HPCC4 coming Fall 2026!

The Horse Plinko Cyber Challenge (HPCC) is a student-run cyber defense competition hosted at the University of Central Florida.

It is a joint effort between UCF's Collegiate Cybersecurity Competitions (C3) Team and Hack@UCF. In the hackathon spirit, the first HPCC was developed (from conception to competition day) in a little over a month. While the scope has expanded since then, the core principles remain the same.

Horse Plinko is a beginner-friendly event. We work on a “low skill floor, high skill ceiling” basis. New players should feel challenged but not overwhelmed, and experienced players should have a chance to show off their skills.

Horse Plinko gives players practical cybersecurity experience. We focus on skills that are useful in the industry (Linux/Windows system administration, SIEM and firewall management, best practices, and more) and strive to reward players for doing the basics consistently and thoroughly.

Horse Plinko is a good time. We believe that professionalism and fun can coexist, and that students involved in an active community of their peers are more likely to succeed in school, career, and beyond.