HACKERLAB 2024
⚡What is HackerLab?
HackerLab is Benin’s national cybersecurity showdown, a thrilling “Capture The Flag” (CTF) competition orchestrated by the Agency for Information Systems and Digital (ASIN). Since its inception in 2017, HackerLab has served as the ultimate proving ground for cybersecurity talent across the nation, challenging participants in areas such as forensics, steganography, reverse engineering, binary exploitation, web security, cryptography and programming. This epic arena not only identifies but nurtures cybersecurity heroes destined for greatness.
Winners of HackerLab receive various rewards, including training and certification kits, unlimited internet access, and gift vouchers.
HackerLab is part of Benin’s national digital security strategy and also serves as a talent pool for recruitment into the bjCSIRT (the Beninese government’s Computer Security Incident Response Team) and the Digital Investigations Laboratory, as well as the private sector. (fr.wikipedia.org)
I highly recommend reading my article on the Hackerlab 2023 before continuing with this one.
My Journey to HackerLab Glory
Chapter 1: A Champion Rises
On September 6, 2024, I entered the battlefield of the HackerLab 2024 Finals at the Palais des Congrès, Cotonou. Under the handles ka3n1x, I was no stranger to the heat of this ctf, I’d already faced the fray with team M3V7R in the previous edition. This year, I returned, battle-hardened and more determined than ever.
Chapter 2: Trials of the Qualifiers
June 2024. The month where sleep became a memory and every night turned into a battlefield. The qualifiers stretched over weeks, but every day felt like its own war—a relentless grind that tested my endurance, patience, and willpower. The sheer weight of the unexpected scheduling and the workload was intense, but I found myself pulled into the fray, especially when challenges were dropped by legends like w1z4rd, 5c0r7, r3s0lv3r, and Unpasswd. Their creations had a magnetic pull; solving them was never just work—it was a thrill, a mental sparring match where every win made me feel sharper.
Looking back, the 2024 qualifiers stood apart for two reasons:
First, the challenge quality and difficulty were on another level.
Let’s pause for a second—I’ve played my share of CTFs, and I know the difference between a tough challenge and an excellent one. Tough doesn’t just mean hard. The best challenges are the ones that make you want to keep grinding away at them, that hook you, make you smile at the cleverness of their design. These qualifiers were packed with exactly that kind of energy. I learned so much, often stumbling in the dark before that lightbulb moment hit. It was stimulating in every sense—frustrating and addictive at once.
The final set of Qualification Stage challenges was a highlight in itself: “HackBack.” One gem after another. Each new task pushed me harder, made me think deeper, and honestly, left me hungry for more. I have to give massive respect to W1z4rd for this cake.
Second, the qualifiers were solo. That changed everything. For the first time, there was no fallback, no one to swap tasks with or cover your blind spots. Everyone was thrown into the deep end alone. It forced a new level of competence—there was nowhere to hide, and no category you could safely ignore. Each participant had to adapt, learn, and step out of their comfort zones.
And one more twist: Unlike previous years, this time we could finally see how many Qualification Stage challenges remained. That little detail became a double-edged sword—it gave hope, but also dialed up the pressure. Each time the count dropped, I felt a surge of motivation…and then the dread of knowing how much more was left.
All these elements combined made the 2024 qualifiers a true rite of passage. I came out of it exhausted, but also exhilarated—pushed further than I thought possible, and grateful for every moment spent wrestling with those magnificent puzzles.
Arrival: Entering the Arena
Crossing the threshold of the Palais des Congrès (one f*cking time again), I was hit by a rush of adrenaline—like stepping into a coliseum before a digital clash. The air crackled with energy; anticipation and tension danced in the atmosphere. Heavyweights from ASIN and CNIN set the stage with rousing speeches, stoking the competitive fire burning in every contender.
There was a round-table introduction—each participant called, one by one, to introduce themselves. I listened as others introduced themselves, some voices steady, others hesitant, a few hiding their ambition behind polite words.
