# The 7-Phase Playbook

> A battle-tested 7-phase system for winning hackathons: team formation, ideation, validation, execution, pitching, submission, and post-hackathon strategy.

Canonical: https://thehackathonplaybook.dev/playbook

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[#### Team Formation

Find the right people, define roles, and create a winning team dynamic.

Enter section →](https://thehackathonplaybook.dev/playbook/team-formation)[#### Ideation

Brainstorm, evaluate, and select ideas that judges love and you can actually build.

Enter section →](https://thehackathonplaybook.dev/playbook/ideation)[#### Validation

Validate your idea quickly against real constraints and judging criteria.

Enter section →](https://thehackathonplaybook.dev/playbook/validation)[#### Execution

Time management, tech stack selection, MVP strategy, and team coordination.

Enter section →](https://thehackathonplaybook.dev/playbook/execution)[#### Pitching

Craft a pitch that wins judges over in the first 30 seconds.

Enter section →](https://thehackathonplaybook.dev/playbook/pitching)[#### Submission

Write READMEs, record demos, and submit deliverables that make judges remember you.

Enter section →](https://thehackathonplaybook.dev/playbook/submission)[#### Post-Hackathon

Share your work, follow up with contacts, and turn weekend projects into career-changing portfolio pieces.

Enter section →](https://thehackathonplaybook.dev/playbook/post-hackathon)