From 17 to 25 years old, Belgium’s national cyber team takes on Europe’s best at the ECSC, coached by experts from the Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium.
While the Red Devils fight for glory on the pitch, another Belgian team is gearing up for a championship of a different kind: one played with code, creativity, and nerves of steel. The Belgian Red Daemons, Belgium’s national team for young cybersecurity talent, kick off their campaign this week at the European Cybersecurity Challenge (ECSC) in Warsaw.
A European championship for cyber talent
Think of the ECSC as the Champions League of cybersecurity for young people. After national selections across Europe, teams of ten (five aged 14–20 and five aged 21–25) compete over two intense days in challenges that test attack and defense, creativity and teamwork. This year, 34 European countries will participate alongside guest teams from around the world, showcasing skills, sportsmanship, and European unity in the digital age.
Team Belgium: motivated, prepared, and united
Belgium’s squad blends promising students and recent graduates, including several returning competitors. Leading the team is captain Petar Vitorac, who won the Best Student Award in last year’s Hack the Government, a flagship initiative where ethical hackers help strengthen public-sector systems. This event, widely recognized in Belgium, reflects the country’s commitment to proactive and collaborative cybersecurity values that the Red Daemons will carry to Warsaw.
The team has been preparing diligently, spending several weekends working together on online Capture The Flag (CTF) events, sharpening their problem-solving, coordination, and technical depth.
Expert coaching and national support
The Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium (CCB) plays a central role in preparing and supporting the Belgian Red Daemons. From organizing training sessions to providing expert guidance, the CCB ensures that the team is ready to compete at the highest level. This initiative is backed by the CCB’s leadership and coaching staff, reflecting Belgium’s commitment to developing top cybersecurity talent.
By investing in talent and teamwork, we’re building a safer digital future for everyone. We’re proud of the Red Daemons, not just for competing, but for inspiring the next generation. Miguel De Bruycker, Director General, CCB
This team trained hard, learned fast, and grew together. They’re ready to represent Belgium with pride. Thibault, Head Coach, CCB
Where the talent comes from
Most team members were scouted via the Belgian Cyber Security Challenge, Belgium’s largest student cyber competition, with additional recruits joining through community initiatives and open interest. Those who made the final ten showed more than individual brilliance: they proved they could learn together, communicate under pressure, and apply their skills responsibly.
Why it matters
Cybersecurity isn’t just a technical field, it’s part of our national resilience. From protecting public services and businesses to securing our personal lives, these young experts are Belgium’s future defenders. The ECSC is a celebration of that mission: we hack, we compete, we connect.
Follow and get involved
The journey doesn’t end in Warsaw. The CCB will share updates throughout the competition. We encourage students across Belgium to get involved, starting with the Cyber Security Challenge Belgium, and to aim for a spot on next year’s national team.
They may not score goals, but they’re scoring points for Belgium’s digital futur
Team Belgium, the Belgian Red Daemons, proud in their national kit ahead of the European Cybersecurity Challenge in Warsaw.