PetroBowl® Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there no more International Championship?

With the growing popularity of the PetroBowl contest, more and more teams from different regions were qualifying through to the Championship. However, their ability to travel to ATCE in the USA proved immensely difficult with visa restrictions and high costs — around one-third of qualifying teams were unable to be represented at the Championship. As a result, the contest was no longer representative of the skills and ability of the players, so, as of 2026, the decision was made to focus on the regional events.

Will the Championship come back?

Possibly. The SPE Board of Directors and the Student Development Committee are regularly discussing and looking into ways to have international representation of students at ATCE. If an appropriate solution is found that allows students to be represented, the contest can be reinstated.

How can I join a Regional Championship/Contest?

Visit our Regional Championship page, where you will find information on upcoming contests and information on how to apply.

How can I volunteer for a Regional Championship?

Please contact your local SPE Staff Regional Activities Manger. Staff and Regional Directors will determine where and when a contest is appropriate for your region. From there, they will develop a regional volunteer taskforce, typically involving members of the Section, to fulfill the tasks associated with the program.

How can I prepare for my contest?

Each Regional Championship may vary in how it is run, depending on the facilities and resources available. Please carefully read any details regional organizers have provided. PetroBowl questions must be verified by reliable sources, exploring the oil and gas industry and related fields. Questions can cover any SPE or industry-related topics, including historical, business, or technical topics. Exploring SPE resources like PetroWiki, OnePetro, and JPT are excellent ways to prepare for your contest.

Will our travel and accommodation for the regional contest be arranged for us?

No, all teams are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs and arrangements. If teams require financial assistance, we recommend they approach their student chapter’s sponsoring section and/or local and regional companies who might provide sponsorship.

Can I run my own PetroBowl?

PetroBowl is a copyrighted brand owned by SPE International. As a result, any unauthorized use of the PetroBowl brand or logo will be in breach of copyright laws. Official PetroBowl contests will be confirmed by SPE staff. Similar quiz-style contests are encouraged by SPE as long as it does not conflict with PetroBowl branding, as this may cause confusion for participants.