How Much Does it Really Cost to Enter BattleBots?
As an avid gamer and BattleBots enthusiast, I‘ve done extensive research into the financial nitty gritty of entering the world‘s premiere robot combat competition. Spoiler alert – it takes some serious capital to play with the big bots!
The Straight Answer
After compiling data, surveying teams, and reviewing costs across weight classes and design complexity, I estimate the total investment to enter BattleBots ranges from $10,000 to $30,000+.
However, costs can skew much higher or lower depending on factors like:
- Robot weight class
- Quality of materials/components
- Complexity of weapon systems
- Access to machine shops and tools
- Travel and lodging variables
Now let‘s break down the major underlying costs:
Robot Building – $3,500 to $15,000+
Even a barebones bot starts around $3,500. But for middleweight and heavyweight competitors hoping to dish out hits and survive attacks from the likes of Tombstone or Icewave, costs for parts and materials easily exceed $15,000.
Building costs boil down to choices around key components:
Weapon Systems
| Weapon Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Wedge/Lifter | $1,000-$3,000 |
| Spinning Bar | $4,000-$6,000 |
| Vertical Spinner | $8,000-$12,000 |
| Horizontal Spinner | $10,000-$15,000 |
More complex weapons like horizontal spinners require extensive prototyping, machining, and testing which multiplies expenses quickly.
Drive Train
Tank treads offer better pushing power while wheels provide speed. Either option runs around $2,000-$3,000 for a heavyweight.
Armor
Military-grade alloys like titanium cost a staggering $25 per pound but offer 30% better protection over 7075 aluminum at $10 per pound. It‘s a tradeoff between defense and budget.
Power
Lithium polymer batteries provide the best balance of current delivery and weight savings. A top-of-the-line battery system costs around $2,000.
So in summary – lighter bots can be built for $3,500 on the low end. But competitive heavyweights often spend $15k+ on parts alone.
Entry Fees – $500-$2,000?
BattleBots has not publicly released details on application or participation fees. However, based on costs associated with similar competitions, I expect entry fees cost in the range of $500-$2,000.
As an example, MegaBots (giant piloted mech fighting) charges a $550 application fee and $1,750 commitment fee.
These estimates for BattleBots fees align with prices needed to cover administrative, production, and regulatory costs associated with events of this scale.
Travel/Lodging – $7,500+
Assuming a 5 person team needs to stay in Las Vegas for 2 weeks for filming, travel and hotels will cost around $7,500 on the low end. With flights, insurance, food, entertainment, etc., budgets can balloon up to $15k.
Revenue Opportunities
There are three built-in ways BattleBots teams can offset their significant costs through:
Cash Prizes – The champion takes home $25k alone. Early round match winnings provide smaller payouts.
Sponsorships – Successful teams lock in $5k+ per video from brands.
Merch – T-shirts, toys, and other products have strong demand.
In Conclusion – Entering BattleBots requires serious passion and financial commitment. But with grit and ingenuity, smaller teams can design affordable bots that pay for themselves through tourney winnings and sponsorship opportunities.
Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments!
