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"There are a lot of vicious weapons in BattleBots - spinners, drums - but they all come in from the side. What's different about Beta is we come in from the top. It's very rare, people aren't expecting that, so people don't put a whole lot of armor on the top, it's all on the sides. So if we can hit it on the top, we can kill them with a good hit."
— John Reid during World Championship II

Beta (pronounced bee-tah and sometimes stylized as βeta, beta or BETA) is a heavyweight robot built by John Reid of Team Hurtz, which originally intended to compete in Season 5.0 of Comedy Central BattleBots, but had to withdraw. It also had to pull out of World Championship I, but returned for World Championship II, V and most recently, World Championship VII.

Built to replace KillerHurtz after Season 4.0, the original build of Beta sported an 11kg aluminum alloy hammer head, notably including neodymium-iron-boron magnets proving approximately 400kg of downforce.[1] The robot was armored in 25mm LexGard polycarbonate with 5mm stainless steel corner armor plates.[1]

2002 aug Beta CAD

CAD of the original Beta, dated August 2002.

Joined by long-term teammate Dominic Parkinson as well as two-time Robot Wars champion George Francis of Chaos 2 fame, the original build of Beta showed up in a finished state to compete in the Comedy Central Season 5.0 heavyweight division. However, as its magnets pulled the floor panels up, Beta could not move under its own power in the BattleBots test box. Team Hurtz were forced to withdraw and intended to remedy this ahead of the next competition, but the show was canceled after Season 5.0.

Beta returned for World Championship I on ABC, with John Reid being assisted by Dave Moulds of Team Carbide, who would later enter Cobalt under his own team. Multiple changes had been made to Beta in order to bring it up-to-date, including a new hammer arm which was bent so it could strike opponents even when mid-air and a suction fan system to replace the magnets. Its sloped armor was made from laser-cut, 5mm thick HARDOX 450 and 8mm polycarbonate top armor.[2][3] Unfortunately, despite multiple attempts to get it working, they were forced to forfeit their first match. This was due to American Airlines losing a 25kg bag of important parts for Beta on its way to San Francisco. The bag contained Beta's custom weapon controller, wiring harness, armor mounting, wheel bearings, chargers and more, but was eventually found eight weeks later.[4]

Beta WCI CAD

CAD of Beta in 2015.

When Beta returned again for World Championship II, it finally worked as intended, allowing it to demonstrate its electrically-driven hammer to devastating effect. The weapon's quick fire rate, self-righting capability, and damage output quickly made Beta a crowd favorite. Joined by Grant Cooper of Team Robo Challenge - who assisted with weapon operations and repairs - Beta reached the quarter-finals of the main competition, losing a close duel with Tombstone at that stage after receiving serious damage to its armor and weapon mount.

In 2018, John Reid looked to redesign his electrically-powered hammerbot. However, Beta did not return for either of the next two seasons, instead competing in the Chinese show King of Bots where John Reid helped out his old rival Gabriel Stroud with his flipper bot Tánshè. He later formed part of Team Black and Blue as they entered DUCK! for the 2019 competition. Similarly, Grant Cooper split off to compete with Quantum under the Team Robo Challenge name.

Beta WCV hero shot red

Beta during World Championship V hero shots.

For World Championship V, Beta was upgraded with help from his team from Tánshè, using a new shorter hammer powered by nitrogen for more power, four-wheel driven with two of the wheels being behind the hammer, and different armor configurations. Team Hurtz cited weight as the primary reason for switching Beta's hammer from being electrically-powered to utilising a pneumatic system.

"The pneumatic mechanism is lighter and about three times the power. With the available weight we can add magnets to make use of the extra power. Another advantage is that you don't need a heavy hammer on a long arm, which really hurt the manoeuvrability of electric Beta."
— John Reid explains the switch in February 2024[5]

Although its weapon showed a lot of power, John Reid often held back too much to save it and it often cost Beta points, especially in the main tournament. While Beta did go unbeaten in the fight cards, it was viciously disposed of in the Round of 32 against Ribbot.

