Across the Early Year periods, the MERIT 2026 leaderboard gradually distilled into a clear group of six teams whose consistency, resilience, and upward scoring trajectories carried them into the Final Years. While early rounds featured volatility and rapid positional changes, by the end of the Early Years the competitive landscape had crystallized into a structured hierarchy.
'All Entirely Crazy' (Andun Engineering Consultants Ltd) and 'Civil Emperors' spent nearly the entire early phase locked in a private battle for first place.
In Period 5, they were already neck and neck (1461 vs 1454).
Through Periods 6–8, they traded the lead repeatedly, each posting strong double digit improvements.
By Periods 9 and 10, they had broken away from the field entirely, finishing with 2986 and 2915 respectively.
'Can't Engineer Group' (HKSARG) began Period 5 in 8th place, outside the qualification zone. What followed was one of the most impressive climbs of the season. Their ascent was steady, disciplined, and decisive — transforming them from the mid pack to a secure Final Years slot.
'Amazing Engineering Combination' (Andun Engineering Consultants Ltd) never quite broke into the top two, but they were the most stable of the mid field contenders. Their scoring curve was smooth and reliable, culminating in a strong 2651 in Period 10. They enter the Final Years as the team most likely to disrupt the top three if the leaders slip.
'M8 Masterminds' (Mott MacDonald) were the quiet constant of the qualifying rounds. They never threatened the podium, but they never came close to losing their qualification spot either. Their Period 10 score of 2398 reflects a team that knows how to maintain structural stability under pressure.
The sixth and final qualifying position was the most contested. Early on, 'TEAM 2 – Beckett Rankine' held the advantage, but by Period 9 they were overtaken by 'OMG' (AtkinsRéalis), who delivered a decisive late period surge. Their late round momentum secured the final ticket to the Final Years.
MERIT 2026 now takes a small break, but will return in May for the Final Years.