US Cyber Games
US Cyber Games is a national cybersecurity talent development program, operated by Katzcy with NIST/NICE, that runs a free CTF-to-elite-team pipeline and fields the US Cyber Team at the International Cybersecurity Challenge, supported by sponsors including CISA, Mastercard, Raytheon, and Leidos.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2021
- HeadquartersNew York, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What US Cyber Games does
US Cyber Games is a US national cybersecurity competition and talent development program founded in 2021 by Katzcy, LLC in cooperation with the NICE program at NIST, operating as a public-facing social impact initiative rather than a venture-backed company. Its core offering is a multi-stage competitive pipeline that begins with the free US Cyber Open Capture-the-Flag competition (open to all ages and skill levels), proceeds to the invitation-only US Cyber Combine (athletes aged 16-25), and culminates in annual selection of the US Cyber Team — approximately 30 elite athletes aged 18-24 who represent the United States at the International Cybersecurity Challenge (ICC) and other global events. A parallel US Women's Cyber Team was added in 2024 and earned Silver at WICC 2026 in Dublin, with the USA now selected to host WICC 2027. The program uses the NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NIST.SP.800-181r1) to structure athlete assessment and selection, and runs on infrastructure including US Cyber Range (cloud-based, provided by Virginia Tech), Hack The Box Academy, SANS, Binary Ninja, and other partner platforms.
The program is structured around free participation for athletes, with all expenses paid for international competition travel, and is funded entirely through corporate and government sponsorships plus federal financial assistance awards from NICE/NIST (awards #70NANB21H032 and #70NANB22H102). Sponsor tiers span founding partners (Katzcy/PlayCyber, NICE), founding sponsors (CISA, Raytheon, CACI), platinum (Mastercard, Leidos), gold (Battelle), silver (SimSpace), and a long tail of platform, training, fiscal, outreach, and media partners. Supporting programs include the Pipeline Program for non-drafted Combine athletes, the K-12 and Higher Education outreach initiative, the Behind the Screen blog, and US CyberCon, an annual in-person event in Las Vegas. The program is governed by an advisory board drawn from Dell, NFL, Mastercard, Nightwing, government agencies, and partner organizations, and is led by Commissioner Jessica Gulick (Founder & CEO of Katzcy). After six consecutive seasons (I through VI, running 2021 through 2026), the program has fielded a team at every ICC since the inaugural 2022 Athens event and expanded from a single team into a dual-team structure with the addition of the women's program.
US Cyber Games firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- US Cyber Games
- Legal name
- Katzcy, LLC
- Website
- https://uscybergames.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2021
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- US Cyber Games is a national cybersecurity talent development program, operated by Katzcy with NIST/NICE, that runs a free CTF-to-elite-team pipeline and fields the US Cyber Team at the International Cybersecurity Challenge, supported by sponsors including CISA, Mastercard, Raytheon, and Leidos.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
US Cyber Games industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Cybersecurity Workforce Development
- NAICS
- Computer Training (611420), Amusement Arcades (71312)
- SIC
- Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Cybersecurity Learning Platforms (EDAFANAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Cybersecurity (EDAAAPAC), Cybersecurity Technical Skills (Security Engineering, SOC, Pen Testing) (EDABAFAF), Information Technology (IT) & Cybersecurity Certifications (EDAAANAA), Cybersecurity Training & Awareness Programs (BPAEANAF)
Keywords
Where US Cyber Games is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New York
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
US Cyber Games business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Sponsorship Revenue: US Cyber Games is funded through corporate and government sponsorships. The program is supported by NICE (NIST) under financial assistance award #70NANB22H102. Sponsors include founding partners (PlayCyber/Katzcy, NICE), founding sponsors (CISA, Raytheon, CACI, Leidos), platinum sponsors (Mastercard), gold sponsors (Amtrak, Battelle), silver sponsors, bronze sponsors, and various outreach/media partners.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free Participation - US Cyber Open |
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Invitation-Only Combine Program |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels10 records
US Cyber Games product offering
Product offeringCore offering
US Cyber Games operates a national cybersecurity competition pipeline that begins with an open online Capture-the-Flag qualifier (US Cyber Open), advances top performers to an invitational training and evaluation camp (US Cyber Combine), and culminates in a Draft Day that selects the US Cyber Team to represent the United States at international competitions such as the ICC. Year-round athlete development continues through the Pipeline Program, and the program supports specialized teams including the US Women's Cyber Team and a K-12 to higher-education outreach track.
