No question about it, the Vanier Computer Science Student Association was thrilled with the turnout for VanierHacks 2025, the first Hackathon organized and hosted by Vanier College on March 8 and 9. The one hundred and fifty students registered for the event formed 22 teams from different colleges around Quebec.
VanierHacks 2025 presented the participants with a variety of challenges in a Capture the Flag (CTF) modality. In this format, the groups needed to solve puzzles one by one. The team that solved all the challenges in the shortest time became the champion.
Event Teams
In addition to teams that arrived ready-made, several teams were also created that brought together students from different colleges. "In this way, in addition to being the first event for many participants, they were also able to network and meet students from other Cegeps," said Vanier Computer Science teacher and event facilitator Alex Steinheuser Vilvert.
Event Prizes
The Vanier CSSA decided to innovate on prizes for the winner for Vanier Hacks 2025. All the prizes were laid out on a table and the winners were invited to choose what they wanted to take as a prize. The prizes offered were Arduinos, Video Game peripherals like Joysticks and Headsets as well as PC peripherals such as Mechanical Keyboards and Razer Mouses.
"We are excited to continue this journey and organize an even better VanierHacks for 2026. Vanier CSSA is now working to obtain MHL (Major League Hacking) certification for VanierHacks 2026," said Alex Vilvert Steinheuser.
By all accounts, VanierHacks 2025 was a great experience. "Absolutely amazing. I hope you guys re-do that event. Staff, competition, everything was great. Truly my favorite hackathon so far, and it showed how much effort you put into it. The challenges were super original, and it was obvious that you put a lot of love into this. Again, thank you so much, we had a great time and we really enjoyed it," said one participant.
Other participants commented on the event design and challenges: "The concept behind the hackathon (capture the flag, get points), was original and fun! The way the challenges were set up - it was not only focused on coding. I enjoyed hacking! And the frequent food breaks made it easier to handle."
Another concluded "The solutions to the questions were unique, which made it interesting and fun." "You guys did such an amazing Job. Thank you very much for hosting us."
Congratulations to all the winners and the participants!
VanierHacks winners:
1st place:
The "Swim Shady" team composed of participants from Collège Héritage.
- Sabrina Tochkov
- Julia Forbes
- Jade Fauvelle
- Manuela Nsen
2nd place:
The "Snakes and Vladers" team composed of participants from multiple colleges:
- Said Becerra (Vanier College)
- Omar Lahlou Mimi (Cégep John Abbott)
- Yehia Zaher (Cégep Gérald-Godin)
- Mariana Freitas Coura (Vanier College)
3rd place:
The "Rozzers" team composed of participants from Collège Héritage:
- Claude White
- Pierra Badra
- Ryan Somers
- Joshau Magnan
Honourable mention, most innovative code:
The "CodeVengers" team composed of participants from multiple colleges:
- Paula Andrea Serrato (Vanier College)
- Benjamin Nguyen (Collège Héritage)
- Ibrahim El Zeftawy (Vanier College)
- Jonas Henrique Faes de Almeida (Vanier College)
Honourable mention, better code:
The "Unreliables" team composed of participants from Vanier College:
- Alexandru Cirlan
- Matthew Macri
- Tarek Rafea
- Matthew Veroutis
