How to Get the Most Out of a Web3 Hackathon: Tips & Tricks.
Do you know the word “hackathon” was first coined in 1999 by a group of programmers at Sun Microsystems? The term originated in Palo Alto, California, and combines “hack” (creative programming) with “marathon” (an extended effort), reflecting the collaborative and intensive nature of the event.
Who gives a damn about that fact, right !! What we know is the most frequently given advice to the ones who are starting in this space is — “ Take part in a hackathon, you will learn a lot.” Have you ever wondered how to get the most out of it for someone who is getting started with web3 and now with hackathon? Yes, I am talking about you, so why not let’s read this together and see, whether it makes sense?
At least that above damn fact helps us understand a bit, of what is a hackathon? Now, the first question is where to find them, so let me point out 3 major websites where most of the hackathons are listed: ETHGlobal, Devfolio, and DoraHacks. For sure, there can be more platforms but these three are major ones. Let’s walk together and understand step by step about process in a detailed manner.
Key points about a Hackathon:
(Skip to the next part, if you are aware of the basics of a hackathon)
- Types of Hackathons: Hackathons are typically categorized into two main types:
— Virtual Hackathons: These are your fully online, pajama-friendly events. No need to worry about flights or finding a place to crash — just log in from wherever you are in the world. The upside? You can team up with folks from different time zones, creating a round-the-clock hackathon machine. Collaboration happens through digital platforms, so it’s all about mastering that remote teamwork game.
— IRL (In Real Life) Hackathons: These are the classic, roll-up-your-sleeves-and-get-to-work events. You head to a physical venue, surrounded by the buzz of fellow hackers, with everyone hunched over their laptops and guzzling coffee. IRL hackathons often come with a specific theme, and the atmosphere is intense. You’ve got a day, maybe a weekend, to pull off something amazing. The energy in the room is contagious, and let’s be honest — nothing beats the vibe of working side by side with your team, brainstorming and building in real-time. - Duration: Hackathons come in all shapes and sizes when it comes to time. You’ve got your quick sprints — 24 hours of pure, caffeinated madness — then there are the 48-hour marathons, and sometimes even longer (for those who like to push the limits). The clock’s always ticking, and that pressure cooker environment is what drives the magic. It forces you to focus, hustle, and somehow turn a crazy idea into a working project in record time.
- Themes and Challenges: Many hackathons have specific themes, problem statements, or challenges that participants are asked to address. Make sure, you understand the theme before signing up for the hackathon. For eg, the circuit breaker hackathon by ETHGlobal is mainly focused on ZK and Cryptography.
- Prizes and Recognition: Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good prize? Hackathons often dangle some pretty sweet carrots — cash, mentorship, and sometimes even a shot at turning your hackathon baby into a full-blown startup. But it’s not just about the money; it’s about the recognition. Winning or even just participating can put you on the map, build your rep, and open doors you didn’t even know existed.
- Diverse Participation: Hackathons are open to people from various backgrounds, including programmers, designers, business professionals, and domain experts. This diversity of skills and perspectives often leads to creative and holistic problem-solving approaches
(Did you take that jump from the basics ?)
I know... I know .. Enough of explaining what and how of hackathon is conducted right? You should be wondering, Pranshu this is something we are already aware of. Tell us how to get the most out of a web3 hackathon, what you have written in the title, don’t make this another clickbait article. So, here we go.
- Understand the theme: Most hackathons have a theme, and it’s not just there to look pretty on the event banner. Take the Circuit Breaker Hackathon by ETHGlobal, for instance — it was all about Zero-Knowledge (ZK) tech and cryptography. So, if your project wasn’t playing in the privacy or scaling sandbox, you were probably barking up the wrong tree. Themes are like a cheat sheet for what the sponsors and judges are itching to see. If it’s a DeFi hackathon, you’d better bet that anything from DeFi protocols to crypto lending will get you noticed. So, do your homework, align your project with the theme, and you’re not just in the game — you’re playing to win. This way, you’re not only catching the judges’ eyes but also making sponsors sit up and think, “Hey, this could be something!”
- Do you love swags: Usually, in IRL hackathons, a lot of participants get attracted by the cool, crazy swag (I won’t lie, I’m one of them). But when people ask me about the swag, one thing I often say is, “The best swag we have is our bounties.” By now, you’ve probably figured out why. Just to be clear, it’s not just about the monetary benefits — it’s about building your reputation, enhancing your resume, and, most importantly, boosting your confidence. That’s the real swag! (Cue the two-finger swag emoji).
- Ever Judged a protocol by its documentation: I usually crave good documentation while building something (The last time I built something was my DIY office chair, but as I said docs help). But here’s the thing — this paragraph isn’t about explaining how crucial documentation is; it’s about making you realize how important your project’s README is to the judges.
Imagine this, you have built something that can be the next startup and you believe in that project because it is solving something new or it is something that can make the world a better place, But, But, at the same time you have to understand that those judges have a time clock hitting every second, additionally most of them are not mind readers (Some of them like me are, well well that’s a topic of another day). So, it’s time to do what everyone loves — ask the big question: “Pranshu, how do I write a good README?” Luckily for you, I can read minds, so here are the tips and basic template for you.
