Introduction 

In today’s fast-paced tech world, hackathons have become more than just weekend coding marathons — they’re now one of the best ways for developers, designers, and tech enthusiasts to learn, network, and build real-world projects. Whether you're a student breaking into tech, a professional looking to sharpen your skills, or a startup hunting for talent and ideas, hackathons offer something for everyone.

But where do you find them?

Let’s dive into the best platforms for discovering hackathons — both virtual and in-person — and why participating in one can be a game-changer for your career.

Why Join a Hackathon?

Before we explore where to find hackathons, let’s talk about why they’re so valuable.

1. Hands-On Experience: You apply real-world skills under pressure, learn new tech stacks, and collaborate with a team. That’s better than any tutorial.

2. Networking: You meet like-minded individuals, potential co-founders, mentors, and even recruiters. Hackathons are a hub for collaboration and innovation.

3. Portfolio Boost: The projects you build can be added to your portfolio or resume, proving you’re proactive and passionate.

4. Prizes & Recognition: From cash rewards to internships, many hackathons offer significant incentives.

5. Job Opportunities: Some companies use hackathons to spot talent. If you impress, don’t be surprised if a job offer follows.

Now let’s get into the best platforms for finding them.

1. Devpost (https://devpost.com)

Why it’s great: Known as the “home for hackathons,” Devpost is arguably the most popular platform for tech competitions. Most major online and university-hosted hackathons list here.

Features:

• Filters for in-person/online, themes, and sponsors.
• User profiles that showcase past projects.
• Notifications for upcoming hackathons.

My take: I’ve used Devpost for several years and found it incredibly easy to navigate. It’s especially good if you're looking for virtual global hackathons backed by big tech companies like IBM, Microsoft, and Google.

2. HackerEarth (https://www.hackerearth.com)

Why it’s great: HackerEarth is a robust platform that hosts a wide variety of challenges — not just hackathons, but also hiring contests, and technical assessments.

Features:

• Challenges by theme (AI, fintech, gaming, etc.)
• Great for beginners and intermediates.
• Real-time leaderboards and rankings.

My take: HackerEarth is ideal if you’re trying to improve your competitive programming or want a foot in the door at tech companies that recruit through it.

3. MLH – Major League Hacking (https://mlh.io)

Why it’s great: MLH is like the NCAA for student hackathons. It partners with universities around the world and has a reputation for high-quality, student-focused events.

Features:

• Season-based hackathons.
• Student community, workshops, and resources.
• Frequent swag giveaways and mentorship.

My take: If you’re a student or just getting started, MLH offers a welcoming, supportive entry into the hackathon scene. The mentorship and structure make it easier to participate confidently.

4. Hackathons.com (https://www.hackathons.com/)

Why it’s great: Simple and straightforward directory of hackathons. Great for browsing events quickly.

Features:

• Worldwide listings.
• Categorized by industry (blockchain, AI, etc.).
• Email alerts for new hackathons.

My take: A bit minimalist, but effective. It’s great for cross-checking events or finding something local you might have missed on the bigger platforms.

5. GitHub Global Campus & GitHub Student Dev Pack (https://education.github.com)

Why it’s great: While not a hackathon platform itself, GitHub frequently partners with events like MLH and GitHub Octernships often lead to hands-on projects that mirror hackathons.

Features:

• Resources, tools, and dev packs.
• Partner events and challenges.
• Great perks for students (free tools, credits, etc.).

My take: If you’re a student and not using GitHub Campus, you’re missing out on so much value — including access to hackathons and real-world experience.

6. LinkedIn & Twitter/X

Why it’s great: Many organizers promote hackathons through social media and professional networks. If you follow the right people and hashtags, you’ll discover niche and regional events.

Tips:

• Follow hashtags like #Hackathon, #AIHackathon, #DevHack.
• Join relevant LinkedIn groups like "Hackathon Developers" or "AI Enthusiasts."

My take: I’ve found some of the best local and startup-backed hackathons through Twitter threads or LinkedIn announcements. Always keep an eye out!

7. Local Tech Communities & Meetups

Sometimes the best hackathons don’t make it to the big sites. Instead, they’re organized by:

• University clubs
• Startup incubators
• Local tech communities
• Slack/Discord servers

Check Meetup.com, Eventbrite, and university noticeboards if you’re looking for in-person experiences.

8. AngelHack (https://angelhack.com)

Why it’s great: A global community that hosts traveling hackathons in various countries with a focus on social impact and innovation.

Features:

• Hybrid events with real-world impact.
• Opportunities to join their HACKcelerator.

My take: If you care about building tech for social good or want to explore startup opportunities, AngelHack is a great launchpad.

Tips for Succeeding at a Hackathon

• Team Up Early: Solo hacking is tough. Try to form your team before the event or on Day 1.
• Choose the Right Tools: Pick technologies you’re familiar with to avoid wasting time.
• Focus on a Real Problem: Judges value practical solutions over flashy prototypes.
• Build a Demo: Even a simple video walkthrough goes a long way.
• Don’t Skip the Pitch: Practice your presentation — how you explain your idea is as important as the idea itself.

My Experience and Thoughts

As someone who has participated in and even mentored at hackathons, I truly believe these events shape the next generation of innovators. What I love most is the energy — there’s something inspiring about people coming together, often from different time zones and backgrounds, to solve problems in 24 to 48 hours.

One of my proudest moments was a virtual AI hackathon I joined through Devpost. Our team built a prototype that used NLP to detect fake news. We didn’t win, but it landed me two interviews and a freelance gig. That’s the magic of hackathons — they open unexpected doors.

Conclusion: Just Start Hacking

Hackathons are not just for pros or students — they’re for anyone curious and eager to build. Whether you're coding for prizes, portfolio pieces, or passion, these platforms are the best places to start.

My advice? Pick one, register for an event, and go build something awesome. You don’t need to win to get value. The learning, friendships, and ideas you’ll gather will be more than worth it.