RSL at the Armory in October

We are excited to host another MRCA qualifying combat robot competition at the National Guard Armory in Hastings, MN! This event will feature the following weight classes:

• 1lb Plastic Antweight
• 1lb Antweight
• 3lb Beetleweight

All matches will take place in enclosed arenas to keep the action safe but exciting.

Sign Ups

We will not have caps for sign up for this event. However, to ensure we have enough space planned we will not exceed 120 robots.

Sign ups open August 13th at 10 AM CST

Event Details

• Date: October 10, 2026
• Location: Hastings National Guard Armory – 3050 MN-316, Hastings, MN 55033
• Venue: Plenty of pit space with provided tables and chairs. TVs will be available to watch fights live.

Tournament Format

Group Stage Followed By Single Elimination

• Group Stage: 3 rounds
• Advancement Format: “2 wins / 2 losses” system
• 2–0: Advance early to Single Elimination (skip Round 3)
• 0–2: Eliminated from bracket contention (skip Round 3)
• 1–1: Compete in Round 3 to determine advancement

This allows faster advancement, fewer unnecessary matches, and gets eliminated teams back into action sooner.

Dropping from the Event

• You may withdraw during the group stage without a forfeit as long as you drop before the next round is published
• If you drop in time, you’ll simply be removed from the event

After / During Group Stage

• Single Elimination Brackets will begin once advancement is finalized
• Matchmaking will begin during Round 3, allowing earlier participation for eliminated teams and matchmaking-only competitors

Open Matchmaking

After the Group Stage, we’ll open up for matchmaking. How this will work:

• Matches will start with an organized queuing period.
• Inform the Queue Manager when you are ready to be added for matchups
• Robots are paired against opponents close to their current rank for fair and exciting matches. (For Plastic Ants, this will be random match ups)
• Rankings are based on MRCA Elo
• Robots without an MRCA ranking will start at 1500
• Rankings are updated throughout the day
• Once a match is assigned, it must be fought - withdrawing from an assigned match counts as a forfeit
• Queue limits per driver:
• Only one robot per weight class may be queued at a time. For example: One antweight and one beetleweight may be queued simultaneously, for a single driver.
• If you have multiple robots in the same weight class, only one may be queued until its match is completed
• Matchmaking Fees & Eligibility
• Open matchmaking is included with event registration — there is no additional fee
• Any robot registered for the event may enter matchmaking at any point, including after Group Stage or in the middle of Single Elimination

If you have further questions, please email robotsmashingleague@gmail.com.

Prizes

• We’ll have trophies for First, Second and Third Place.

Food

• Minne’s on Glenwood – Sliders, Chicago Dogs, Street Polish

Arena Specs

• Beetleweight Arena: 8’ x 8’, painted plywood floor
• Antweight Arena: 6’ x 6’, painted plywood floor

Friday Early Access & Setup

Competitors are welcome to stop by the Armory on Friday, October 9 to get a head start on the weekend.

• 12:00 PM – Setup Help: Anyone who would like to help us set up the venue, arenas, pits, and other event equipment is welcome to arrive around noon. Extra hands are always appreciated!
• 3:00 PM – Competitor Early Access: Competitors are welcome to arrive after 3:00 PM to hang out, get their pit table set up, and go through safety ahead of Saturday’s competition.

There is no set closing time Friday evening. We expect to be around until approximately 7–8 PM, and we'll keep things going as long as people are hanging out. Taking care of your pit setup and safety inspection Friday night is completely optional, but it can make for a much easier start Saturday morning.

Schedule

• 8:00 AM – Doors Open for Competitors and Safety Opens
• 9:45 AM - Drivers’ Meeting
• 10:00 AM – Spectators Welcome / Group Stage Fights Begin
• 2:00 PM - Matchmaking Opens & Single Elimination Brackets Start

Entry Fees

• First entry per driver: $35
• Additional entries: $25
• Youth competitors: $25 per entry (flat rate)

Ruleset

• This event will follow MRCA rules and building requirements for Ants & Beetles. For Plastic Ants the SPARC construction rules will apply.

Spectators and Volunteers

• Spectators: Free entry, doors open at 10 AM
• Live Stream: https://youtube.com/live/EOXTJIK6Bp4?feature=share
• Volunteers: Email robotsmashingleague@gmail.com if interested

Stay Connected

• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for livestreams and videos after the event
• Email robotsmashingleague@gmail.com with any questions