They stepped into the arena to see if they had what it takes to become the SCADAMania Champion!
ScadaFest 2026 raised the bar for technical competition with SCADAMania, an action-packed elimination-style challenge that put VTScada expertise to the ultimate test. Fifteen skilled participants went head-to-head in a fast-paced series of challenges and puzzles, captivating attendees and proving just how exciting industrial automation skills can be when the pressure is on.
Designed to showcase real-world VTScada knowledge, SCADAMania challenged competitors with progressively complex scenarios covering configuration, troubleshooting, system design, and rapid problem-solving. Each round pushed participants to think quickly, adapt under pressure, and demonstrate deep technical mastery, all while a live audience looked on.
The competition unfolded through multiple elimination rounds, narrowing the field from fifteen determined contenders down to a final face-off between two standout competitors, Kevin from Contact Automation and returning 3-peat champ, Steve from PBX Engineering. The final round delivered a dramatic conclusion, with both finalists demonstrating exceptional skill, creativity, and composure under intense time constraints. And in a blaze of glory, Steve Gillan became a 4-time champ, cementing a ScadaFest dynasty.
“SCADAMania was all about celebrating the talent and ingenuity of the VTScada community,” says Natashia Lutz, ScadaFest’s Event Coordinator. “The energy in the room was incredible. Competitors were laser-focused, the audience was fully engaged, and every challenge showcased just how powerful and flexible VTScada can be in the hands of skilled users.”
SCADAMania quickly became one of the most talked-about events of ScadaFest, blending technical excellence with friendly competition and entertainment. Attendees cheered on participants, exchanged strategies between rounds, and gained valuable insights from watching real-time problem-solving in action.
Beyond the competition, SCADAMania reinforced ScadaFest’s mission: bringing the SCADA community together to learn, connect, and celebrate innovation. By turning hands-on skills into a live competitive experience, the event highlighted both the depth of talent within the community and the practical strengths of the VTScada platform.
With its thrilling format and unforgettable finale, SCADAMania has set a new benchmark for interactive learning and engagement at ScadaFest.
About ScadaFest
ScadaFest is an annual gathering of SCADA professionals, VTScada users, system integrators, and industry leaders, offering in-depth training, technical sessions, and community-driven events designed to inspire and inform.
Special Thanks to the VTScada team who brought us SCADAMania:
- Natashia Lutz – Concept
- Keith Donaldson – Head Design
- Seif Elbayomi – Project Management
- Bhavya Ghevariva – Puzzles / Challenge Designer
- Brijesh Varsani – Puzzles / Challenge Designer
- Colin Parnell – Puzzles / Challenge Designer
- David Spencer – Puzzles / Challenge Designer
- Fallon Boone – Puzzles / Challenge Designer
- Heemal Morakhia – Puzzles / Challenge Designer
- Paul Dexter – Puzzles / Challenge Designer
- Peter Nock – Puzzles / Challenge Designer
- Samer Mansour – Puzzles / Challenge Designer
- Vicki Day – Puzzles / Challenge Designer
- Yufeng Xu – Puzzles / Challenge Designer