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During VMware Explore US 2023 in Las Vegas, I participated in the VMware Hands On Labs Odyssey Challenge. It was the second time I participated in a competition of this type and I must say it was a lot of fun.

What is the VMware Hands On Labs Odyssey Challenge?

This is a competition that started at VMworld in 2019. It was originally a team-based competition where each group competed to get the highest amount of points in the shortest amount of time by completing very specific VMware solution tasks (e.g. vSphere, vSAN, vRA, Horizon, Tanzu, etc.). During COVID-19 and the VMworld Digital Events in 2020 and 2021, the Odyssey Challenge evolved to be an individual competition that was run remotely. Last year (2022 US, 2022 EU, 2022 Singapore) it moved back to an in-person competition for individuals (no longer team based).

How does it work?

VMware Explore 2023 Odyssey is run per event. Each event has four rounds, with the top cumulative rankings of Rounds 1, 2, and 3 being moved into Round 4 for a total of 10 competitors. The top 3 finishers overall receive the prizes (First place: Alienware gaming rig, Second place: 4K HD Projector, Third place: Star Wars Lego set). One round is run per day of the event (Mon-Thu).

For competing in the Odyssey event, you get a key chain with a purple participation disk. If you reach the finals, you get a silver disk and if you place in the top 3, you get a gold disk.

For reaching the finals, you also get an Odyssey varsity jacket.

What does it cost to compete?

You must be a VMware Explore pass holder to compete.

What platform is used for Odyssey?

The VMware Hands on Labs is used to deliver the Odyssey Challenge lab environments. There is an Odyssey Challenge app that runs and validates that each task is completed (via PowerShell) before you can progress to the next task. Each Round of the competition typically has 3 to 4 tasks that need to be completed to finish the round.

What type of tasks do you need to complete?

It depends upon the Odyssey Lab being tested (e.g. vSphere, vSAN, NSX-T, Aria, Tanzu, etc.), but the first few tasks are quite simple (e.g. enable vSphere HA and DRS) and then the final 1 or 2 tasks will increase in difficulty and require advanced knowledge to complete. The trick to being successful, is to be able to complete the tasks quickly with a high level of accuracy with minimal use of the supplied documentation. This means you need to have prepared yourself beforehand for each technology area. You can use the HOL lab that the Odyssey Challenge is based upon to practice during the event. You receive points for completing each task and any additional time left on the clock from the 30-minute timer is also converted into points.

Is there any kind of live commentary while the competition runs?

For Rounds 1, 2, and 3, no. But in Round 4, there was a live audience with VMware staff providing a running discussion as the final progressed.

How can you access Odyssey Challenge now?

VMUG sometimes runs the VMware Odyssey event as a separate competition and the VMware Hands on Labs has a library of Odyssey Challenges from previous years that you can access at anytime.

What were the results?

A screenshot of the US results for Rounds 1 to 4 is below.