The Steel Vikings team from Warwood Middle School works on their robot in the pits at the Vex Robotics World Championships in Dallas on Friday. Pictured from left are Max O’Connell, Oliver Kovach, and Miles Whorton. (Photo Provided)

WHEELING — The “Gateway To The West” robotics tournament in Ohio County will be back for a third year in 2026.

Officials with the VEX Robotics Robotics World Championships happening this week in Dallas announced their list of signature qualifying tournaments scheduled for locations throughout the world next year, and the “Gateway To The West” tournament at The Highlands Sports Complex will return again in late January 2026.

Winning teams at the signature events get an automatic spot in the world championships next spring. The Ohio County event is one of 26 signature tournaments for high school robotics teams happening worldwide, and one of 10 middle school events.

This year’s “Gateway To The West” hosted by Ohio County Schools took in $29,250 through team registration fees, and another $45,000 in sponsorships for a total of $74,250, according to JoJo Shay, innovation coordinator for Ohio County Schools.

Expenses were $36,646, leaving a profit of $37,604, she said. The money covered the cost of sending five qualifying teams from the school district to the current world championships.

“Being afforded the opportunity to host an event of this magnitude in the robotics world is such an honor,” Shay said. “To be doing it for the third time in what will then be the fifth year of our program is a testament to the community that supports us.

“We are excited to continue to grow the event, to attract high caliber teams from across our country and other nations, and to introduce people to our great city and state.”

Now that the 2025-26 events have been announced, the school district’s planning team will get to work making decisions for next year’s competition, she continued.

“Feedback has been very positive over the past two years, and it is wonderful to see Gateway apparel, banners, and trophies being sported by other teams and spectators when we go to our state and world events.

“As in previous years, we will be looking for sponsors to support our event, and revenue will be used to create a spectacular experience for our competitors. As in the past, any remaining funds will be used to support our local OCS Robotics program.”

Middle school qualifying rounds began Friday at the world championships, with finals set to happen Saturday night.

Marshall County Schools has three teams in the tournament – The Return of Self Destruct, Killer Frequency and Lil’ George.

Ohio County Schools, meanwhile, will field two teams – the Robo-Raiders from Triadelphia Middle School, and Steel Vikings from Warwood Middle School.