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The newly created Hack of Fame is an elite, permanent honorary group that recognizes exceptional past performance in the President’s Cup.

Induction is granted to competitors who have achieved three top 3 finishes with at least one first-place win in any track throughout the history of the competition, and membership has been applied to qualifying individuals from President’s Cup 1 (PC1)!

The Hack of Fame was conceived not only to commemorate elite performance, but also to create a transition pathway for the highest achieving competitors to become respected contributors to the competition. This initiative will build upon the mission of the President’s Cup through the creation of community-building activities and the cultivation of next-generation federal cybersecurity leaders.

Benefits & Opportunities

Inductees can give back to the community through continued engagement opportunities such as mentorship, challenge development, panel participation, exhibition-based competitions, and more. Additionally, Hack of Fame members receive visibility, prestige, and narrative-based milestones as part of their own continuing professional development.

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Passive Recognition & Honorary Involvement

For inductees with limited time who want to stay connected while contributing to the legacy of the competition:

  • Permanent Hack of Fame listing (remains even after federal/military service ends).
  • Recognition at Future Finals Ceremonies (verbal mentions, briefings, etc).
  • Digital Badge or Certificate for LinkedIn or professional portfolios.
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Technical Contribution Opportunities*

For inductees who want to stay sharp and give back behind the scenes:

  • Challenge QA & Testing - Help validate challenge solvability, difficulty balance, and environment integrity.
  • Challenge Ideation Brainstorm Sessions - Contribute original challenge ideas or themes for future competition rounds.
  • Red Team Support - Participate in any future red team-based challenges during the Finals.

*Contributions to challenge development, QA, and testing will preclude participation in the competition.

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Leadership & Mentorship Opportunities

Help grow the community and inspire the next wave of cyber defenders:

  • Panelist or Speaker at Finals or “All Star” Events - Share insights on problem-solving, teamwork, or career development.
  • Peer Coaching/Mentorship Program (Pilot) - Optional mentorship of first-time finalists or top qualifiers during virtual rounds.
  • “Inductee Insights” Video Interviews or Blog Spotlights - Highlight your journey, tips, and how the competition helped your career.

Hack of Fame

The list of current members by username is below.

Click to see more information on each inductee.

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Past Performance Spotlight

Melissa Leslie (U.S. Air Force)

PC6 Track A Finals

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Additional Information

How to Get Involved

The President's Cup team will reach out in the coming months to Hack of Fame members to offer opportunities such as those listed above.

Hack of Fame &
Eligibility Cap Distinction

President's Cup Hack of Fame inductees are not the same as those that have reached the eligibility cap. Hack of Fame membership has been applied beginning with PC1, while eligibility cap tracking will begin during President’s Cup 7 (PC7).

For more information on the eligibility cap, please visit this website.