Gateway Locksport

Lock picking meetup/class at Beer BBQ Shop
Free to attend. Kids welcomed! Feel free to arrive whenever you can - there's no need to be there right at the start.

We welcome complete beginners through competitive lockpickers. All tools are provided (bring yours if you have them). Learn firsthand how to pick open common locks, while picking up a great fidget hobby.

2026 Midwest Open Lockpicking Competition takes place November 14th at The Babylon, St. Peters.

𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐩
Free to attend. Kids welcomed! Very casual, show up whenever.

Join our group to learn firsthand how unsecure common locks are to better protect yourself while picking up a great fidget hobby. We welcome complete beginners through competitive locksport lockpickers. All tools are provided (bring yours if you have them).

We also have harder progressive lock sets to learn and work on than what we normally have on the tables, just ask!

2026 Midwest Open Lockpicking Competition takes place November 14th at The Babylon, St. Peters. Event link: https://www.meetup.com/gateway-locksport/events/315638644/

2026 Midwest Open Lockpicking Competition
Whether you're brand new to lockpicking, an experienced locksporter, or just curious about lockpicking, come join us for a full day of learning, friendly competition, and hands-on fun. Free to attend. Free to compete. No experience required. Spectators are welcome!
Lockpicks and practice locks will be provided. Feel free to bring your own tools if you prefer.
Be part of the first Midwest Open Lockpicking Competition and help establish what we hope becomes an annual Midwest tradition.

Schedule
12:00 PM - Doors Open

• Babylon opens for casual lockpicking while we finish setting up.

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

• Open lockpicking featuring padlocks, deadbolts, combination locks, and more.
• Training and practice (Lockpicking 101 presentation)
• Meet other locksport enthusiasts
• Try the interactive locks and physical security displays

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

• Dinner break - Food and drinks available from Babylon
• Under the Door Challenge winner announced
• Raffle winners
• Competition prep

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Spy Escape Competition
One of the most exciting events of the day and always a crowd favorite!
Rules:

1. Begin with both hands secured in handcuffs.
2. Pick or shim both handcuffs to free yourself.
3. Pick the Master Lock padlock securing the bag in front of you.
4. Retrieve the Nerf blaster inside the bag.
5. Hit the gong at the end of the table before your opponent to win!

Everyone can still pick locks and practice at the tables while this is taking place.

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
2026 Midwest Open Lockpicking Competition
Competitors will be divided into groups, with each table receiving the same set of locks.
The competition consists of three elimination rounds.
Rounds:

• Each competitor has 5 minutes to pick the lock in front of them.
• When you successfully open your lock, loudly call "OPEN!" A judge will announce your completion time, write it down.
• Once the 5-minute timer expires, pass your lock to the competitor on your left.
• A new 5-minute attempt begins with the next lock.
• This continues until every competitor at the table has attempted every lock.

At the end of the round, competitors are ranked by:

1. Total number of locks successfully opened
2. Lowest combined completion times (used as a tiebreaker)

The top two competitors from each group in Round 1 will advance to Round 2. Round 2 will consist of three groups, with the winner of each group advancing to the Final Round. The three finalists will compete head-to-head to determine the 2026 Midwest Open Lockpicking Champion, as well as 2nd and 3rd place.

Interactive Activities
Throughout the day you'll also be able to explore and try:

• Locks from around the world. See why physical security varies dramatically between countries!
• A half door under-the-door tool training station
• Practice doors with knobs and deadbolts for non-destructive entry techniques
• A cable gun lock cutting-resistance station
• Cutaway locks that reveal exactly how different locking mechanisms work.

Prizes and more competition details will be announced as the event gets closer.

We hope to see you there for an awesome day of locksport, learning, and friendly competition!