Introduction
The SPE PetroBowl Competition is the largest university competition focused on the oil and gas industry, bringing together top universities from around the world. This year, a team of undergraduate students from a public university in Brazil, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), won the competition for the second time, solidifying Brazil as the only country outside of North America to win this competition. This achievement underscores the dedication and hard work of the team, who have now set a new benchmark for excellence in the competition.
Background
Initiated in 2002, the PetroBowl is a global competition that adopts a fast-paced, elimination quiz format. Teams of up to four players answer questions on technical and nontechnical topics related to the oil and gas industry. The competition has grown significantly over the years, with regional divisions established in 2015 to allow more teams from outside of North America to compete. The format involves pressing a buzzer to answer questions within 5 seconds, with correct answers earning points and incorrect answers resulting in penalties. This format not only tests the participants’ knowledge but also their quick thinking and composure under pressure.
Highlighting the Achievement
Winning the PetroBowl is no easy task. Since its inception, all winning universities were from North America, except for PetroTeam UFRJ. Competing at the same level as teams with more experience required the team to reinvent themselves and professionalize their approach. Their first victory came in 2016, and after 8 years of strong performances, they secured their second championship.
The Journey
The team’s preparation involved rigorous training sessions that simulated the actual competition. They used a question bank and competed among themselves, constantly evaluating individual and team performances. Each member also dedicated time to their individual studies, guided by more experienced team members who provided mentorship. This structured approach ensured that all team members were well-prepared and confident in their abilities.
The preparation process was not without its challenges. The team had to balance their academic responsibilities with their training sessions, often sacrificing personal time to ensure they were ready for the competition. Despite these challenges, the team’s dedication and commitment never wavered. They understood that their hard work and perseverance would be key to their success.
Team Dynamics
This year, the team started with nine members, six of whom were new. After a selection process, three new members joined the existing team. The team dynamics changed, with responsibilities divided among experienced members who guided the team and newcomers being prepared for future leadership roles. This approach ensured that the team remained competitive and that new members were adequately prepared to take on more significant roles in the future.
For the PetroBowl, the team was composed of Bruno de Almeida (captain), Gilles Dias, Matheus Dutra, Karina Policarpo, and Yan Nascimento. Unlike previous years, where each member was responsible for a specific major area, this year the team adopted a more flexible approach. This change was necessary to break free from stagnation and to ensure that the team remained dynamic and adaptable.
Support and Mentorship
The team received significant support from the Enhanced Oil Recovery Research Laboratory of UFRJ (LRAP), their coordinator Rafael Charin, and former team members. They were also sponsored by Repsol Sinopec Brazil, which funded their travel and additional expenses. This support was crucial in enabling the team to focus on their preparation without worrying about logistical and financial constraints.
Mentorship played a vital role in the team’s success. Experienced team members provided guidance and support to the newcomers, sharing their knowledge and experience which helped newer members quickly adapt to the team’s rigorous training regimen and develop the skills necessary to compete at a high level.
Competition Highlights
The competition was intense, with the team improving with each round. Key moments included critical questions answered during the semi-final against the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun Nigeria, and a calculated strategy in the final against the University of Indonesia. Their composure and precision under pressure were crucial to their victory as playing too emotionally could lead to losing essential points.
Impact on Careers
Participating in and winning PetroBowl has significantly impacted the team members’ careers. They gained technical knowledge, professional experience, and valuable skills such as teamwork, organization, and networking. These experiences have helped prepare them for successful careers in the oil and gas industry.
The competition provided the team members with unique experiences that are rarely found in the industry. The pressure of competing in a high-stakes environment, the need for quick thinking and decision-making, and the importance of teamwork and collaboration were all valuable lessons that will benefit them in their future careers.
Conclusion
The story of PetroTeam UFRJ is an inspiration for other universities and students. Their journey shows the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and continuous learning. The team’s future plans include defending their title and continuing to support and develop new members. Members who are leaving the team this year will continue to support, while those who remain have the responsibility to lead, share knowledge, and keep the team competitive. Their success elevates UFRJ’s reputation and demonstrates that with dedication and support, any university can achieve greatness in the PetroBowl.
Bruno de Almeida is a petroleum engineering student at Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro and currently works in the production and operations team at Repsol Sinopec Brasil. He was a player for PetroTeam UFRJ in 2023 and became the team captain in 2024. Under his leadership, the team achieved victory in SPE’s 2024 PetroBowl.
Gilles Dias is a petroleum engineering student, currently working in the project implementation team at Brava Energia, with previous experience in carbon capture and storage, geothermal energy, and well integrity. He was a player for PetroTeam UFRJ in 2023 and 2024, winning the PetroBowl in 2024.