Product overview
US Cyber Games is a cybersecurity competition and workforce development program consisting of a multi-tiered ecosystem of products. The core offerings include the US Cyber Open™ (free CTF competition with beginner and competitive tracks), US Cyber Combine™ (invitation-only development program with assessments and training), US Cyber Team® (elite national team for international competitions), and US Women's Cyber Team (dedicated women's team). Supporting products include US CyberCon (annual conference event), the Pipeline Program (development pathway for aspiring athletes), K-12 + Higher Education outreach, and the Behind the Screen blog content platform. The program is led by Katzcy in cooperation with NIST's NICE program.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- US Cyber Open An open, online Capture-the-Flag (CTF) competition that serves as the entry point to the US Cyber Games pipeline, open to US-based cyber athletes (including high school, college, and early-career participants) who compete to advance to the US Cyber Combine.
- US Cyber Combine An invitation-only training and evaluation camp for top performers from the US Cyber Open, featuring intensive coaching, skills assessment, and preparation for Draft Day selection to the US Cyber Team.
- US Cyber Team The official US national cybersecurity team drafted from top Combine performers to represent the United States at premier international competitions such as the International Cybersecurity Challenge (ICC).
- US Women's Cyber Team A dedicated women's national cybersecurity team program with its own Combine Invitational and team selection, representing the United States at women's international cyber competitions.
- US CyberCon An annual cybersecurity conference and community event hosted by US Cyber Games that brings together athletes, coaches, sponsors, educators, and government partners.
- US Cyber Games Pipeline Program A year-round athlete development program that provides continuous training, coaching, and skill-building for drafted and aspiring US Cyber Team athletes, including access to cloud-based cyber range environments and partner training platforms.
Quantifiable outcome
- US Women's Cyber Team earned Silver at WICC 2026 in Dublin, Ireland
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use US Cyber Games
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
US Cyber Games technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
US Cyber Games partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, founding, platinum, gold, training partner, platform sponsor, fiscal partner, education partner, outreach partner and media partner.
- NICE (National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education) at NISTcoreNICE is a program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the U.S. Department of Commerce. It is the governing body partnership for the US Cyber Games program. NICE focuses on closing the hiring gap in the cybersecurity workforce through partnership between government, academia, and the private sector. Financial assistance award #70NANB22H102 supports the program.
- PlayCyber (powered by Katzcy)corePlayCyber, powered by Katzcy, delivers epic Cyber Games and Esports for fans, sponsors, and players. Katzcy is a social impact company that founded the US Cyber Games program. As founding partner, Katzcy provides leadership, program management, and event execution.
- CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency)foundingCISA is the nation's risk advisor, working with partners to defend against today's threats and collaborating to build more secure and resilient infrastructure. CISA is a founding sponsor of US Cyber Games.
- MastercardplatinumMastercard is a platinum sponsor working to reshape the digital economy and connect an inclusive digital economy. Sponsors workforce development initiatives in cybersecurity.
- BattellegoldBattelle is a gold sponsor that conducts research and development, manages laboratories, and delivers critical services. Hosted Spring Training Camp for Season III US Cyber Team at Battelle Cyber Innovations facility.
- SANS Institutetraining partnerSANS is a training and certification organization with over 50 courses in cybersecurity. Serves as training partner providing cybersecurity courses, certifications, and scholarship academies for athlete development.
- Hack The Boxplatform sponsorHack The Box (HTB) is a platform sponsor providing cybersecurity training labs and challenges. Training Labs Architect Nick Ippolito serves on the Advisory Board.
- US Cyber Range (Virginia Tech)platform sponsorU.S. Cyber Range provides cloud-based infrastructure for hands-on cybersecurity training and education. Director Dr. David Raymond serves on the US Cyber Games Advisory Board.
- Women's Society of Cyberjutsu (WSC)fiscal partnerWomen's Society of Cyberjutsu is a 501(c)(3) non-profit focused on empowering women in cybersecurity. Serves as fiscal partner for US Cyber Games. President Jessica Gulick is also Founder & CEO of Katzcy.
- Carnegie Mellon University - Information Networking Instituteeducation partnerINI offers master's degrees in information networking, security, AI engineering, and mobile/IoT engineering. Serves as education partner for talent development.
- Dakota State Universitytraining partnerDSU offers undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs in cybersecurity and has received multiple NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designations. Home to Madison Cyber Labs (MadLabs).
- Association of U.S. Cyber Forces (AUSCF)outreach partnerAUSCF is a non-profit association for cyber professionals from military, federal agencies, and civilian community serving national security in cyberspace. Brad Wolfenden serves as ICSC Liaison.
- VetSecoutreach partnerVetSec's mission is to create a world where no veteran pursuing a cybersecurity career goes unemployed. Community of over 5,300 veterans working in or transitioning into cybersecurity.
- BlackGirlsHackoutreach partnerBlackGirlsHack shares knowledge and resources to help black girls and women break into information security and cybersecurity careers, increasing diversity in the field.
- Cyversityoutreach partnerCyversity achieves consistent representation of women and underrepresented minorities in cybersecurity through scholarship opportunities, workforce development, and mentoring programs.
- OODA Loop / CTOvisionmedia partnerOODA Loop is a cybersecurity-focused news service and trusted independent voice. CTOvision provides news for enterprise technologists. Bob Gourley is Co-Founder.
