The Official Rube Goldberg Machine Contest®
About the RGMC®
The Rube Goldberg Machine Contest® (RGMC) is a challenge of creativity, ingenuity, and teamwork all rolled into one! The ultimate problem-based-learning STEM competition that pits teams against each other to create a whimsical Rube Goldberg Machine built from everyday objects that solves a common, simple task in the most ridiculous way possible.
2027 Registration is OPEN! More info below.
Join the RGMC®
How to Participate
- FORM A TEAM: 1 to 15 members per team (plus designated Coach). All team members must be in the appropriate division: Elementary School (Grades K-5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), High School (Grades 9-12), Adult (College Students and/or Age 18+). Homeschooled teams ARE welcome to participate.
- REGISTER: All teams will be assigned a Regional location AFTER being registered and paying the $100 Registration Fee. A limited number of scholarships are available to those who have difficulty covering the registration fee. Please contact contests@rubegoldberg.org for more information.
- DESIGN & BUILD: The 2027 rulebook is accessible only AFTER being officially registered.
- COMPETE AT A REGIONAL CONTEST: All Regional events will occur between January 1st and March 28th, 2027. There are NO Regionals for the Adult Division. More info TBA.
- MOVE ONTO NATIONALS & THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RUBE-A-THON
2027 National Rube Goldberg Machine Contests
- ASIA INTERNATIONAL RGMC: February 28th, 2027 - Incheon, South Korea
- EAST COAST NATIONAL RGMC: April 3th, 2027 - Bronx, NY
- WEST COAST NATIONAL RGMC: April 10th, 2027 - TBD
- MIDWEST COAST NATIONAL RGMC: April 18th, 2027 - TBD
- The top 3 placing divisional team from each Regional Event will be invited to participate at ONE of these events.
2027 World Championship Rube-A-Thon
- MAY 22, 2027: Rialto, CA
Rube Goldberg Alumni: Where Are You Now?
Reconnecting with past inventors, builders, and dreamers of the Rube Goldberg Machine Contest. If you've ever participated in the RGMC®, we want to hear from you! Fill out the survey & stay connected!
Copyright Notice and Legal Disclaimer: The 2027 Rube Goldberg Machine Contest® rulebook, including all rules, regulations, as well as the official 2027 annual task, is protected under copyright law, with all rights reserved. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or duplication of the rulebook, annual task, or its contents is strictly prohibited and WILL be subject to legal action.