Beta with bladed hammer 2022

Beta with its slim hammer.

Returning as a Bounty boss for BattleBots: Bounty Hunters, Beta lost its only fight in disappointing fashion to Lock-Jaw.

Beta was initially confirmed to have been accepted for World Championship VI, though Gabriel Stroud would not have been on the team as he intended to compete with Sabretooth. Both Beta and Sabretooth were forced to drop out of the competition due to NIE Visas being denied by the US State Department - an issue which affected many international teams for the 2021 competition.

Beta WCVII hero shot

Beta during World Championship VII hero shots.

On September 25, 2022, Team Hurtz revealed via a Facebook post their selection for World Championship VII with Beta, confirming its return to the show.[6] This was later backed up by BattleBots, who ranked Beta #29 in their Pre-Season Power Rankings ahead of the competition.[7] Beta underwent an array of changes ahead of the season, chief among which included the switch to brushless drive motors, saving the team just over 14lbs.[8] Inspired by new team member Jason Marston's heavyweight robot Thor, Beta has a brand new bladed hammer made from 10mm AR500 steel which hits similar to John Reid's Robot Wars machine, Terrorhurtz.[9] Beta's season began with consecutive wins over Kraken and Shatter! but lost its third fight to Black Dragon. Beta's qualifying rounds were rounded off with a dominant win over Bloodsport as Beta finished with a 3-1 record. John Reid's team entered the tournament, but fell to Whiplash after becoming immobile on the Upper Deck.

Beta also competed in BattleBots: Champions II, where it entered the third Sin City Slugfest bracket. It dominated rookie Double Tap in the opening round, but fell to bracket winner Free Shipping in the semi-finals.

Outside BattleBots[]

Basher Robot Wars pilot

Beta as Basher during the unaired 2016 Robot Wars pilot.

A near-identical build of the World Championship II Beta also appeared in the unaired pilot episode of Robot Wars Series 8 under the name Basher. John Reid and Team Hurtz would compete in the entire rebooted run with Beta's predecessor, Terrorhurtz, which had previously finished fourth overall in Series 6 of the classic series.

A deconstructed Beta was present at RoboNerd 2023 as a static display.

For more information on the team's involvement in Robot Wars, see here.

Robot History[]

Season 5.0[]

Beta vs. Bender (Forfeit)

Beta Season 5

Beta in the test box.

Beta was meant to fight Bender in its first ever match, but failed to move under its own power and thus forfeited the fight. Bender won by default and Beta was eliminated from the tournament.

World Championship I[]

Beta vs. Tombstone (Forfeit)

Beta ABC S1 2015

Dave Moulds working on Beta during World Championship I.

Beta returned to BattleBots for World Championship I, and was scheduled to battle Tombstone. However, due to technical issues, they were forced to forfeit.[10]

Beeta

Beta during World Championship I.

Beta was replaced in the competition by alternate Counter Revolution.

World Championship II[]

Beta vs. Lucky

"I designed Beta for BattleBots, fourteen years ago. Took me a long time, gradually developing it to get it working properly. So Beta has never got a chance to fight, it's been sitting on my coffee table for fourteen years, waiting for this moment..."
— John Reid in the lead-up to Beta's long-awaited debut during World Championship II
Beta's first match in the 2016 competition came against Lucky. Before getting into the BattleBox, Beta fell off the trolley and landed on the entrance ramp. Luckily, this caused no damage to Beta ahead of the fight.

Beta vs Lucky WCII 1

Beta is overturned by Lucky,

Both robots exited their starting squares but Beta proved itself to be the early aggressor, landing a glancing blow which was enough to dislodge part of its shock absorbing armor. Beta dealt a shot to Lucky's front wedge, but was quickly flipped as the Canadian robot retaliated. Just as swiftly, Beta used its hammer to self-right.