Then came my moment. I declared, loud and clear for all to hear: “I’m here to claim first place.” Cocky? Maybe. Provocative? Absolutely. But I was all in—there was no turning back. I had adopted the Burn the Boats mindset; the only path was forward.
The cameras rolled. We lined up for the official video session, then grouped for the traditional photo—faces all masked with equal parts resolve and nerves. Next, the random seat draw: a curveball that rattled more than a few. There’s a strange comfort in being surrounded by teammates, but here, we were forced into the unknown, seated next to potential rivals rather than allies.
No turning back. The gauntlet had been thrown.
Unleashing Cyber Warfare
Battle Prep
Inside the war room, I prepped for battle. Every tool was checked—notes sorted, VMs spun up, VPS primed, aliases set. Around me, keyboards clattered and screens flickered, but for a brief moment, I shut out the noise. Deep breath. Meditation. A whispered prayer. I replayed past victories in my mind, recalled every late night, each defeat, every sacrifice that brought me to this arena. I was here for a reason, and I was not alone who want this title.
🧠 Strategy: The Hidden Blade
My strategy was ruthless and deliberate—dominate in silence. While others rushed for early points, I kept my arsenal under wraps, targeting only high-value challenges, careful not to reveal my true strength. My visible score was just a shadow; my real power was cloaked, building a secret cache of 3000 points, biding my time for the perfect moment to surge ahead.
Some might call this approach sneaky, maybe even unsporting—but I’d learned from bitter experience. This was a page straight from Sun Tzu’s Art of War, and even more so from the Mongol generals: always leave the enemy a path to flee—lure them in, then close the trap. At HackerLab, I’d become the ghost in the machine—unseen, unpredictable, unstoppable.
For those who want to dig deeper, the strategy echoes the Battle of Mohi and this Reddit post on leaving the enemy a way out, only to bring total defeat.
Mastering Time
Cyber battles span 48 hours of relentless intensity. Knowing my cognitive strengths, I abstained from heavy meals and maintained peak performance with strategic breaks and calculated sleep. Experience at Epitech taught me a vital lesson — optimal rest enhances speed and accuracy.
And personally, the lighter I feel, the faster I think (not recommended for everyone, especially those with health conditions).
🔥 Epic Challenges Conquered
Unlike the qualifiers, the finals offered an impressive variety of challenges. I didn’t just enjoy the brilliant work of w1z4rd, 5c0r7, and r3s0lv3r—I was also blown away by the top-tier challenges from h1s0k4, s3nku, and uchiwa, especially in the DFIR category. The addition of boot2root and hardware challenges this year was fantastic and kept things fresh and exciting.
If I had one regret, it was missing the signature challenges from rimd0r — his 2023 contributions were outstanding.
🔥 Epic Players
While the spotlight inevitably falls on the top 10, it’s easy to overlook the unsung heroes—the quiet forces who shape the competition’s heartbeat. This year, names like Landry, Destiny07, z3nb0b, z1z0u, and Kafui stepped out of the shadows. Their unexpected “bloods”—those precious first solves—cranked up the pressure for everyone, proving that glory can come from anywhere, at any moment. Every challenge they cracked sent ripples through the ranks, making the game more unpredictable, more electric.
But when I think of those who truly left a mark, these are the ones I can’t forget:
3st1m3: The way they stormed in, snatching first blood on both the highest-weighted boot2root and crypto challenges, left me stunned. It wasn’t just technical brilliance; it was audacity, it was timing. That first moment when their name lit up the scoreboard—a masterstroke I couldn’t help but admire.
w1z0z: The web challenges have never seen a force like this. It was almost poetic watching w1z0z dance through them, solving nearly every single one. Each blood was a warning shot to the rest of us: some players make the impossible look routine.
k3ndr1ck: Steady, relentless, always near the summit. If unpredictability had a champion, it would be k3ndr1ck—the one who played at their own tempo, striking fast, always leaving me guessing. They embodied the “Never Let Them Know Your Next Move” spirit, making every leaderboard refresh a moment of suspense.
top0n3: There was something almost surgical about top0n3’s approach. They zoned in on pwn and reverse engineering like a laser, dismantling challenge after challenge with cool confidence. Their early aces set a tone—a quiet, intimidating competence that I couldn’t ignore.
