings based on total points. In case of a tie, the participant who achieved their score earlier gets the higher position.

How are winners chosen?

Winners are determined by the final leaderboard at the end of the season. Rankings are based on total points earned from valid flag submissions. 

What kind of prizes can I win?

Finish in the top 50 leaderboard? Great news, you’ll win a prize! Here’s a breakdown of exactly what you can win:

PG Practice Annual Subscription

Available for leaderboard positions 1-50.

Arctic Howl Bundle

Available for leaderboard positions 1-10. Includes:

• OffSec's 'Arctic Howl' Branded Tee
• OffSec's 'Arctic Howl' Pullover Hoodie
• OffSec's 'Arctic Howl' Beanie
• OffSec's 'Gauntlet' Hardcover Notebook
• OffSec Branded Acrylic Cup

OffSec's 'Arctic Howl' Branded Tee

Available for leaderboard positions 11-50.

How do I claim my prize?

Winners will be drawn on April 17, 2026, and contacted via the email registered with OffSec within 7 days of being confirmed with instructions on prize claiming and/or delivery. Domestic shipping may take up to 12 business days; international shipping may take up to 30 days. Please allow us time to validate and contact all winners, and handle prize delivery. More information can be found in our event Terms & Conditions.

Will I earn a certificate or credential?

Participants who are ranked on the leaderboard will receive a digital badge. Those in 3rd, 2nd, and 1st place will receive three additional badges.

How will I be notified with Gauntlet events and what types of emails will I receive?

You may receive notifications via email and through the platform, including announcements, updates, reminders, and event closure messages. To stay up to date on upcoming events, we recommend following OffSec on social media—you won’t miss a thing! Social links: LinkedIn, X, Discord, Facebook, Instagram.

What behavior is expected during the event?

Participants must engage respectfully, fairly, and in good faith.

What if there’s suspected cheating or rule violations?

We take fairness seriously. If we suspect cheating or event rule violations, OffSec may review all submissions and activity logs. Any confirmed violations can result in disqualification and loss of prizes. Please note that all final decisions are made by OffSec. For more information, please read our event Terms & Conditions.

Where can I report an issue in the Gauntlet events?

If you run into any issues during the Gauntlet events, please submit a request through our ‘Submit a Request’ form, where you’ll get the help you need as quickly as possible.