BattleBots 2021 Tournament Predictions – Final Edition April 8th 2022
Our BattleBots 2021 Tournament Predictions are now available with the release of the field of 32 for the 2021 Season of BattleBots. As we are huge fans here at TeamWorx, we publish predictions each year for entertainment and analysis. In past tournaments we have accurately predicted about 90% of matches, however, our expectations for success are lower this year because of much greater parity between the top robots. Please enjoy our subjective, fan-based, analysis of all the battles and our BattleBots 2021 Tournament Predictions.
Click to see the official tournament bracket
Our Round 1 Record: 14 correct and 4 incorrect for a percentage of 78%! (See below)
Round 2 Record: 6 correct and 2 incorrect for a percentage of 75% (see below)
Round 3 Record: 3 correct and 1 incorrect for a percentage of 75% (see below)
Semi-Final Record: 1 correct and 1 incorrect (really both correct) for a percentage of 50% (see below)
Final Record: 1 incorrect
Final Stats:
Correct 24 and Incorrect 9 for a percentage of 73%!
BattleBots 2021 Tournament Predictions Finals
Tantrum Wins!
Witch Doctor v Tantrum
Witch Doctor looks on its best game, and I have chose them throughout the tournament. Tantrum likely should have been eliminated by Hydra, so tough to go with them. This is a toss up in terms of robots and skill, with a slight edge in my mind for Witch Doctor.
Notes – we missed this one. An anticlimactic finish, as Witch Doctor was out of the fight early on with some sort of drive issue. Congratulations to Tantrum for an excellent robot and a spectacular tournament!
BattleBots 2021 Tournament Predictions Semi-Finales
Witch Doctor v SawBlaze
SawBlaze likes to control bots and move them around the arena. Witch Doctor has enough agility and driver skill to get to the sides of SawBlaze, which would mean near immediate destruction, whereas, Jamison will have to go the distance for a judges decision to get the win.
Notes – we called this fight! Witch Doctor got to the side of SawBlaze, clipped a tire, and then quickly moved in to eliminate the tire completely. From there it was a quick road to a KO which saw a blaze of SawBlaze!
Tantrum v Hydra
Tantrum seems destined in this tournament but Jake Ewert and Hydra are a low ground winning flipping machine right now. My instincts say Hydra flips Tantrum into a tizzy.
Notes – we were right but the judges decision chose Tantrum. Jason and Derek failed in their duties. The crowd, Jake, and the announcers agreed with me as well; bad decision! Hydra had lower ground the entire battle and flipped Tantrum mercilessly including a gigantic flip with 4 seconds left to cement the win. Tantrum had one aggressive success when they got underneath Jake’s flipper and pushed Hydra to the corner, grinding the tip of the flipper. Maybe we need more female judges.
BattleBots 2021 Tournament Predictions ROUND 3 – Round of 8 (4 Battles):
Blip v Hydra
I see Blip ending Hydra’s run. It seems quicker, and Aren is fully capable of getting to the side of Hydra to control the low ground.
Notes – we missed here. Hydra controlled the low ground and mercilessly flipped Blip until Blip got stuck on the upper level for a KO.
Cobalt v Tantrum
Tantrum advanced in one of the epic tournament battles of all time, while Cobalt limped in with a technical judges decision. I am going with the momentum Tantrum brings to the fight.
Notes – we got this one right! Tantrum showed off its speed and agility with some flashy driving that ultimately kept Cobalt off-balance for a strategic first blow. Tantrum was able to get low ground and saw off the forks of Cobalt, allowing their asymmetric punch-spinner to get traction into Cobalt and send it flying out of the arena.
Riptide v SawBlaze
Riptide could eliminate SawBlaze with one good hit to any part but the front of SawBlaze. This makes me nervous. I am taking SawBlaze based on Jamison’s ability to outdrive a rookie bot. He is consistently in the final rounds of the tournament, and I see him controlling this fight and winning a decision.
Notes – we called this one! SawBlaze our maneuvered Riptide, got lower ground, and ended with a surprising KO!
Witch Doctor v Minotaur
Really, really, tough fight to call. Minotaur has great momentum going into this fight, and a super strong passion to win. I am picking Witch Doctor in a close battle where someone gets KO’d. I tried writing down Minotaur several times, and each time my subconscious said Witch Doctor. Clearly this can go either way, I love Minotaur, but gut instinct says Witch Doctor!
