Important Dates

As a judge, we will need your help to select the finalists for each category. These are the key dates to keep in mind for Rookie Awards 2025.

This year, we’ve made a few changes to simplify the schedule:

• Time Zone Consistency: All dates are now in 09:00 UTC for clarity.
• No More Midnight Deadlines: We’ve moved away from confusing 11:59 pm deadlines.

Key Dates

• April 7, 2025, at 09:00 UTC – Entries Open
  Eligible entrants begin creating entry pages and uploading their best work for review. Lead Judges will start reviewing submissions during this phase to help shortlist finalists.
• June 30, 2025, at 09:00 UTC – Entries Close
  This marks the deadline for all entries. The final two weeks typically see a spike in submissions, so it’s a crucial time for judges to be active.
• July 15, 2025, at 09:00 UTC – Finalists Announced
  Finalists represent the top entries in each category, selected by the judging panel. Categories may include 10–40 finalists, depending on their size and complexity.
• August 1, 2025, at 09:00 UTC – Winners Announced
  Category winners are revealed and shared publicly. Sponsors will assist in distributing prizes and arranging internship opportunities.

Quick Reminders

• Early Phase (April): Expect a smaller spike in submissions as entrants start uploading. Use this time to familiarise yourself with the judging tools and process.
• Final Weeks (Mid-June): The majority of submissions arrive in the last two weeks, with a significant influx in the final days. be ready to assist during this busy period if you have nominated a judge.