Pwn2Own Auto Offers $500K for Tesla Hacks in 2025 Contest

The Pwn2Own Automotive contest is set to return to Tokyo in 2025, offering a massive $500,000 reward for successful Tesla hacks as part of a broader prize pool exceeding $1 million. Participants will compete in four categories: Tesla, in-vehicle infotainment (IVI), electric vehicle chargers, and automotive operating systems.

The Tesla category, featuring the highest prize for exploiting the Autopilot system in the "full remote with unconfined root" subcategory, stands as the crown jewel of the event. Other categories offer prizes ranging from $20,000 to $60,000 for successful hacks. A random drawing will determine the attempt schedule, and competitors will accumulate points for each successful exploit.

The contestant with the most points by the contest’s conclusion will be awarded the coveted "Master of Pwn" title and enjoy Platinum status in the 2026 competition. With top cybersecurity talent expected to compete, the 2025 Pwn2Own Auto contest promises excitement and intense competition in automotive security.