Notes – we got this right in a close contest. Clearly this could have gone either way, although the judges unanimous decision for Witch Doctor seemed justified. The fight was stopped halfway when Witch Doctor got stuck in the arena after a colossal encounter that saw Minotaur lose a wheel. After a break where Witch Doctor was dislodged from the arena, Minotaur clearly had no translational movement, and yet the referees where hesitant to countdown the robot. Witch Doctor, expecting a count down, held back and didn’t attack; awkward 2nd half in a show down of rule interpretation. In the end, the damage caused to Minotaur was significant, and Witch Doctor was in perfect shape. Daniel Freitas was clearly upset at the decision, and was yelling during the battle “I have control of my bot.” If that were true, why didn’t you come after Witch Doctor? A great battle with the correct judges decision.
BattleBots 2021 Tournament Predictions ROUND 2 – Round of 16 (8 Battles):
End Game v Minotaur
You have to pick an upset somewhere, and almost every great bot I know has lost an unexpected fight in the tournament. I think folks have forgotten about how powerful Minotaur can be because of a down two years, but it was once one of the two most feared bots in the field. I see them trending up with at least a punchers chance of upsetting the top bot.
Notes – We called this upset! It was an awesome battle that could have gone either way. End Game had Minotaur trapped and sacked if not for heroic driving from Daniel Freitas on one wheel to escape the corner. Minotaur dominated most of the battle keeping End Game off balance, and then delivering powerful blows to lightly armored areas. Once it bent the forks of End Game, the end was near. Minotaur got close and then underneath, and then KO!
Copperhead v Witch Doctor
I think Witch Doctor has too much experience, and more experience in the tournament and against top level bots. Anything can happen in the tournament, and Copperhead has the potential to destroy another bot, but I don’t see Mike and Andrea Gellatly letting this one get away.
Notes – we called this one! Witch Doctor made quick work of the previously undefeated Cobalt, despite a massive hit from Cobalt that sent Witch Doctor into an aerial back flip with a perfect landing! However, once Witch Doctor clipped Cobalt one time on the side, Cobalt was momentarily off balance, and Witch Doctor pounced, landing decisive blows that led quickly to a KO!
SawBlaze v P1
A battle for low ground I see Jamison Go and SawBlaze winning. I am not a fan of saws, hammers, or flame throwers, but Jamison is good at bullying the other bot around the box and inflicting damage in creative ways.
Notes – we called this one! P1 is about as boring as a battle robot can be, and truly didn’t deserve to move past Hypershock. With two control bots sporting anemic weapons, we all knew this would go to the judges. SawBlaze had lower ground and that pretty much was the end of the fight.
Uppercut and Riptide
Two of the most powerful weapons in the whole field, Riptide had an impressive first round win over Shatter. Comparing their battle histories, Uppercut has a huge advantage in number of battles, and they boast an impressive number of KOs. They seem the more refined and experienced bot. Riptide is capable of a KO with 1 hit, but I am predicting a KO by the more experienced heavy hitter, Uppercut.
Notes – we called this fight, just for the wrong bot! Ripetide impressed with a 1-sided KO in 30 seconds!
Hydra v Black Dragon
Black Dragon had a genius driving event against MadCatter, but even more impressive was watching Hydra throw Ribbot around like a helpless frog.
Notes – we called this fight! Hydra impressed by flipping Black Dragon 17 times – and Black Dragon survived! The judges rightfully awarded Hydra the easy win.
Blip v JackPot
I see Blip moving too easily to the sides of JackPot and flipping them into eventual non-functioning. Blip seems able to absorb an unnatural amount of force-of-impact and keep moving forward. I am taking Blip in an easy win.
Notes – we called this one! Blip with an easy win, tipping Jackpot upright from where it could not return. Easy and quick KO for Blip.
Whiplash v Cobalt
Cobalt was impressive against Yeti, but their resume is lacking a win against a top bot. They look strategically like a tough match-up for a bully-bot like Whiplash. However, Whiplash’s armor is good enough to take a hit from Cobalt, and Whiplash has too many fights against the top bots, many of those wins. I am taking Whiplash.
Notes – we missed on this one which was an awkward, non-televised, battle ended early on a technicality and then a judges decision for Cobalt. Not sure we saw the full potential of this battle.
Rotator v Tantrum
Two of my favorite bots, both are tough and great at lasting the entire battle. Both bots have a low center of gravity, compact design, and strong drive train. I am taking Rotator for one reason: Tantrum v Gigabyte inflicted major damage on Tantrum, testing the limits of their front armor, whereas Rotator glided to an easy win against Capt Sherderator. My guess is that Rotator will be in slightly better shape, all other things being equal.