Beta Lucky WCII stuck flipper

Lucky's flipper becomes stuck in the upright position.

Following this flip, Lucky's primary weapon appeared to be locked in position and was therefore vulnerable to further hammer blows. After a single hit, however, Lucky's flipper reset and driver Gary Gin drove under the front plow of Beta, lining it up for another flip. Lucky was again slow to reset its flipper and Beta attempted to capitalize, but unbalanced and tipped itself over instead. Beta recovered again but Lucky's weapon was now totally out of action.

"Lucky looking like a coiled cobra prancing around the BattleBox... and that launcher is definitely stuck. Essentially they are a wedgebot now."
— Kenny Florian as Beta narrowly misses two hammer shots

Lucky Beta hammer

Lucky takes a hammer shot as it rams Beta into the wall.

Beta lined itself up again, but twice missed its target. Lucky was able to use its drive power to ram John Reid's robot back into the wall, in an attack which also appeared to reset its primary weapon once more. Lucky continued to push back, throwing Beta through the air as the fight approached the final minute.

Beta Lucky WCII 2

Lucky mistimes a flip.

Sparks flew as Beta's mallet made contact with Lucky's flipper panel, and then it was the turn of Mark Demers' robot to mistime an attack with its primary weapon. Lucky's flipper again struggled to retract but eventually reset. As it drove Beta back, the hammerbot flailed its weapon in an attempt to disrupt Lucky's charge. This proved effective as Lucky lacked the leverage to throw Beta. into the Lexan wall.

Beta vs Lucky WCII JD

Beta lands a late flurry of blows.

Now in the final thirty seconds, both robots exchanged misses with their respective weapons. Lucky landed one final flip, which forced Beta to self-right. Not to be outdone, Beta struck Lucky twice in the closing seconds to leave a lasting impression on the judges.

Beta won a unanimous judges' decision, advancing to the Round of 32 with its No.9 seeding.

Beta vs. Overhaul

Beta Overhaul

Beta swings and misses Overhaul after landing two blows to the claw.

BetavsOverhaul BB2016

Beta destroys Overhaul's power switch, immobilizing his drive

Moving on in the tournament, Beta fought the No.24 seed Overhaul. Both robots moved around trying to avoid the other's weapon. Beta managed to get a hit on Overhaul's weapon but no damage was done. Overhaul eventually found itself cornered and took a few blows from Beta's hammer. After a few more blows from Beta's hammer, Overhaul stopped moving as the impacts destroyed the power switch for the drive as well as the battery box. With no signs of control, a count began on Overhaul. However, time ran out before the countdown was finished. Beta won on a unanimous 3-0 judges' decision and advanced to the Round of 16.

Beta vs. Nightmare

BetavsNightmare bb2016

Beta slowly strikes Nightmare with its hammer.

Nightmare Beta

Beta losing complete control of its weapon.

In the next round, Beta faced the No.25 seed, Nightmare, a robot Team Hurtz beat in the very first BattleBots event. Things started out rather poorly for Beta, as Nightmare took out Beta's weapon as well as causing other damage. Nightmare sported an additional piece of armor called the "BETA BLOCKER", which did not last long. Beta found an opening and managed to get Nightmare on top and paraded it around the BattleBox. Nightmare got off but Beta got underneath again and this time toppled Nightmare with only 13 seconds left. Nightmare was counted out and Beta won by KO. This win put Beta through to the quarter-finals.

Beta vs. Tombstone

Beta Tombstone

Beta takes a shot to the side from Tombstone's blade.

Beta Tombstone 2

Beta shoves Tombstone before delivering another hammer blow.

Tombstone Beta

Beta pushes Tombstone into the wall.

