Most coding contests assume you’re working alone. But today, no one does.


Meet our first AI-assisted coding contest - where using AI isn’t cheating... it’s the engine.


Tools like Claude Code, Codex, and GitHub Copilot are already part of every developer's workflow. The real skill isn't just writing code anymore - it's knowing what to ask, what to trust, and what to fix.

Ctrl+AI

What this contest is really about

It’s about how effectively you can work with AI under pressure.

This isn’t about writing code faster, it's about thinking better.


You might debug broken implementations with AI, refine generated code, or guide your co-pilot toward an approach it wouldn't find on its own.


Traditional contests test how much you can do alone. Ctrl + AI tests how well you can collaborate. One rewards memorization. The other rewards thinking.

This is already how software gets built. We're just making a contest out of it.


Your AI co-pilot

Chat tab built into the challenge editor
Understand mode
Hints, concept explanations, why-is-my-test-failing help. Learns with you, doesn't code for you.
Implement mode
Reads your existing code, writes directly in the editor. You prompt, it ships. Actual agent mode.

4 challenges to tackle


Each challenge targets a real-world AI skill.

Solve them in any order, at your own pace, the timer starts when you do.


⚙️
Automation
Scripts, workflows, and making repetitive things disappear.
🤖
AI Agents
Build something that thinks, decides, and acts on its own.
🔌
Integration & API
Connect the dots. Wire up APIs. Make systems talk to each other.
🐛
Bug Fixing
Hunt it. Understand it. Squash it. A classic for a reason.

Each challenge takes roughly 45 minutes, totaling about 3 hours. You can tackle them one by one at your own pace, so feel free to take a break between challenges.

Prizes

The top 3 participants will each win a DojoCode hoodie, stickers, and in-app tokens.

How scoring works

Your score per challenge = speed × difficulty - minus penalties.


Every AI prompt you send costs −3%. Every failed submission costs −5%. So yes, use the AI, but use it smart. Spam it and you'll climb the leaderboard a little slower.


After the contest, ratings update via an Elo system (starting at 1500). Beat stronger players, gain more. Simple.

Full scoring formula in the docs if you want to get nerdy about it.


The rules (quick version)

  • × One account per person — no alt accounts, no shared solutions while the contest is live.
  • × Use our built-in AI assistant to solve the challenges. External AI tools are disabled to ensure a fair and consistent experience for everyone.

Full rules: docs.dojocode.io/contest/rules


Whether you're an AI-curious dev dipping your toes in agentic coding, or someone who already has a system prompt for everything, this contest was made for you. Come show us what human + AI can do when the clock's ticking.


APRIL 8, 2026
Ready to press Ctrl + AI?

Let’s see how well you actually use it.

Register now →