Introduction to the First Czech Lockpicking Championship
The year was 2010, and the Czech Republic officially joined the ranks of countries with its own national lockpicking championship. While lockpicking had long been known among enthusiasts, it wasn’t until September 18, 2010, that the first official competition took place, determining the best of the best in this discipline. The event was held at the Sokolovna in Vršovice, where competitors gathered to test their skills in unlocking locks without a key—both in speed and precision.
The atmosphere was electric. Everyone was aware that they were witnessing the birth of something new—the first official championship in the Czech Republic. The rules were still in their early stages, with no sophisticated timers or digital scoreboards—just stopwatches, paper, pens, and calculators forming the basic toolkit for measuring the competitors’ performances. Despite this minimalist setup, the event was filled with excitement and a strong competitive spirit.
The competition consisted of four disciplines: speed raking, precise picking, the intense “lightning round”, and the demanding impressioning category. Impressioning proved to be extremely challenging, with only one competitor, the experienced master Evžen Ivanov, managing to craft a working key without an original. At the time, the event was attended primarily by Czech and Slovak lockpickers, as international participation was still in its infancy. The championship was proudly sponsored by Locksmith.cz, which played a key role in making the event a reality.
It was a day filled with tension, friendly rivalry, and the thrill of the first victories. This inaugural championship laid the foundation for a tradition that would continue to evolve, professionalize, and attract competitors from other countries in the coming years. The first edition of the Czech Lockpicking Championship became a symbol of dedication, passion for lockpicking, and proof that outstanding lockpickers are emerging in the Czech Republic.