Four ways to win at the GRE: board-level microsoldering, flat-out screen swap speed, the sumo-suit GRE Smack Down and the Cowboy Hat Competition. Timed, judged and settled in front of the whole show floor.
Enter one or all four. Every competitor needs a GRE 7.0 ticket, and the three Octagon brackets require an online registration — there are no on-site sign-ups.
$3,500 cashEvery industry has its experts. The Micro Soldering Championship crowns the best microsolderer in the phone repair industry, in the Octagon ring, judged by leaders in the repair space. The champion carries the title and defends it at the next Gadget Repair Expo.
$1,500 cashHead to the competition booth, show your pre-registration and get your screen swap timed. Fastest clean repair takes the cash — the GRE 6.0 event was judged by the team from Injured Gadgets.
$300 cashSuit up in a padded sumo suit and headgear, step into The Octagon and try to put the other tech on the mat. It runs on Day 1 only, just 4 competitors get in, and the first one to touch the ground loses the round.
$300 cashGrab a GRE cowboy hat, wear it on the floor and get spotted. The best hat in Nashville takes the cash.
Same path for both championships. Registration is online only and closes when the brackets fill.
Competition registration is separate from admission. You need a GRE 7.0 ticket for both days.
Micro Soldering for board-level techs, LCD Swap for speed on screen assemblies. You can enter both.
Online only — no on-site sign-ups. Payment confirms your spot and takes you to the competitor form.
Rules, check-in time and station details are emailed out as the show gets closer.
Arrive on Day 1 morning, check in with the judges, collect your supplies and compete.
Brad handles competitor questions for the Micro Soldering Championship; general competition questions go to the GRE inbox.