- Pt 1: Start with the Why
Why should anyone care about your project? Right out of the gate, your README needs to answer this question. Give the judges a reason to keep reading. Think of it as your project’s elevator pitch — short, sweet, and to the point. If your project is about decentralizing dog walking (hey, it could happen), make sure they know why that’s going to change the world, or at least why it’s cool. - Pt 2: Show the How
Now that you’ve hooked them, it’s time to reel them in. Break down how your project works. This isn’t the place to get lost in the weeds — keep it clear and simple. A quick overview of the architecture, the tech stack, and any key features will do the trick. Think of it as the “look under the hood” moment, but remember, we’re not all mechanics here, so no need to get too technical. - Pt 3: Make It Easy to Test
Judges love playing around with projects, but they don’t love spending hours figuring out how to do it. Make their lives easier by including a step-by-step guide on how to set up and run your project. The easier you make it for them to test your creation, the more likely they are to fall in love with it. And if you can throw in a demo link or a video walkthrough, even better — judges are humans too, and they love shortcuts as much as the rest of us. - Pt 4: Highlight What’s Next
So, you’ve shown them what your project does and how it works — now what? Use this final section to talk about the future. Where do you see this project going? Are there any cool features you didn’t have time to implement? This is your chance to plant a seed in the judges’ minds, making them think, “Wow, this could really go somewhere!” It shows you’re serious about the project’s potential and not just throwing something together for the hackathon. Plus, a forward-thinking mindset is always impressive.
And there you have it — a README that not only tells the story of your project but also makes the judges’ job a little easier. Remember, a well-crafted README can be the difference between “meh” and “wow!” So take the time to get it right, and you might just walk away with that top prize.
- Leverage Mentor Sessions :
Let me tell you, mentor sessions at hackathons are pure gold. And I’m not just saying that because I’ve been on both sides of the table. These aren’t just checkbox exercises — they’re your chance to tap into the brains of people who’ve been there, done that, and probably have the scars to prove it.
Quick story: at one IRL hackathon, a few folks rolled up to our booth with some pretty gnarly questions about the protocol we were working on. They were stuck, and you could see the frustration setting in. But after a quick chat, where we broke things down, they were back on track in no time. Not only did they resolve their issues faster, but they also got a deeper understanding of the protocol, which boosted their confidence. We even ended up chatting about potential internships — they were that impressive!
So, don’t sleep on these sessions. Whether you’re wrestling with a technical glitch or just need some feedback on your project’s direction, a mentor can be that fresh set of eyes you didn’t know you needed. And here’s the kicker — these interactions can sometimes turn into networking opportunities that last way beyond the hackathon. So, when you see that mentor sign-up sheet, don’t just walk by. Jump in, pick their brains, and who knows? You might just walk away with more than you came for.
- Learn and Have Fun:
Look, I know winning is awesome, but let’s not forget that hackathons are as much about learning as they are about snagging that top prize. Even if your project doesn’t walk away with a trophy, the experience you gain is pure gold. You’re picking up new skills on the fly, learning how to juggle pressure like a pro, and figuring out what works — and what totally doesn’t. Every bit of it counts, and it’s all part of the ride.
But here’s the thing: don’t forget to have fun! Seriously, the adrenaline, the camaraderie, those late-night brainstorming sessions where everything seems like the best idea ever — these are the moments that make hackathons truly worth it.
One of the most valuable lessons in life? Enjoy the process. Sure, sometimes you win, sometimes you don’t, but if you’re having a blast along the way, that’s what really sticks with you. So, dive in, soak up the experience, and remember that the journey itself is just as rewarding as the finish line. - Wrap It Up Right :
So, the hackathon’s over, and you’re probably running on fumes, but don’t just pack up and disappear. The real magic often happens after the event. Follow up with your team, mentors, and anyone you had those random yet insightful conversations with. A quick “thank you” or a “hey, let’s stay in touch” can go a long way.
And don’t forget to share your project online — let the world see what you’ve built! You never know who might stumble across it and offer that last nudge to take it to the next level.
Take some time to reflect, too. What did you learn? What could you have done differently? How will you use this experience to crush it at the next hackathon? (Because let’s be real, once you’ve had a taste, you’re probably going to be back for more.)
And remember, those candid conversations you had during the event? They can lead to opportunities you never saw coming. As they say, “all’s well that ends well” — and a hackathon that ends with new connections, fresh ideas, and maybe even a few new friends is a win in my book.
Conclusion
And there you have it — a full-circle journey through the ins and outs of getting the most out of a web3 hackathon. Whether you’re chasing that top prize or just diving in to soak up the experience, remember that every hackathon is an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect. The late-night coding sessions, the adrenaline rush of getting that last feature to work, the new friends and potential collaborators — these are the moments that make hackathons unforgettable.
So, what’s your favorite hackathon story? Did you have a breakthrough moment at 3 AM or make a connection that turned into something bigger? Drop your stories in the comments — I’d love to hear them! Because at the end of the day, it’s these shared experiences that keep us all coming back for more.
Let’s Connect!
Feel free to reach out or follow me on my socials:
- 🐦 Twitter @pranshurastogii
- 💼 LinkedIn: Pranshu Rastogi
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- 🎥 YouTube: Pranshu’s Channel
