4th Annual Czech Lockpicking Championship: A Historic Setting and International Prestige
The 4th Annual Czech Lockpicking Championship in 2013 was a truly unique event, standing out from previous years thanks to its remarkable location. This time, the competition took place at Nečtiny Castle, creating an incredible historical atmosphere that made participants feel like they had stepped back in time. The setting evoked the spirit of ancient locksmithing masters, blacksmiths, and craftsmen who once worked in similar environments.
The competition was held in November 2013 and attracted around 100 participants and visitors. Alongside members of the Czech Lockpickers Association (ACL), competitors from various European countries also attended. Compared to previous years, the event featured better facilities and stronger organizational support, elevating it to a new level.
One of the most notable guests of the championship was Ken Peterson, the renowned American manufacturer of lockpicking tools and founder of Peterson Tools. His presence was a highlight for many lockpickers, providing a rare opportunity to discuss tools, techniques, and emerging trends in non-destructive entry.
Competition Disciplines
As in previous years, the championship featured four standard disciplines, each testing the lockpickers’ skills across different challenges.
The first event was padlock picking, where competitors had a five-minute time limit to open assigned padlocks as quickly as possible. This required not only technical precision but also adaptability to various locking mechanisms.
The second major event was cylinder lock picking, with a 15-minute time limit. Cylinder locks typically feature more complex mechanisms, demanding greater concentration and refined technique from competitors.
Next was the freestyle event, allowing competitors to choose any method to open the locks. This category emphasized creativity, strategy, and proficiency with various tools. The time limit for freestyle was five minutes.
The final and highly entertaining discipline was Blitz Round (Knockout Competition). Participants had just one minute to pick a lock, making speed and accuracy crucial. Even the smallest mistake could result in elimination, adding a thrilling dynamic to the competition.
Event Atmosphere and Facilities
The championship unfolded in a friendly yet competitive atmosphere, enhanced by the historic setting of the castle and evening discussions among lockpickers. After the competitions, participants gathered to exchange experiences, explore new techniques, and debate the latest security measures and lock designs.
Regarding catering, attendees had to arrange some of their meals, but the event featured a traditional Czech goulash, which became a well-received addition to the experience. This communal aspect strengthened the sense of camaraderie, as the event was not just about competition but also about socializing and learning from one another.
This year’s championship also benefited from increased sponsorship, which helped provide better equipment, competition materials, and valuable prizes for the winners. With growing interest and professionalism, the Czech Lockpicking Championship continued to move closer to the most prestigious European lockpicking tournaments.
The 2013 event at Nečtiny Castle was an unforgettable combination of historical charm, expert workshops, competitive adrenaline, and a welcoming community spirit that left a lasting impression on all participants.