From Labs to Leaders: Honoring the Champions of the 2026 CyberGames Americas

Our hackers have officially crossed the finish line, drawing the first Cisco CyberGames Americas 2026 Ethical Hacker marathon to a close and leaving behind a legacy of growth, community spirit and innovation. Over several months, members of our Cisco Networking Academy community connected with a sole purpose: to bridge the digital divide, sharpen cybersecurity skills, and prepare the next generation of tech professionals to thrive in an ever-changing digital economy.

This marathon wasn’t just a competition. It was a movement designed to foster talent and raise awareness about the importance of foundational digital skills. Through comprehensive, interactive training and dedicated support, we empowered both instructors and academies to reach more students than ever before, enabling the next generation with the knowledge they need to solve the problems of tomorrow, today.

Region-wide scaling: A marathon of impact

The sheer scale of this marathon was unprecedented, connecting…