Held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston, the championship drew more than 60,000 attendees, creating an electric and high-energy atmosphere. The BraveBots competed on the Johnson Field, one of eight competition fields, facing off against 75 teams from around the world.

During qualification rounds, Team 4391 demonstrated consistency and skill, finishing with an impressive 8-2 record. Their performance earned them the 9th overall seed heading into the playoff rounds. Building on that momentum, the team selected alliance partners from California and Texas, along with a backup team from New Hampshire.

The alliance made an immediate impact, defeating the tournament’s top-seeded team in the opening round of playoffs. Despite the strong start, they were ultimately eliminated in subsequent matches.

“During the very tough matches, our robot held up well, and the students performed all their tasks exceptionally,” said mentor Barron.

The Gladstone BraveBots team competed at the FIRST World Championship in Houston, Texas. (Photo courtesy of Dawn Hammond)

This year’s team featured 12 seniors, a group Barron described as “truly the best students I have ever worked with.” Eight of those seniors have been part of the program for three or more years, contributing to an extraordinary run of success. Over that time, they secured all six available blue banners at district events, were finalists at both the state and world levels in 2025, and earned seven Judges’ Awards.

“These awards have not come without hundreds of hours in the robot room,” Barron noted.

A unique tradition during the Houston trip gave seniors a chance to reflect and inspire. Each evening at the hotel, seniors shared their future plans, memorable experiences, advice for younger teammates, and words of appreciation for mentors.

Among the seniors with three or more years on the team are Matt Hagebusch (lead build and driver), Collin Viau (head programmer), Alison Tessmer (lead electrician), Blake Lesneski (build), Brant Vesser (strategist), Hannah Yates (media), Derek Bellows (build and scout), and Peyton Rohr (team captain and strategist)

Gladstone BraveBots fans are seen cheering on their team at the FIRST World Championship. (Photo courtesy of Dawn Hammond)

Members on the Gladstone BraveBots team stand next to their robot at the FIRST World Championship in Houston, Texas. (Photo courtesy of Dawn Hammond)

The Gladstone BraveBots recently traveled to Houston, Texas, to compete in the FIRST World Championship at the George R. Brown Convention Center. (Photo courtesy of Dawn Hammond)