The Robert Gordon University PetroBowl Team shares the story of their remarkable victory at the 2026 SPE Europe PetroBowl Championship, reflecting on the preparation, teamwork, and resilience that carried them to the top of one of the most competitive academic stages.
Introduction
On 9 April 2026, we, the RGU PetroBowl team, achieved a milestone we will never forget. At the 20th Student Technical Congress hosted by TU Clausthal University in Germany, we emerged as the champions of the 2026 SPE European PetroBowl Competition.
16 universities from across the continent competed, each bringing strong technical backgrounds and determined teams. Standing at the top of that field was a moment of pride not only for us but for the entire SPE RGU Student Chapter and the wider university community.
Building the Team
Our team came together from different academic backgrounds but with the same commitment to learning and excellence. The four of us, Jhon Jairo Maestre, Roi Nze, Prince Effah Ameyaw, and Carlos David Monroy Ordoñez, joined with a shared goal of representing the SPE RGU Student Chapter with pride, supported throughout by faculty members who encouraged our preparation and ensured we had what we needed to succeed.
We began preparing months before the competition, reviewing SPE materials, studying both technical and nontechnical topics, running mock rounds, and analysing previous PetroBowl questions. This consistent effort strengthened our technical depth, sharpened our communication, and helped us develop a natural rhythm built on trust. Over time, our individual strengths blended into a cohesive and confident team.
The Journey to Germany
Travelling to Clausthal for the Student Technical Congress was an exciting experience. The event brought together students, academics, and industry professionals from across Europe, creating an atmosphere that was both competitive and collaborative. When we arrived, we took time to familiarise ourselves with the venue, observe the competition environment, and settle into the rhythm of the congress.
Despite the pressure of the upcoming matches, we remained calm and focused. We knew we had prepared well, and we trusted the work we had put in. Inside the competition hall, the tournament bracket reminded us of the challenge ahead. Sixteen universities, one elimination format, and one chance to claim the European title.
Competition Highlights
The competition began at a fast pace, and it became clear from the first round that every second mattered. We stayed composed, trusted our preparation, and built early momentum that carried us through the opening stages. As the questions grew more challenging, our teamwork became our greatest strength. Clear communication, strategic buzzing, and calm execution helped us navigate each round with confidence.
Reaching the final against TU Clausthal, the host university, was a moment filled with both pressure and excitement. The hall was alive with energy, and every point felt decisive. We relied on the rhythm we had built over months of preparation, supporting one another through each question. When the final buzzer sounded and we were announced as the 2026 SPE Europe PetroBowl Champions, the feeling was unforgettable. It was a moment of pride, relief, and deep gratitude.
A Defining Moment
After the final, we had the honour of meeting Jennifer Miskimins, President of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. Her warm congratulations and thoughtful insights meant a great deal to us. Speaking with someone who has contributed so much to the industry reminded us of the importance of continuous learning and professional growth. It was a moment that added even more meaning to our achievement.
Impact and Future Outlook
Beyond the trophy, the competition strengthened our technical competence, sharpened our analytical thinking, and boosted our confidence in high pressure environments. It also raised the visibility of the SPE RGU Student Chapter and highlighted the strength of RGU’s student community within the global energy landscape. The experience has inspired more students to engage with SPE activities and has strengthened our chapter’s presence in the region.
Looking back, the experience shaped us in ways that went beyond the competition itself. It strengthened our friendships, deepened our confidence, and reminded us of what is possible when we commit to a shared goal. Representing RGU on an international stage was an honour, and the journey will remain one of the most meaningful moments of our academic lives.
Acknowledgements
We extend our appreciation to the faculty members who supported our preparation, the School of Computing, Engineering and Technology, and the SPE Aberdeen Section for its commitment to student development. We are also grateful to the wider RGU community for fostering an environment that encourages academic excellence, collaboration, and professional growth.
Author Information
Jhon Jairo Maestre
I am a Petroleum Engineer from Colombia and, in recognition of my academic performance and dedication, I was awarded the Cum Laude distinction, an achievement that reflects my commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Currently, I am pursuing an MSc in Drilling and Well Engineering at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have developed a strong passion for drilling engineering, well construction technologies, and the future of the energy industry. At Robert Gordon University, I had the privilege of representing the university as part of the PetroBowl team. Participating in PetroBowl has been an incredibly rewarding experience that strengthened my technical knowledge, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills under pressure. I am proud that our team achieved first place in the competition, representing RGU with excellence and professionalism. I am passionate about learning and contributing in the advancement of the energy industry while continuing to grow as a drilling and well engineering professional.
Roi Nze
Roi Nze is a Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Scholar and master’s student in Oil and Gas Engineering at Robert Gordon University. She holds a First-Class Honours bachelor’s degree in chemical and Petrochemical Engineering from Nigeria. Motivated by a vision of a sustainable energy future, she leverages her process engineering background to develop innovative and practical solutions for the energy sector. As the Social Activities Chair of the SPE Robert Gordon University Student Chapter, she is committed to fostering professional engagement and leadership among young engineers. Driven by a passion for continuous learning, Roi is expanding her expertise into reservoir and well engineering, with the long-term goal of leading transformative projects that advance innovation and shape the future of the global energy industry.
Prince Effah Ameyaw
Prince Effah Ameyaw is a postgraduate Energy Management student at Robert Gordon University with a background in Petroleum Engineering and a proud recipient of the Commonwealth Scholarship from Ghana. He is driven by a commitment to shaping a sustainable and forward‑looking global energy system. His academic interests include sustainable oil and gas production, energy transition pathways, and a range of renewable and emerging low‑carbon technologies such as offshore wind, solar, hydrogen, and CCUS, supported by interdisciplinary approaches to modern energy systems. Recognised for leadership and academic excellence, Prince brings a strong analytical mindset and a passion for responsible energy development. He aims to build a career as an energy analyst and policy advisor, contributing to decisions that accelerate a just and sustainable energy future.
Carlos David Monroy Ordoñez
I’m a Colombian petroleum engineer graduated from Universidad Industrial de Santander and currently pursuing an MSc in Drilling and Well Engineering at Robert Gordon University. I am passionate about the energy industry, I am particularly interested in drilling and completion operations. My professional goal is to build an international career and become a worldwide expert in well engineering, contributing to innovative and efficient solutions for the industry. I am motivated by continuous learning, technical challenges, and the opportunity to work in multidisciplinary and multicultural environments.