The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) opened applications for the 2025 Battle of the Builders (BOTB), inviting all vehicle builders showcasing at the 2025 SEMA Show to apply by Oct. 17 at semabotb.com.
This year’s competition will honor top builders across four categories:
• Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck
• 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road
• Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic
• Young Guns (builders under 29 as of Nov. 7, 2025)
The top builder in each category will be recognized as a class champion, with one ultimately selected as the overall Battle of the Builders winner during the 2025 SEMA Show, taking place Nov. 4–7 in Las Vegas.
Noah Alexander, who won the 2024 competition with a 1968 Dodge Charger, said of the experience: “The competition every year is incredibly fierce, and we’ve been following it for years. Some of the people we look up to the most in the industry have won this award, so to appear alongside those people is really incredible.”
The selection process begins with industry judges reviewing online applications and vehicle photos. On Nov. 3, ahead of the show’s official opening, judges will evaluate vehicles on-site and select the Top 40 finalists, 10 from each category. From there, the Top 3 finalists in each class will be chosen, including a separate Top 3 selection from the Young Guns category. These 12 finalists will then become judges themselves to decide the final category winners and the overall BOTB champion.
The Young Guns category is designed to support emerging talent and recognize innovation among builders under 29. Eligible applicants who apply by Aug. 15 may also be considered for regional Golden Ticket competitions for a chance to win a special SEMA Show prize package.
Attendee registration for the 2025 SEMA Show is now open. Registration costs $50 through June 27, increases to $75 on June 28, and will be $100 starting Sept. 27. A SEMA Show badge grants access to both SEMA and AAPEX.
For more information and to apply for the competition, visit semabotb.com. For tickets to SEMA Fest, the one-day motorsports and music festival on Nov. 7, visit semafest.com.