- Cal Poly California Cybersecurity Institute (CCI)outreach partnerCCI leads state and national initiatives to address cybersecurity challenges. Flagship program is Space Grand Challenge, a virtual game-based cybersecurity competition for middle and high school students.
- RaytheonfoundingRaytheon (RTX Business) believes safeguarding the future of aerospace and defense begins with nurturing STEM skills and innovation. Partner for building career-ready, diverse talent pipeline.
- LeidosplatinumLeidos is a Fortune 500 technology, engineering, and science solutions leader with 43,000 employees. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with approximately $13.7 billion annual revenues.
- CACIfoundingCACI is a $6 billion company whose mission and expertise play a vital role in national security, safeguarding troops, and enabling government delivery of cost-effective support.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
US Cyber Games competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- picoCTF (Carnegie Mellon University): Carnegie Mellon's free cybersecurity competition for middle and high school students. Comparable as a federally-aligned, gamified cybersecurity competition targeting student talent; overlaps with US Cyber Games' K-12 outreach and education mission.
- Hack The Box: Cybersecurity training platform providing hands-on labs, challenges, and CTF-style competitions. Already a platform sponsor of US Cyber Games; comparable as a self-serve cybersecurity learning and competition platform with a similar audience of skilling enthusiasts and aspiring professionals.
- CyberPatriot: Air Force Association's National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, the longest-running US national K-12 cybersecurity competition program. Directly comparable because it operates a multi-tier competitive pipeline (divisions by age/skill), culminates in national finals, and is sponsored by similar defense contractors and federal agencies.
- Wicked6 Cyber Games: Sister brand under Katzcy — a women's cybersecurity competition and esports event. Directly comparable as a Katzcy-led cyber gaming program with similar sponsorship structure and female cyber talent focus; shares management and parent company.
- CyberStart: CyberStart (by SANS Institute) is a free cybersecurity game and competition platform targeting high school and college students. Comparable as a gamified cyber talent identification program with a similar K-12 / collegiate audience and free participation model.
- PlayCyber: Katzcy's commercial cyber gaming and esports platform; the founding partner of US Cyber Games. Comparable as the underlying platform that delivers US Cyber Games and offers adjacent cyber competitions and esports events to consumers and sponsors.
- National Cyber League: US-based cybersecurity competition for high school and college students with a biennial seasonal format and individual/team tracks. Directly comparable as a nation-wide competitive cybersecurity talent identification program competing for the same athlete funnel.
Broad incumbents
- SANS Institute: Largest cybersecurity training and certification organization, also a training partner of US Cyber Games (SANS scholarships for athletes). Comparable as a premier cybersecurity training provider whose program offerings US Cyber Games athletes may pursue; broader portfolio but overlapping audience.
- Immersive Labs: Enterprise cybersecurity skills development platform with hands-on labs and crisis simulations. Comparable as a broader cyber-skills platform used by enterprises and governments for workforce development, with overlapping audience of cyber professionals and athletes.
Emerging players
- TryHackMe: Cybersecurity training platform with gamified learning paths, CTF-style rooms, and a strong community. Comparable as a self-serve, beginner-friendly cybersecurity learning platform targeting the same entry-level talent pool that feeds US Cyber Games' Open CTF.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
US Cyber Games social profiles
Digital presenceUS Cyber Games financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
US Cyber Games leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
US Cyber Games funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
US Cyber Games M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about US Cyber Games
What does US Cyber Games do?
US Cyber Games operates a national cybersecurity competition pipeline that begins with an open online Capture-the-Flag qualifier (US Cyber Open), advances top performers to an invitational training and evaluation camp (US Cyber Combine), and culminates in a Draft Day that selects the US Cyber Team to represent the United States at international competitions such as the ICC. Year-round athlete development continues through the Pipeline Program, and the program supports specialized teams including the US Women's Cyber Team and a K-12 to higher-education outreach track.
Is US Cyber Games a public or private company?
US Cyber Games is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was US Cyber Games founded?
US Cyber Games was founded in 2021. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is US Cyber Games based?
US Cyber Games is headquartered in New York, United States, in the North America region.
How does US Cyber Games make money?
One revenue line is on record: sponsorship Revenue.
Who are US Cyber Games's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are picoCTF (Carnegie Mellon University), Hack The Box, CyberPatriot, Wicked6 Cyber Games, CyberStart, PlayCyber and National Cyber League. Broad incumbents are SANS Institute and Immersive Labs. TryHackMe is listed as an emerging player.
Does US Cyber Games have an API?
No public API is recorded for US Cyber Games.
What industry is US Cyber Games in?
US Cyber Games's product category is Cybersecurity Workforce Development. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAFANAF, Cybersecurity Learning Platforms, with a secondary code of EDAAAPAC, Cybersecurity. Its NAICS code is 611420 and its SIC code is 7990.