World Computer Hacker League 2025: $300K Prize Pool Blockchain Hackathon Now Open

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The DFINITY Foundation and the ICP HUBS Network, the communities that support the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP), have officially launched the World Computer Hacker League 2025 (WCHL25), a four-month global hackathon inviting developers to build production-ready applications on the said blockchain. 

With a total prize pool of $300,000, the organizers said that the competition aims to identify and empower the “next generation of web3 developers worldwide.”

What’s with WCHL25?

WCHL25 will run from July to October, progressing through four competitive rounds: Qualification, National, Regional, and the Global Finale. 

Over 15,000 developers and 2,500 teams are expected to participate, supported by 18 ICP HUBS across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. 

• North America: USA, Canada
• South America: Argentina, Brazil
• Europe: UK, Portugal, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Poland
• Africa: Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt
• Asia: India, Vietnam, Korea, Indonesia, China, Philippines

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Teams will have the opportunity to advance their decentralized applications (dApps) across tracks such as AI, Bitcoin DeFi, Fully On-Chain, Real World Assets, and an Open Track for emerging innovations, according to the organizers.

“WCHL gives developers what they’ve been asking for: real time to focus and build, real support from experts, and real pathways to growth… We’re not just running a hackathon, we’re creating the environment developers need to succeed. Most importantly, we want this event to be an unforgettable experience for tens of thousands of builders around the World.”

Emilio Canessa, Director of Global Adoption, DFINITY Foundation

WCHL25 will be split into four rounds:

• Qualification Round: Idea submission and initial project building
• National Round: Advanced integration with ICP’s tech stack
• Regional Round: Top teams compete by continent
• Global Finale: Finalist teams showcase polished dApps for top prizes and global recognition

As per the organizers, participants are expected to submit fully deployed applications on the ICP mainnet by the final stage.

Key dates for the Qualification Round:

• Registration Opened: June 18, 2025
• Hackathon Begins: July 1, 2025
• Final Submissions Due: July 26, 2025
• Winners Announced: July 31, 2025

The competition is being held alongside the World Computer Summit 2025, which took place on June 3, 2025, in Zurich, Switzerland to commemorate the 4th anniversary of the ICP launch, gathering global leaders from technology, finance, and government to explore AI, web3, and the future of decentralized internet innovation.

Registration 

Developers can register through DoraHacks and join the official Discord server to find teammates, get support, and receive updates.

How to Register:

• Sign up at dorahacks.io
• Create a project (BUIDL) and submit it to the WCHL25 event
• Teams must be composed of two to five members
• No registration fee required

Prizes and Incentives

Total prize pool: $300,000

• Qualification Round: $30,000
  • Across all countries for initial traction
• National Round: $50,000
  • With bounties for technical achievements and innovation
• Regional Round: $70,000
  • For regional leaders demonstrating product-market fit
• Global Finale: $150,000
  • Including special awards for innovation and ecosystem impact

Additional Incentives:

• Fast-tracked DFINITY grant applications
• Investor introductions to web3 VCs and angels
• Certificates for all participants
• Mentorship, feedback, and go-to-market guidance

What is ICP?

The ICP is a decentralized web3 cloud platform developed by the DFINITY Foundation. It enables developers to deploy code directly on-chain without relying on traditional server infrastructure, as written on its website.

Known for its scalability, speed, and cost-efficiency, ICP claims to be an alternative to centralized cloud services while maintaining the principles of decentralization.

In the Philippines, ICP has a local initiative called ICP Hub Philippines, or ISLA Camp. It supports web3 innovation in the country through coding bootcamps, hackathons, and community grants. With programs that fund education, app development, and content creation, the hub aims to make blockchain more accessible while connecting local talent to the global ecosystem. 

Earlier this year, ICP Hub Philippines co-founder Nelson Lumbres predicted stronger blockchain growth in the Philippines in 2025, driven by web3 development, AI integration, clearer regulations, and increasing real-world use cases.

This article is published on BitPinas: World Computer Hacker League 2025: $300K Prize Pool Blockchain Hackathon Now Open

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