In the final eight, Beta faced the No.1 seed Tombstone after forfeiting its first match against Ray Billings' machine in the previous season. Unlike the other robots that faced Tombstone before, from the very start of the match, Beta had the advantage. Beta came right at Tombstone and both robots collided in the center of the BattleBox. This sent Tombstone flying out of control, effectively fending off the No.1 seed using its large front wedge. Despite Tombstone's blade sending shrapnel flying, Beta took very little damage and continued to control the match. Beta pushed Tombstone around and attacked Tombstone's top with its hammer after pinning Tombstone against the wall. However, Beta managed to flip Tombstone by trying to pin it blade-first sending Tombstone flying onto its back, allowing Tombstone's blade to hit higher on its opponent. Beta continued to attack even after its weapon mount took damage from Tombstone's blade, leaving Beta with no active hammer. Beta got underneath Tombstone again, but both robots remained motionless as the clock had been inadvertently reset, though no mention of this was made TV broadcast. The fight went to the judges, who ruled unanimously in favor of Tombstone, eliminating Beta from the tournament.

World Championship V[]

Beta vs. ROTATOR

Betarotator

Beta shoves ROTATOR into the corner, losing its hammer head in the process.

Beta's return to combat gave it a match with Victor Soto and ROTATOR, but due to the filming schedule and Beta arriving a bit late, this fight was actually filmed last but aired first. In response, the robot was equipped with a lighter hammer and thicker armor to deflect ROTATOR's attacks. Beta started off very well as they were fending off ROTATOR and began carrying them around the arena. Since ROTATOR had pretty much no answer, Beta continued to push them around, taking them to the screws and taking advantage of ROTATOR's attempt to keep its weapon running. Beta then pushed ROTATOR near the pulverizer and lost its hammer head as it turned into ROTATOR's spinning disc. The time ran out and the judges awarded a 2-1 split decision for Beta.

This fight, which was filmed after the highly controversial fight between HUGE and Hydra, was also highly controversial due to Beta winning despite not using his active primary weapon and would force the producers to update the judging guidelines for future seasons.

Beta vs. Rusty

Betarusty

Beta sinks its hammer into Rusty top armor.

Beta’s next televised fight was against Dave Eaton and Rusty, though this was actually Beta's first filmed fight. As the match started, Beta circled Rusty before scooping it up and shoving it into the wall. After circling again Beta shoved Rusty into the screws and brought down the hammer, crumpling the rear of Rusty, but only two of the magnets intended on keeping Beta on the arena floor worked, leaving Beta to still jump in the air. Rusty was still twitching somewhat, so Beta hammered it again. Rusty was immobilized after this and was counted out, giving Beta the win by KO.

Beta vs. Sharko (Forfeit)

Beta was originally scheduled to face Sharko for its third and final Fight Night battle, but after it could not be match-ready in time, GRABOT ultimately took their place instead.

Beta vs. GRABOT

Grabbot beta

Beta strikes the defenseless GRABOT.

Beta's next battle was against another newcomer, this time in GRABOT. Beta attempted to box rush its opponent and missed, but this didn't phase them and they went on the attack, slamming GRABOT hard into the arena barrier. GRABOT recovered, so Beta took them to the pulverizer, but only managed to cause very superficial damage with its own hammer. However, after bringing GRABOT back to the corner, Beta delivered multiple blows that left GRABOT's top armor caved in and smoke pouring out of GRABOT as a result. Beta final left off the assault and waited for the count out, which came and went, giving Beta the win by KO.

Beta vs. Ribbot

Ribbot vs beta s5

Ribbot finds an angle on Beta and attacks with its vertical spinner.

Despite the controversy surrounding its fight with ROTATOR, Beta finished unbeaten in the Fight Night rounds qualified for the Championship Tournament as the No.13 seed. In the Round of 32, they faced No.20 seed, Ribbot. For this fight, Beta was armed with an anti-vertical spinner configuration which came in the form of sloped armor. Unfortunately, this configuration was not useful, as Beta was first shoved across the arena before taking a barrage of hits from Ribbot, one of which ruptured the gas tank for the hammer. This left Beta very vulnerable and eventually they were left twitching on their side of the arena near the screws. Unable to move, they were counted out, giving Ribbot the win by relatively quick KO and eliminating Beta from the competition.

