---
title: Running a successful CTF
description: A start-to-finish guide to organizing, running, and wrapping up a capture-the-flag competition.
order: 1
scroll: true
---

Running a CTF means coordinating organizers and challenge authors while keeping the infrastructure stable and players informed. These guides cover the work from early planning through teardown, including mistakes that tend to repeat.

::::card-grid
:::card[Prerequisites]{href=/meta/running-a-successful-ctf/prerequisites}
Set the event's structure early, including organizer roles, deadlines, CTFtime, rules, sponsors, and player communication.
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:::card[Challenge design]{href=/meta/running-a-successful-ctf/challenge-design}
Plan a balanced challenge set, package services safely, and test everything before the event begins.
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:::card[Setting up rCTF]{href=/meta/running-a-successful-ctf/setup}
Take a fresh server through rCTF installation, TLS and firewall setup, and the first admin account.
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:::card[Deploying challenges]{href=/meta/running-a-successful-ctf/deployment}
Deploy shared or per-team services safely, connect admin bots, and keep challenge metadata in sync.
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:::card[During the CTF]{href=/meta/running-a-successful-ctf/during-ctf}
Monitor the event, cover organizer shifts, and respond when challenges or infrastructure break.
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:::card[After the CTF]{href=/meta/running-a-successful-ctf/after-ctf}
Publish the final results, distribute prizes, collect writeups and feedback, archive the event, and dismantle its infrastructure.
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:::card[Common mistakes]{href=/meta/common-mistakes}
Learn from recurring mistakes in event planning, challenge design, infrastructure, and on-site operations.
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