Notes – we missed on this one, although the fight was just as we expected. Tantrum didn’t look fatigued at all. This was likely the best fight of the tournament! It looked like Tantrum was out – unable to move – at one point. Rotator was sawing away parts on Tantrum, and then a 180 turn around saw Tantrum knock Rotator out of the arena for a spectacular KO!
BattleBots 2021 Tournament Predictions ROUND 1
(updated with current results 3/24/22)
Bracket 1 (#1 Seed) UPDATE: We chose every fight correctly in Bracket 1.
Play-in
Skorpios versus Mailce
Skorpios has had too many great fights this year – and two epic battles that did not go their way – they are due for a win.
Notes – we called this fight – Skorpios took out Malice’s weapon immediately and then pushed it around the box for the win. Their primary weapon couldn’t take out Malice despite having unfettered access for 3 minutes.
Round 1
End Game v Skorpios
Skorpios is fierce and reliable, but End Game is at the top of their game.
Notes – End Game wins in less than 1 minute.
Minotaur v Bloodsport
Both bots were arguably once the most feared, or top feared bots, now looking to regain that momentum. I see Minotaur trending up and Bloodsport trending down.
Notes – Total domination by Minotaur – damages Bloodsport weapon early and then hits it over and over again with no resistance from Bloodsport. Credit to Bloodsport for surviving. Both primary weapons looked down with 1 minute left, but both kept going.
Copperhead v Lucky
Lucky is a much better bot than I expected at first glance. This fight is tough to call but I am going with the consistency of solid victories Copperhead has shown. The drum spinner gets it done.
Notes – Copperhead was relentless, Lucky stayed in the fight unitl the end but didn’t have much chance of winning.
Glitch v Witch Doctor
Glitch is an awesome design encompassing the low box, vertical (bar) spinner, model similar to the past two champions End Game and Bite Force. I am betting Andrea and Mike Gellatly’s experience with battling these types of bots, their preparation and strategy, their driving experience in big matches, their mastery of the “hit, recover, and hit again technique,” and the current strength of their weapon will win out over a superior design and an inexperienced driver.
Notes – Glitch couldn’t get their undefeated robot to work – after the worst interview in BattleBots history, and then the first bow-out for technical reasons, disappointment is the only word for what seemed like a promising robot.
Witch Doctor destroys Mammoth in substitute battle. Not really a contest.
Bracket 2 (#2 Seed) UPDATE: Our worst bracket, we are 2 correct and 3 incorrect
Play In
Hydra v Defender
Hydra is running old equipment, and Defender beat Riptide, but still this looks like a bad matchup that favors Hydra.
Notes – Hydra destroyed Defender flipping it no less than 10 times. It won the battle of low ground, and its flipper actually worked – game over.
Ribbot v Hydra (Hydra wins)
Hydra is always dangerous and tough to bet against, but past battles have shown Ribbot to be at the top of their game and Hydra searching for answers.
Notes – Hydra found answers. We missed this one. Hydra came out early with a huge first flip of Ribbot and then repeated over and over again until Ribbot croaked. KO
MaDCatTer v Black Dragon (Black Dragon wins)
Black Dragon has my highest respect and I am not keen to bet against it, however MaDCatTer has destroyed its competition and looks at the top of their game.
Notes – We knew this would be close and it was a split decision. It looked to me like MaDCatTer had the better weapon, but Black Dragon drove a better fight. They controlled most of the fight and did enough in the judges eyes to offset bigger hits by the primary weapon from MaDCatTer and a finale that saw MaDCatTer flip Black Dragon right as time expired.
Blip v Valkyrie
Valkyrie has beaten Rotator and Tantrum in the past and is a formidable and experienced opponent, however I am betting on Blip to continue its consistent and relentless attack forward. Its front armor looks the part to withstand a smash from Valkyrie’s disc spinner, and Blips adept mobility should allow Aren to avoid the front of Valkyrie and flip from the side or back.
Notes – Finally a correct prediction in this bracket. We called this one perfectly. Blip took out Valkyrie’s weapon with its armor, then preceded to flip a defenseless Valkyrie back to Valhalla.
