SEMA has opened entries for the 2026 Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers, with builders exhibiting at the SEMA Show able to enter now at semabotb.com. Now in its 13th year, the competition expands for 2026 with the debut of the Battle of the Builders: Bike Builder Shootout, opening the program to custom motorcycle builders for the first time. Motorcycle entries will be judged separately by motorcycle industry judges on craftsmanship, design innovation, and overall execution, advancing until one builder is named the overall Bike Builder champion.
The Bike Builder Shootout joins the program’s four automotive classes: Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and BFGoodrich Young Guns. As in past years, winners from those four classes advance through the competition until one is named the overall Battle of the Builders champion.
The BFGoodrich Young Guns category remains open to builders age 29 and younger, and eligible Young Guns entrants may be selected for virtual Golden Ticket competitions through the summer, with prize packages that can include vehicle transportation to Las Vegas, hotel accommodations, and travel assistance. SEMA says additional Golden Ticket details will be announced in SEMA News in the coming weeks.
The 2026 SEMA Show runs November 3 to November 6 in Las Vegas, with exhibitor information at semashow.com/exhibitor and attendee and buyer registration open online. SEMA Fest is confirmed for Friday, November 6, with industry members getting the lowest ticket rates through the registration portal, and updates available at semafest.com.
