6th Czech Lockpicking Championship 2015 – An International Battle of Skills
On September 19-20, 2015, the 6th Czech Lockpicking Championship took place at the picturesque Vránov Ranch. This annual competition, which attracts both domestic and international enthusiasts, once again delivered an incredible atmosphere, fierce competition, and new challenges for all participants.
Friday: A Friendly Gathering
Competitors from various parts of Europe began arriving on Friday afternoon. The evening was all about lively discussions on lockpicking techniques, the latest tools, and security trends. A barbecue gathering further strengthened the bond within the lockpicking community.
Saturday: A Day of Intense Competition
The main competition day kicked off with the padlock opening discipline, where the best lockpickers vied for the championship title. After an intense battle, Tamas Varadi (Hungary) secured first place, followed by Manfred Bölker (Germany) and Torsten Quast (Germany).
The lightning round, one of the most demanding disciplines where competitors have only one minute to open a lock, provided thrilling moments. This year’s winners were Viktor Kučava (Czech Republic), Evžen Ivanov (Czech Republic), and Akos Subecz (Hungary), who demonstrated not only agility but also perfect concentration.
However, the preliminary round of the cylinder lock discipline proved challenging for several participants, including last year’s champion Filip Tůma, who failed to open his submitted lock within the 5-minute time limit. This moment highlighted that even the most experienced lockpickers can face unexpected challenges.
Sunday’s Finals – The Battle for the Championship Title
On Sunday, the competition continued with the final round of the cylinder lock discipline. Akos Subecz (Hungary) delivered an outstanding performance and claimed the championship title, while Manfred Bölker (Germany) and Torsten Quast (Germany) took second and third place, respectively.
The freestyle discipline, which allows competitors to use any non-destructive method to open a lock, brought more excitement. Manfred Bölker (Germany) secured first place, followed by Torsten Quast (Germany) and David Kobylák (Czech Republic).
The Safecracking Challenge – A Mystery Left Unsolved
One of the most exciting moments of the championship was the special safecracking challenge. Participants attempted to crack a combination lock using various modern techniques. Despite their best efforts and advanced technology, the lock remained unbreakable. This unsuccessful attempt only fueled motivation and determination for future competitions.
Conclusion
The 6th Czech Lockpicking Championship once again proved that lockpicking is not just a precise skill but also an art that connects enthusiasts from across Europe. Not only the competitive moments but also the friendly atmosphere, knowledge-sharing, and passion for the craft make this event a highlight of the Czech lockpicking scene each year. We look forward to the next championship and the new challenges it will bring!