PHOTO: Team leader Victor Jarlwood secured an extraordinary 10th place globally in the individual rankings, placing him among the very best cyber defense experts on the planet.
SOURCE: Daily Observer newspaper
Liberia has earned international acclaim following the impressive performance of its cybersecurity professionals at the GISEC GLOBAL 2025 Capture the Flag (CTF) Competition — the largest event of its kind in history, certified by Guinness World Records.
Amid fierce competition from teams representing over 160 countries, the Liberian team emerged as one of the Top 30 in the world. Most notably, team leader Victor K. Jarlwood Jr., competing under the alias “Cyberdon,” secured an extraordinary 10th place globally in the individual rankings, placing him among the very best cyber defense experts on the planet.
“This was a monumental moment for Liberia,” said Jarlwood, a strategic cybersecurity advocate and thought leader. “We went up against some of the most advanced teams in the world — and proved that Liberians belong at the top of global tech.”
GISEC GLOBAL 2025 set new records for participation, innovation, and training impact, shattering more than 11 Guinness World Records and solidifying its status as the largest cybersecurity, ransomware defense, and CTF training event ever held. Liberia’s participation — and success — marks the country’s entry into the global cybersecurity arena in a bold and historic way.
The team’s performance is especially notable given the resource constraints often faced by African tech communities. Yet, with determination, advanced preparation, and a spirit of national pride, the Liberian team not only competed — it excelled.
“This is a major win for Liberia’s digital future,” Jarlwood added. “We’ve shown that we have the skill, the strategy, and the resilience to lead in the cybersecurity space. But we need support — from government, from the private sector, from international partners — to scale this momentum.”
With this achievement, Liberia’s rising cyber talent is gaining global recognition. The team is now setting its sights on upcoming regional and international tournaments and hopes to expand its training footprint, inspiring a new generation of Liberian cyber defenders.
As the digital threat landscape grows more complex, Liberia’s success at GISEC 2025 sends a clear message: the country is ready to stand on the frontlines of global cybersecurity.