May 27 - June 24, 2026
Introducing: Dune Phantom
Following previous Gauntlet missions, Dune Phantom introduces a new series of weekly machine drops built around real-world attack and defense scenarios. Each challenge is structured and task-based, allowing you to earn points through flag submissions while tracking your progress on a live global leaderboard. With over $45,000 in prizes up for grabs, the top 50 players on the leaderboard will also earn a share of the prize pool.
Adapt. Endure. Restore truth.
Dune Phantom continues the fast-track format with a four-week sprint. New challenges, evolving difficulty, and a persistent adversary ensure the pressure never stays the same.
Whether this is your first CTF or your next proving ground, The Gauntlet rewards learning, persistence, and adaptation.
The Gauntlet is OffSec's free, seasonal capture the flag event designed to test real-world offensive and defensive security skills under pressure.
How to participate
1
Create your free account
Use the form below to create your free OffSec account or sign in if you already have one.
Pro tip: You'll need an account before accessing the event!
2
Register for The Gauntlet
Log into your account and head to The Gaunlet event page to register and claim your spot.
Don't wait too long! Seats are limited.
3
Start solving on May 27th
New machines will drop weekly. Unfinished tasks = leaderboard fuel for your rivals.
Keep checking your emails and come back every week.
4
Climb the leaderboard
Earn points by getting it right and getting it fast. Faster solutions earn First PWN bonus points!
Check your progress against other hackers on live event leaderboards.
5
Prove your infiltration capability
Finish in the top rankings to win exclusive OffSec rewards.
Remember: Every flag brings you closer to glory and exclusive OffSec loot
1
Create your free account
Use the form below to create your free OffSec account or sign in if you already have one.
Pro tip: You'll need an account before accessing the event!
2
Register for The Gauntlet
Log into your account and head to The Gaunlet event page to register and claim your spot.
Don't wait too long! Seats are limited.
3
Start solving on May 27th
New machines will drop weekly. Unfinished tasks = leaderboard fuel for your rivals.
Keep checking your emails and come back every week.
4
Climb the leaderboard
Earn points by getting it right and getting it fast. Faster solutions earn First PWN bonus points!
Check your progress against other hackers on live event leaderboards.
5
Prove your infiltration capability
Finish in the top rankings to win exclusive OffSec rewards.
Remember: Every flag brings you closer to glory and exclusive OffSec loot
Dune Phantom is ending in
12
Days
17
Hours
58
Minutes
35
Seconds
Season 3: May 27 - June 24, 2026
Register now to:
- Lock in your free spot for Dune Phantom
- Get early access + exclusive launch updates
- Be the first to enter when Dune Phantom drops
This event is open to all OffSec accounts. If you're already registered, you can sign in here .
Please ensure you are subscribed to our emails to receive notifications and prizes for The Gauntlet.
Welcome to Dune Phantom
A phantom stalks the sands, launching mirage-like cyber attacks that distort what defenders trust most: the integrity of their data. Alerts flicker without cause. Logs contradict themselves. Evidence appears, then disappears.
Systems that provided clarity become traps built on deception.
Restoring truth is the only way to win
In this Gauntlet season, you'll be dropped into escalating defensive scenarios where the objective is no longer just detection, but validation. Rebuild trust in compromised systems as the phantom's tactics evolve each week.
Uncover the pattern and confront the source.
Win over $45,000 in OffSec prizes
What Season 3 brings
-
Free entry for all active OffSec users
-
4 weeks of new, exclusive hands-on labs
-
Structured defensive task challenges
-
Live global leaderboard with First PWN bonuses
-
Over $45,000 in prizes
OffSec subscriptions and localized gift cards
-
Proof of skill, bragging rights, and a shot at the top
The Gauntlet FAQ
The OffSec Legends
The OffSec Legends, inspired by OffSec's world-renowned certifications, are powerful guides who lead you through The Gauntlet.
Calculating, unyielding, fearless
Ashka
Powerful, strategic, methodical
Kali
Elusive, clever, insightful
ShadowGlyph
Perceptive, wise, observant
NightHorn
Patient, precise, persistent
Widow
Stealthy, clever, resourceful
Cipherflare
Calculating, unyielding, fearless
Nullgrim
Honorable, vigilant, stoic
KnightWarden
Swift, precise, relentless
Hornet Tracer
Commanding, tactical, adaptable
AnchorHelm