BattleBots: Bounty Hunters[]

Beta vs. Lock-Jaw

Beta lock-jaw

Beta and Lock-Jaw approach one another in the BattleBox.

Beta lock-jaw 2 BH

Beta is unable to right itself.

Beta also participated in a mini bracket, but had to wait until it was over to find out their opponent, which turned out to be Donald Hutson and Lock-Jaw. Beta was armed with a similar anti-vertical spinner armor and a new silver colored hammer, but started the match looking for an opening and allowed Lock-Jaw to grind its weapon against its front plow. Beta continued to wait and was eventually flipped onto its back. Beta struggled to self-right, but was given help from its opponent. Beta tried to retaliate with a hammer blow, but only delivered a glancing shot to Donald Hutson's robot. Beta was then flipped again, and was not helped out this time as it was counted out, giving Lock-Jaw the win by knockout and the Bounty title.

World Championship VII[]

Beta vs. Kraken

Having been absent for World Championship VI, Beta returned for World Championship VII. Its first Fight Night battle was against the newly-designed Kraken.

Kraken Beta teaser WCVII

Beta swings its new bladed hammer.

After much criticism in its last appearance due to the lack of weapon usage, Team Hurtz brought on famed UK builder Jason Marston as the new weapons operator, intent to avoid past mistakes and make use of the hammer "early and often." In response to Kraken's new spinning weaponry, Beta equipped its newly designed flat hammer for this match, intended to be fired directly into spinners and stay functional even when damaged.
"I think our main goal for this season is to beat another robot to a pulp."
— John Reid expresses his desire for more weapon usage after the previous season

Kraken Beta WCVII

Kraken and Beta jockey for position.

When the fight began, both robots drove towards the center of the arena, with Kraken's spinner grinding away at Beta's wedge before Beta retaliated with a hammer blow. The two robots struggled to connect again, with Kraken sliding up Beta's wedge and Beta missing its next strike. As both combatants fought to position themselves, Kraken wound up behind Beta, landing a shot to the back of its wedge that sent John Reid's bot flying. It became apparent that Beta was suffering ground clearance issues, accidentally exposing its back to its opponent after a missed charge. After several spark-throwing attacks from Kraken, nearly hitting Beta's vulnerable gas tank, the British bot escaped to the other end of the box to recover. However, mobility problems continued to hamper both machines, only making a single glancing contact with each other within the next forty seconds.
"They have been firing that weapon, they just cannot find the strike zone!"
Chris Rose comments on Beta's inability to land an effective attack
Kraken Beta WCVII (2)

Kraken attacks Beta.

The two robots collided a few more times without effect before Beta backed away, building up momentum for a charging attack. This time, the hammer connected solidly with Kraken's 13-pound spinning blade, bending the hammer at the neck but completely disabling the spinner. Both bots reeled from the attack, but once Beta was able to move properly it initiated a flurry of blows against its scaly foe. Despite its mangled weaponry, Beta refused to back down, landing nine more hammer shots in the closing seconds of the match and only ceasing once the buzzer rang.
"It's good to see Beta's hammer swinging again!"
— John Reid, satisfied with his robot's performance after the match

Beta aftermath kraken WCVII

Beta's hammer post-fight.

Since the fight had lasted the full three minutes, the judges were called upon to make a decision. Though the battle was close, they scored it unanimously in favor of Beta, giving John Reid his first win of the season and an important boost in confidence against spinner robots.

Beta vs. Shatter!

Beta's second Fight Night opponent saw it face Adam Wrigley's Shatter!, who lost its first fight to HUGE. For this battle, Beta was armed with its traditional mallet-like hammer.

Shatter beta WCVII 1

Shatter and Beta meet in the center of the arena.

