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How to Create a Winning Strategy for Hackathon Success
- Sam Booth Jacobsen
- Nov 20
- 5 min read
Hackathons are intense, inspiring, and often life-changing. Whether you're there to build something cool, meet like-minded people, or challenge yourself in a new environment, a hackathon offers one of the fastest ways to grow your skills and confidence 🚀. But if you’re wondering how to actually succeed at one—especially if it’s your first time—this guide will help you prepare, participate, and power through with purpose.
From pre-event planning to post-hack strategies, here’s how to create a game plan that sets you up for success.
👉 Visit The Changing Booth to discover more ways to expand your skills and explore digital opportunities that can boost your personal and professional growth.
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🛠️ What Actually Happens at a Hackathon?
Let’s start with the basics. A hackathon is a time-limited event—typically 24 to 72 hours—where individuals or teams build a solution (usually tech-based) to a specific challenge or open-ended theme. You’ll brainstorm ideas, build a prototype, and present your project to judges or peers.
🕓 How long is a typical hackathon?
Usually 1 to 3 days, but some go longer. There are also online hackathons that last a week or more.
😴 Do you sleep during a hackathon?
Yes, but it depends on your time management! Many venues offer sleeping areas or let you nap in common spaces.
🚿 Do you shower during a hackathon?
Often yes—especially for in-person events at universities or coworking spaces with facilities. Bring toiletries just in case!
🤔 What if I don’t know anyone at a hackathon?
That’s normal! Hackathons are incredibly social. You’ll often join or be matched with a team at the event.
📅 Step 1: Plan Ahead Like a Pro
Hackathons are fast-paced, but that doesn’t mean you should walk in unprepared. Doing a little groundwork beforehand will help you stand out and stay focused.
🧠 Understand the Challenge
Many hackathons share the theme or problem statement ahead of time. Research it. Read up on related case studies, technologies, or industries.
👉 Tip: Write down 2–3 potential directions you’d love to explore so you're not starting from scratch.
👥 Assemble a Versatile Team
If you can choose teammates in advance, aim for diversity: design, coding, project management, storytelling, etc.
👉 Tip: If you're solo, don’t worry—many events kick off with "team forming" sessions where you can connect with others based on interest and skillset.
🧰 Prep Your Toolkit
Install your favorite tools, plugins, and frameworks ahead of time. Bookmark APIs or design resources you may want to use.
👉 Tip: Bring headphones, chargers, snacks, and a reusable water bottle—essentials for staying in the zone.
🤝 Step 2: Connect With the Right People
Your network can be your biggest asset during a hackathon. This includes mentors, other teams, judges, and fellow participants.
🗣️ Talk to Mentors Early
Mentors are often available for feedback throughout the event. Reach out early and keep them updated on your progress.
👉 Tip: Ask clear, specific questions. You’ll get better advice that way.
🌟 Collaborate, Don’t Compete
Hackathons are about innovation and learning. If someone else has a great idea or needs help—share knowledge freely.
👉 Tip: You never know who you’ll work with again. Keep doors open for future partnerships.
⏱️ Step 3: Manage Time and Energy Wisely
The energy of a hackathon is exhilarating—but burnout is real. Having a loose structure can keep your team focused and motivated.
🕰️ Break the Time Into Phases
Instead of trying to do everything at once, divide your time into clear checkpoints:
⌛ Ideation
🛠️ Building
🧪 Testing
🗣️ Presentation prep
🍎 Take Care of Your Body
Get fresh air, eat real food, and stay hydrated. Your brain works better when your body is taken care of.
👉 Tip: A quick walk or 10-minute stretch can re-energize your team during crunch time.
💡 Step 4: Build Something Simple But Effective
When time is limited, done is better than perfect. Don’t worry about creating a complete app or a polished platform—build a working demo that shows your idea clearly.
✅ Focus on Core Functionality
Pick one key feature to demonstrate your idea. You can always say, “In a future version, we’d add X, Y, Z.”
👉 Tip: Simplicity often wins. If judges can’t understand your demo, they won’t remember it.
🖼️ Tell the Story Behind the Build
Why did you choose this problem? What makes your approach different?
👉 Tip: Great storytelling matters. Practice your pitch as much as your code.
📣 Step 5: Present Like a Winner
Your idea might be amazing, but if the presentation doesn’t land—it won’t win. Judges love teams that can communicate clearly and with purpose.
🎤 Make It Memorable
Open strong. Be clear. End with a punch. Judges are tired—don’t make them guess what you built.👉 Tip: Use visuals, a demo walkthrough, or a quick narrative to show real-world value.
🎯 Hit the Criteria
Most hackathons judge based on innovation, usability, technical implementation, and relevance to the theme. Make sure you hit all those notes.
👉 Tip: Address these points explicitly. Use phrases like: “This solves a key pain point by...” or “Our technical approach uses…”
🚀 Step 6: Keep the Momentum Going
Whether you win or not, a hackathon can open new doors. What you do after the event matters just as much.
📩 Follow Up With New Connections
Send thank-you messages to mentors, judges, or teammates. Connect on LinkedIn or Discord. Keep the relationships going.
🛠️ Keep Building
If your idea has potential, keep iterating! Even a basic hackathon prototype can evolve into a portfolio piece, a startup, or a capstone project.
🧾 Reflect on What You Learned
What worked well? What would you do differently next time? Write it down while it’s still fresh.
🌱 A Pep Talk for First-Time Hackers
Maybe you’ve never coded before.
Maybe you’re nervous you won’t fit in.
Maybe you’ve tried a hackathon and didn’t finish your project.
Guess what? You still belong here 💛.
Hackathons aren’t just for tech geniuses. They’re for idea people, tinkerers, designers, dreamers, and anyone who wants to learn and grow in a new environment. Your voice, your creativity, your point of view—it matters.
You don’t have to win to win. Every hackathon is a step forward.
🧭 Explore More, Build More, Grow More
Hackathons are one of the most energizing, challenging, and rewarding experiences you can have online. If you’re looking to level up your skills, confidence, and creativity—this is your sign.
You’ve got this 💡✨.
🎉 Visit The Changing Booth to browse digital activities that spark curiosity, boost productivity, and help you create a better life—one idea at a time.
📚 Recommended Reading for Newbie Hackers
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