The Second Czech Lockpicking Championship: A New Era of Competition
Following the success of the first Czech Lockpicking Championship in 2010, the second edition took place in 2011 in Prague. This time, the tournament was better organized, the rules were refined, and the disciplines were structured to match the growing skill level of participants and the increasing interest in competitive lockpicking. One of the most significant changes was the adjustment of competition disciplines. While the 2010 edition included raking, single-pin picking, speed picking (Bleskovka), and impressioning, it became clear after the first championship that impressioning is a highly specialized and complex skill. In the previous year, Evžen Ivanov was the only competitor who successfully completed the impressioning challenge, proving the technique’s extreme precision requirements. As a result, it was decided that impressioning would be removed from the regular competition lineup and would instead be featured only during major anniversaries or special events.
In its place, four main competition categories were introduced, which have since become the standard for all future championships:
- Padlock Picking – Competitors had five minutes to open a padlock.
- Cylinder Lock Picking – A more challenging discipline with a fifteen-minute time limit.
- Freestyle – Competitors could use any non-destructive technique, with a five-minute time limit.
- Speed Picking (Bleskovka – Elimination Round) – A fast-paced elimination challenge with a one-minute limit.
A major improvement for the 2011 championship was the involvement of the Czech Lockpickers Association (ACL), which became the official organizer of the event. The ACL provided new padlocks for the competition, ensuring fair conditions for all participants in the Padlock Picking and Freestyle disciplines.
International Expansion of the Competition
Another key milestone of the 2011 championship was the participation of international competitors. While the first edition was exclusively a Czech-Slovak event, this time, lockpickers from Germany learned about the championship and decided to join the competition. Their presence marked the beginning of the Czech Lockpicking Championship’s international expansion, which continued to attract participants from other countries in the following years.
The atmosphere was fantastic, with competitors demonstrating high skill levels and strong camaraderie. The second Czech Lockpicking Championship not only secured its place as a major event but also laid the foundation for its future growth on the international stage.