Early in the fight, Shatter! glided around Beta as both robots looked for an opening. As it drifted to the corner of the BattleBox, Beta fired its hammer but just missed as Adam Wrigley drove away from danger. Shatter! retaliated by firing its own weapon, but striking the floor before landing a glancing hit to the front of John Reid's machine. Beta then got to the side of Shatter! and drove in underneath, attempting to feed it to the screws. However, Shatter! escaped and on the opposite side of the BattleBox, struck the front wedge of Beta several times as it attempted to reach its weapon system.
Chris Rose: "Kenny, if Adam Wrigley could land that shot, it would change this fight."
Kenny Florian: "Yeah, it's a tiny opening but that would disable Beta's weapon like shooting Proton torpedoes into the Death Star!"
— Chris and Kenny react as Shatter! picks up the pace


Shatter beta WCVII 2

Beta attacking Shatter! in the short corner.

Now in the short corner, Shatter! swung its hammer desperately trying to escape while Beta got its wedge underneath again, striking the top of its opponent several times before allowing the Bots FC machine to drive away. Escaping to the opposite corner, Shatter! tried to swing its hammer at Beta but flipped itself over in the process, Upon self-righting, this allowed Beta time to align itself before landing a series of hits to Shatter!'s frame once again. Shatter! took refuge in front of the drivers' booths, but Beta gave chase and pinned it in place, landing several more blows with its hammer.
"Adam Wrigley's gotta get out of there... and he does. John Reid giving him no room to breathe. Can Adam Wrigley turn this thing around?"
— Chris Rose as Shatter! is pinned against the rails


Shatter beta WCVII 3

Shatter! briefly gets in underneath Beta.

Beta continued to attack as both robots found their way to the center of the BattleBox, and Shatter!'s forks got in underneath the back end of the British bot. However, Shatter! was unable to capitalize as Beta used the power of its hammer to jump away from Shatter!'s clutches. It then became apparent that Beta's attacks had disabled its opponent's hammer by cutting its weapon chain as it mercilessly swung against the AR500 steel top panels of Shatter!, visibly bending the right-side panel inward and buckling the plastic underneath.

Shatter beta JD end of fight WCVII

Shatter! suffers a flurry of hammer hits in the final few seconds.

Late in the fight, Beta suffered a hit from the pulverizer but remained the aggressor, getting to Shatter!'s side in the closing seconds and leaving not only a lasting impression on its opponent, but on the judges as well, as it took the win by unanimous decision to advance to 2-0.

Beta vs. Black Dragon

Beta boat mode WCVII

Beta's configuration for Black Dragon.

Beta's penultimate opponent was a fellow international competitor in Black Dragon. Ahead of the bout, Team Hurtz equipped their machine with its "Ugly Armour", a pivoting, AR500-plated upgrade of the 2020 anti-vertical spinner configuration.[11]
Beta Black Dragon WCVII flip

Beta is overturned by Black Dragon.

Beta charged the Brazilian bot down, but Black Dragon spun, delivering a blow to Beta's front which threw it over. Beta was quick to self-right and evaded a follow-up from Black Dragon but missed with the first swing of its hammer. Black Dragon grazed its eggbeater drum spinner against the sloped armor of its opponent before riding up its front momentarily. The 2-0 bot could not capitalize though, and Black Dragon escaped.
"Nice shot by Black Dragon! Good gymnastics by Beta."
— Chris Rose as Beta recovers
Beta vs Black Dragon KO WCVII

Beta is immobilized and counted out.

John Reid's robot swung again, missing for a second time. The hammer was slow to retract, which allowed Black Dragon the opportunity to attack with less fear. Beta's weapon activated several more times, but it was noticeably limp as the British bot drove into the rails. Black Dragon retreated to the red starting square as it assessed its opponent's condition, and Beta began to slow. Its arm had still not retracted and Team Uai!rrior got to the back of Beta, ramming it into the screws.

