Venue: Cesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School, East Palo Alto, California, United States
Program: VEX V5 Robotics Competition 2025–2026: Push Back
Date: October 25, 2025
Teams: 49 registered | Matches: 80
PART 1: THE MAIN DATA
Awards
🏆 Tournament Champions
2570R – RoboDynasty from East Palo Alto Youth STEM Alliance in East Palo Alto, California (High School), and 1698V – Falcon Force from Cupertino High Robotics in Cupertino, California (High School) joined forces to claim the Push Back crown.
Their chemistry on the field was undeniable. RoboDynasty’s robust driving and strategic offense complemented Falcon Force’s precise autonomous and endgame execution, producing thrilling matches that earned them the top spot in East Palo Alto.
🧠 Design Award
603A – MechaMinds from San Mateo Robotics League in San Mateo, California (High School) took home the Design Award. Their meticulous documentation and design process reflected true engineering excellence, impressing judges with a balance of creativity, structure, and performance consistency.
⚙️ Robot Skills Champion
2570R – RoboDynasty (East Palo Alto Youth STEM Alliance) captured the Skills Champion title with a Driver Skills score of 97 and unmatched consistency throughout the challenge. Their sharp focus and crisp maneuvers were a masterclass in control and adaptability.
💡 Judges Award
5327X – Steel Sparks from Fremont Robotics in Fremont, California (Middle School) earned the Judges Award for teamwork, perseverance, and contagious enthusiasm. Judges highlighted their resilience and sportsmanship, calling them role models for the younger teams.
🔧 Innovate Award
26880A – TechWings from Santa Clara STEM Initiative in Santa Clara, California (High School) took innovation to another level. Their bold mechanical adaptations and modular approach wowed the panel, who noted how their engineering turned curiosity into competitive advantage.
🏅 Excellence Award (High School)
1698V – Falcon Force from Cupertino High Robotics demonstrated the complete package, skill, collaboration, and design excellence, earning them the top honor for high school teams. Their focus and precision in both autonomous and driver periods reflected months of preparation and passion.
🏅 Excellence Award (Middle School)
5327X – Steel Sparks doubled their recognition by securing the middle school Excellence Award, proving that skill and spirit can shine side by side.
Skills Challenge Highlights
Driver Skills Top Score: 2570R – RoboDynasty (East Palo Alto Youth STEM Alliance) — 97 points
Programming Skills Top Score: 1698V – Falcon Force (Cupertino High Robotics) — 90 points
PART 2: THE STORY
The Bay Area robotics community packed Cesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School for the Push Back Tournament #2, transforming the gym into a high-energy battlefield of engineering brilliance. With 49 teams in attendance, every match carried tension, strategy, and the unmistakable hum of creativity.
From the opening rounds, the crowd could tell this was no ordinary tournament. Drivers locked in, coders held their breath through autonomous routines, and alliances formed with mutual trust and ambition. As the day went on, the noise of the field rose into a roar, a soundtrack of motors, cheers, and determination.
The champion alliance of 2570R and 1698V was a spectacle to watch. Their coordination was seamless, almost telepathic. Every cycle was executed with surgical precision, and their endgame lifts brought the audience to its feet. Each match felt like a dance between machine and mind.
Meanwhile, 603A’s clean engineering notebook and elegant robot design proved that documentation and planning remain the backbone of success. 26880A drew admiration with fearless experimentation, showcasing the innovation that defines the VEX V5 program. And 5327X, the youngest among many high school competitors, captured hearts with persistence and teamwork, earning both the Judges and Middle School Excellence Awards, a testament to rising talent in the region.
As the sun set over East Palo Alto, the energy in the gym lingered. Teams packed up their bots but left inspired, ready for the next challenge. The Push Back season in California is heating up fast, and this event showed just how strong the Bay Area’s robotics talent truly is.
RFORCE Commentary
This tournament wasn’t just about points and trophies, it was about innovation, spirit, and connection. The Bay Area’s engineers of tomorrow continue to redefine what’s possible. Congratulations to all participants for showing what happens when passion meets technology.
Written by the RFORCE Editorial Team
For the dreamers, the builders, and the next generation of innovators.