Jackpot v Tombstone (Jackpot wins)
Two of the biggest hitters, most fights with either robot end in a KO! I am taking Ray Billing’s experience and driving to get the better hit. We are a sponsor and fan of Tombstone so obviously biased, but that aside, one hit from either robot could end the match. I see Ray going deep into the tournament and it starts here.
Notes – This fight went exactly as we expected – two massive, arena shaking, hits within the first 10 seconds. Our Tombstone inflicted massive damage unto Jackpot, ripping its top armor off and exposing a dangling battery, however Jackpot got lucky as one of our wheels was rendered useless and a countdown ensued. Great battle, wish Tombstone had won, congratulations to Jackpot!
Bracket 3 (#3 Seed) UPDATE: We are 3 out of 4 correct
Whiplash v Icewave
Until I see it I can’t believe it, is how I feel about Icewave. It’s weapon seems good for 1 hit and then it fails – not how you want to feel going into the tournament, especially against one of the top 5 drivers in the sport. One hit was enough to kill Fusion, but unlikely to have the same effect on Whiplash even if he can hit them.
Notes – Icewaves weapon didn’t stop working, but it was ineffective against Whiplashe’s armor. One flip from Whiplash, and no self-righting for Icewave, meant an early KO.
Cobalt v Yeti (Cobalt wins)
Coin toss for me. Cobalt has lost most big battles against formidable opponents it faced, but Yeti was just destroyed by MaDCaTter. I’ll go with Yeti on a guess.
Notes – I guessed wrong – it was a close fight but Cobalt was clearly the better bot. Cobalt started slow but once it got underneath Yeti and flipped it a couple times, a KO was imminent.
Rotator v Captain Sherderator
I really like Rotator. It has proven to be a super reliable bot capable of winning a judges decision if needed, and having the occasional knockout. Victor Soto is a reliable and effective driver with tons of experience, and Rotator seems to be operating at peak performance. Captain Shrederator so far has been more fluff than puff – I don’t see them beating Rotator.
Notes – We called this fight accurately. Captain Sherderator couldn’t harm the armor of Rotator, and 1 big hit from Rotator ended Shreds revenge: KO.
Tantrum v Gigabyte
Tantrum is operating at peak performance levels after a steep learning curve – I would pick Tantrum over most bots. Gigabyte won the full bodied spinner competition against Captain Sherderator, but that is not saying a whole lot. I see Gigabyte destroying itself against the armor of Tantrum.
Notes – We called this fight accurately … mostly. Gigabyte actually put up a spectacular fight. It went against the armor of Tantrum and mostly lost, but inflicted some meaningful hits and almost disabled Tantrum. It was a close fight and Gigabyte survived to the end. A unanimous decision for Tantrum seemed spot on.
Bracket 4 (#4 seed)
UPDATE: We chose every fight correctly except Hypershock v P1 – which was the worst judges decision in the history of BattleBots.
Saw Blaze v Hijinx
Saw Blaze is at the top of their game and they have shown the ability to consistently beat other robots who are not elite. Hijinx is not yet in the elite status and would need some luck to take a victory here.
Notes – Saw Blaze total domination chipping Hijinx apart “bit by bit” – spilled Hijinx insides out on the battle box. Hijinx never got primary weapon going, but to their credit they survived the entire fight.
Hypershock v P1
Hypershock is just too good right now. Will Bales went from fluff to puff – backing up his charismatic and energetic persona with a bot that really packs a punch and seems to have a chip on it’s shoulder. I see an early wreck for P1.
Notes – Hypershock dominated every aspect of the fight with the exception of being upside down for most of the battle. P1 did nothing, literally nothing. Not a single thing. Will Bales landed two impressive smashing hits, and bullied P1 around the arena. P1 got drove over, which flipped Hypershock, never used its primary weapon, showed no control of the battle even when Hypershock was upside down – how are they the winning bot? Terrible and unfair decision.
Uppercut v Huge
The fallacy that is Huge will be exposed. Uppercut might be everyone’s least favorite first round draw. I see a Huge robot being thrown like a hand-ball against the glass.
Notes – Huge put up a good fight, better than I expected, landing some key hits on Uppercut. In the end, Uppercut was the better bot and won a judges decision from a double KO.
Shatter v Riptide
Riptide has little experience but they have demonstrated reliability and a powerful weapon. I am not a fan of hammers. I see Riptide’s egg beat spinner ripping the hammer off Shatter.
Notes – I called this one, Riptide destroyed Shatter launching it into the glass and ending this battle in less than 1-minute.
Bring Robot Battles team building to your office or meeting!
