Ready to smell the magic smoke? National Havoc Robot League (NHRL) has officially pulled back the curtain on the 2026 Open Season, providing a full roadmap for builders looking to secure their spot in the cage.
Whether you're aiming for a Golden Dumpster or just trying to survive three minutes, the NHRL 2026 Schedule is packed. However, before you rush to register on the NHRL Registration Portal, the league is sending a clear message: Commit or face the consequences.
The "Don't Drop" Policy
NHRL is tightening its grip on event logistics. If you sign up and drop out before matchups are live, you’ll lose your $75 deposit and see your selection odds slashed for the next two events. Drop after matchups? Expect to be replaced by the waitlist and face even steeper penalties. The takeaway? Only register if you are 100% sure you can make the trip to Norwalk.
Spring Heat: February through June
The season kicks off early with a rapid-fire lottery system. Builders should keep a close eye on the official NHRL Discord for real-time updates, as these dates are subject to change.
February 7 Open: Lottery entries are live now and close Jan 18th. Matchups drop Jan 26.
March 7 Open: Lottery opens Jan 19th and closes on Jan 25th. If you miss the first event, this is your quick turnaround.
April 4 Open: Reservations close Feb 6; Lottery opens Feb 9th and closes Feb 15th.
May 2 Open: Reservations close March 6; Lottery opens March 9th and closes March 15th.
June 6 Open: Reservations close April 10; Lottery opens April 13th and closes April 19th.
Summer Break & The Final Push
While the July Open dates are currently TBA, the season resumes with a vengeance in the fall.
September 12 Open: Reservations close July 17; Lottery opens July 20th and closes July 26th
October 3 Open: Reservations close Aug 7; Lottery opens Aug 10th and closes Aug 16th. This serves as one of the final major opportunities to qualify before the post-season madness.
For the most up-to-date information on brackets and live streams, check out the NHRL YouTube Channel and keep it locked to Havoc Rundown.