12th Czech Lockpicking Championship 2024 – Eugene Ivanov Memorial

12th Annual Czech Lockpicking Championship – Spring 2024 Brings New Champions and a Fantastic Atmosphere

For many years, the Czech Lockpicking Championship was traditionally held in the fall. However, 2024 brought a major change, as the 12th edition of this prestigious event was organized in the spring, from April 12 to April 14, 2024. This change allowed for greater participation of new competitors and added fresh dynamics to the event.

Competitors from across Europe gathered to test their skills in the four classic disciplines – padlocks, pin tumbler locks, the speed challenge, and freestyle picking. As in previous years, the competition was divided into preliminary rounds and the A and B finals.

A Friendly Atmosphere and Strong Participation

The event took place at Orlík, welcoming approximately 40 participants from the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Hungary, and other European countries. The atmosphere was fantastic from the very beginning. Friday evening was filled with socializing, discussions about lockpicking, and sharing experiences in both personal and professional life.

The winners of the individual disciplines were rewarded with valuable prizes provided by sponsors and partners, including lockpicking sets, padlocks, pin tumbler locks, and other useful tools. There were also sweet treats, such as cotton candy, adding a fun and lighthearted element to the competition. Every participant had the opportunity to earn a prize based on their performance.

Competition Disciplines and Results

The padlock competition was the first discipline. In the B final, two Czech competitors dominated, taking first and second place, followed by an Austrian in third. The A final was a fierce battle between two German participants and one Czech lockpicker, who secured third place.

In the pin tumbler lock competition, the B final saw two Czech competitors and an Austrian among the top three. In the A final, a German competitor took first place, an Austrian placed second, and a Czech lockpicker secured third.

The speed challenge was one of the most intense and nerve-wracking disciplines. A Hungarian competitor claimed victory, followed by two Czech lockpickers in second and third place.

The freestyle discipline had a diverse lineup. In the B final, one Czech and two Germans took the top three spots. In the A final, the winners were two Austrians and one Hungarian.

A Year of Surprises – Newcomers Made Their Mark

One of the highlights of this year’s championship was the remarkable performance of new Czech lockpickers. Many of them participated for the first time, yet they managed to secure impressive rankings, proving that the Czech lockpicking community continues to grow and evolve.

A special mention goes to the winner of the Czech Lockpicker category, where an unexpected newcomer outperformed some of the country’s most experienced competitors, securing a top-five position.

Closing Thoughts and Appreciation

The 12th Czech Lockpicking Championship has now become a part of history, not only for its seasonal change but also for its fantastic atmosphere, outstanding performances, and growing interest in the sport.

We extend our gratitude to all competitors, organizers, partners, and sponsors who helped make this year’s championship a resounding success.

📸 Find the full photo gallery on our Facebook page!

🔑 Complete result tables are available below in this article.