@0xb0g0
Last updated
Last updated
If you're just starting out and planning to participate in your first contest, make sure to properly equip yourself before stepping into the battlefield. One of the main reasons many newcomers give up early is that they jump straight into a contest without preparation. Often, they struggle to find anything, feel overwhelmed, and conclude that success is impossible- leading them to quit. On the other hand, auditors who spend a few weeks preparing by conducting shadow audits, reading reports, and actively practicing finding bugs, tend to perform reasonably well in their first contest. This initial success is what you need to ignite the motivation needed to persevere and continue until you truly "make it."
This is where unique and less duplicated findings hide. If you stay on the surface, where everyone else is, you'll uncover the same issues as everyone else. But if you're bold enough to dive deeper, you can win Big. The deeper you go, the less competition you'll face. Going deep means that once you understand how a protocol works, you focus on its most critical flows, break them down into smaller components, and start exploring:
are there any external integrations -> study the external integration code
check tests for a particular flow -> are there any spots left untested -> explore them
are there any exotic scenarios to this flow -> try to think of them and see if they brake the logic
Remaining focused is one of the most essential principles to grasp in this industry, and it applies on multiple levels:
Commit to one contest at a time and give it your all - It's far better to win a single contest than to perform moderately well in several.
Dedicate yourself to one goal - Whether it's becoming an LSR/LSW, building a business, or excelling at bug bounties, choose a single goal and channel all your efforts into achieving meaningful results.
Once you’ve built some initial recognition (achieving a few milestones helps break the ice quickly), start connecting with other auditors.
Share your opinions, expectations, and experiences with them—this can help you identify false assumptions and recalibrate your approach to make more informed and effective decisions
This is one of the best ways to stay updated on real trends and opportunities in the industry—those that lie behind the glossy marketing facade.