Leelee22: I have to admit, Leelee22 surprised me a lot. Time and again, she rose above setbacks, finding blood on challenges that left others—including me—scratching our heads. Her resilience was inspiring. Watching her fight, I realized some victories are about more than points; they’re about refusing to back down.
And then came the new faces—wildcards who rewrote the script:
Luffy: Whispers in the chat hinted at a veteran’s return, and Luffy did not disappoint. For a while, it felt like he was everywhere at once, dominating the board with the cool assurance of someone who’s seen it all before. The legend proved real, and I watched in awe.
Hacksmith: The true dark horse—quiet, almost invisible until suddenly they weren’t. Hacksmith’s speed and focus were almost unnerving, a storm gathering on the horizon. No bravado, no fanfare—just results. I knew I was up against a silent threat.
Yet not every story had a happy ending. Erza — also known as Lyanna — stood out during qualifiers, the only one bold enough to tackle the toughest web challenge. Her early exit, forced by personal reasons, left an empty spot in the competition. I felt it; the promise of what could have been lingered in the air, a bittersweet reminder that every player brings more than just skill — they bring a story, a spirit. I would’ve loved to see more from she.
🖤 Confronting My Fears
The specter of past defeat loomed over me like a shadow I couldn’t shake. As co-president of my campus cybersec association (Epihack), the pressure to “lead by example” sometimes felt suffocating. Every decision, every challenge forced me to wrestle with my own insecurities—my failures echoed in my mind, making me question if I was truly fit for the role.
There were days I was desperate, lost, and bone-tired. I doubted myself constantly, haunted by the fear of letting everyone down. But in my darkest moments, it was the unwavering commitment of my fellow Epihack members that kept me afloat. Watching them pour their hearts into our shared mission, achieving what sometimes seemed impossible, gave me hope. Their resilience became my lifeline, inspiring me to dig deeper, push harder, and believe—maybe for the first time—that I could rise above my fears.
Brotherhood Among Rivals
Even as the competition blazed with intensity, a deeper bond quietly grew among us—a brotherhood formed through challenge and respect. Rivalries flared, but bitterness never took root. In rare pauses between battles, I found myself laughing with t0p0n3, swapping stories with AriShark, sharing a smile with CyberLord, Luffy, _z3n_b0b, and members of the Epihack legion. Each of us had our own scars, our own motivations, but there was an unspoken connection forged by mutual struggle.
It was in these small moments—shared jokes, encouragement after setbacks, nods of recognition—that I realized how much this experience meant beyond the scoreboard. Even as rivals, we celebrated each other’s perseverance and grit. That camaraderie became as rewarding as any victory.
The Final Strike: Victory Seized
The competition’s climax arrived in a blur—a crescendo of nerves and adrenaline. As the final minutes slipped away, I tackled one last formidable challenge, pushing through with every ounce of determination left. When my name rose as champion, time seemed to stand still.
I was swept by a wave of emotions: relief, pride, fierce joy, and exhaustion so deep it left me breathless. The moment felt unreal, as if I was outside myself, witnessing a dream I’d chased for so long finally materialize.
The prizes—1,000,000 FCFA, OSCP training and certification, and six months of limitless MTN Benin connectivity—were dazzling, hard-earned rewards. Yet, what lingered most was the memory of that final triumph, the echo of my name announced to everyone, and the knowledge that in that electrifying instant, I had given everything and emerged victorious.
Wisdom for Future Warriors
Every champion starts as a hopeful contender, and the journey from beginner to battle-hardened warrior is shaped not only by hard work, but by the tools you carry and the wisdom you gather. If you’re preparing to step into the arena, here’s the essential arsenal I’ve built over years of trial, error, and hard-won experience. These aren’t just technical tricks—they’re the gear that kept me steady when the pressure was on.
Essential Arsenal
- A free VPS (AWS): Your remote sanctuary. When your own machine falters or you need a safe playground, this is where you go to experiment freely, It can also be useful to run time-consuming tasks, as well as the most resource-intensive ones.
- Customized cheat sheets: My secret weapon—tailored notes, filled with hard-earned insights, ready at a moment’s notice. They save precious time and clear mental fog when the clock is ticking.
- Docker for tool isolation: Especially when wrangling different Python versions or operating systems (Arm, x32 arch, etc ), Docker keeps everything tidy and contained. No more conflicts—just clean environments, every time.
- Pipenv for Python: Seamless dependency management that keeps your projects running smoothly, so you spend less time troubleshooting and more time solving.
- Regular VM snapshots: Think of these as time machines. One wrong command can ruin hours of work—snapshots bring peace of mind and let you take bold risks without fear.
- Bootable USBs for your main ISO: When you need to reboot, repair, or recover, having your main ISO on a USB is a lifesaver. I never go into battle without it.
- Auto-launch Termux:
- Time-saving aliases: Small scripts, big impact. These shortcuts cut through repetitive tasks, giving you more time to focus on what really matters.
- Autopsy, FTK, Volweb (All on Windows): Sometimes, these forensic tools change the game entirely. When you hit a wall, they open new doors.
- CryptoHack Docker: An absolute game-changer for tackling crypto challenges—streamlined, reliable, and ready to go.
🗓 Year-long Preparation:
Preparation for a competition like this is more than just a checklist—it’s a journey, a year-long odyssey that tests your discipline, curiosity, and resolve. I learned to prepare methodically: pouring over write-ups from past challenges, refining my own notes late into the night, making sure my tools were razor-sharp, and, perhaps most importantly, facing my own limits with honesty. Combating impostor syndrome became a part of my routine; every doubt was a hurdle to clear, every small breakthrough a quiet victory.
If you’ve been pushing yourself hard all year, trust me—there’s real wisdom in taking a breather before the final test. I found that stepping back for two weeks before the competition made all the difference. I used that time not to cram, but to breathe, to re-read my notes, to gently revisit those concepts that had always felt just out of reach. The anxiety faded, replaced by clarity and renewed confidence.
In those last quiet days before the storm, I rediscovered why I started in the first place—the thrill of solving, the joy of learning, the satisfaction of growth. When the competition finally arrived, I wasn’t just prepared; I was centered and truly ready. If there’s one thing I’d urge anyone to do, it’s this: respect the journey, and give yourself the gift of a little peace before the final battle. You’ll feel the difference when it matters most.
Final Reflections
HackerLab 2024 was more than just a contest—it was an odyssey. Beyond mere technical prowess, it demanded resilience, adaptability, and unwavering determination. I was forced to dig deep, not just to solve challenges, but to outlast stress and turn chaos into focus. Next time, I’ll be even sharper—ready to manage stress, set priorities, and attack smarter.
This wasn’t simply a race for points; it was a battle for glory. It pushed me to my limits—and then far beyond. I walk away transformed, with scars and lessons that will forge victories in future local and international arenas.
I still remember the feeling when I saw the final scoreboard—a mix of confusion, a sense of “I deserve this, after all,” relief that it was finally over, and that odd emptiness of “what goal do I chase next?” All those thoughts collided in my head at once, leaving me both satisfied and a little lost.
Immense gratitude to ASIN and every comrade who supported me on this journey — especially 3st1m3, with whom it all began three years ago. Your encouragement and camaraderie fueled every breakthrough.
Nine months of epic procrastination led to this retelling. Worth every minute.
Onward to greater battles! 🚀🔥
ka3n1x