Black Dragon then hit the side of Beta's armor, overturning it again. This time, there appeared to be no life left John Reid's machine as the veteran captain signalled defeat. Beta was counted out, and Black Dragon took the win by knockout.
"You know, not much went according to plan for John Reid in this fight. Black Dragon got great engagement on that new armor package right out of the gate. And the lighter hammer head was completely ineffective - a tough outing for Beta."
— Kenny Florian post-fight

Beta vs. Bloodsport

Beta's fourth and final Fight Night opponent was Bloodsport. For this battle, it was again fitted with the large front wedge and a "high-strength" AR500 hammer.
"It's great to fight a horizontal spinner with this version of Beta as that is what Beta has always been designed for. Unlike in our fight against Rotator in 2020 we now have our high-strength steel hammer so Jason [Marston] can feel free to use it."
— Beta – Fighting Robot Facebook post[12]
Beta Bloodsport WCVII slam

Beta gets underneath its opponent and slams it into the screws.

Beta immediately pursued Bloodsport, as the Bots 'n' Stuff Robotics entry headed across the bottom inner perimeter and into the center. The two heavyweights clashed, sparks flying as Bloodsport's disc glanced off the heavily-armored wedge of Beta. Beta rounded Bloodsport up across the BattleBox, this tactic enabling it to get underneath and slam Bloodsport into the bottom-left paddle. However, while pushing Bloodsport back, it missed with its first hammer attack from Jason Marston.

Beta Bloodsport WCVII 1

Beta pins Bloodsport against the Upper Deck.

Regardless, Beta scooped Bloodsport back up again, driving it into one of the red square screws. Bloodsport was almost flipped over on impact, but tumbled back onto its wheels, though Beta wasted no time in driving it towards the other nearby screw and the Upper Deck bumper. This attack was enough to temporarily halt Bloodsport's "Wheel of Misfortune". Beta struck down on Bloodsport's directional indicator as the latter escaped, resuming its chase moments later.
Chris Rose: "Nice job by Beta using the BattleBox and throw at Bloodsport, right off the rails - and again, off the screws!"
Kenny Florian: "Yeah, it's definitely doin' a great job at introducing the BattleBox to Bloodsport here. This is exactly what they need to do. They have it trapped in the corner, but Bloodsport escapes!"
— As Beta shepherds Bloodsport into the top-left pocket
Beta Bloodsport WCVII Upper Deck

Beta drives Bloodsport into the Upper Deck.

Two deflections lifted Bloodsport off the BattleBox floor, the second destabilizing and sending it careering into the bottom-right Upper Deck screw. Beta rushed in as its opponent tried to back away from the screw, flinging its opponent onto the Deck itself in the process.

Beta Bloodsport WCVII 2

Beta stops the horizontal spinner of Bloodsport before landing blows to its top.

As Bloodsport escaped from the Upper Deck platform, Beta approached and twice fired its hammer, causing a sheet of metal to be removed from underneath the former. Again, the UK entry chased, deflected and rammed Bloodsport into the bottom-left corner, though this time its hammer missed. This was followed by a similar sequence of attacks leading back to the Upper Deck screws. Beta pinned Bloodsport against one of the screws and its left-most mount, while stopping and pounding the "Wheel of Misfortune". With Bloodsport appearing stunned by this point, it began targeting its opponent's weapon housing, pounding the top of it twice with the hammer. Following gentle nudging, Beta backed away, allowing Bloodsport to escape and get its weapon back up to speed.
"Big picture and enormous fight for both these bots sitting at 2-1. You're talking about Round of 32 seeding, and Beta just delivering shots, and stopping the blade of Bloodsport!"
— Chris Rose, as Beta pounds and releases Bloodsport

Beta Bloodsport WCVII 3

Bloodsport finds itself in the short corner.

Again, Beta deflected Bloodsport in a head-to-head ram, sending Bloodsport back into one of the red square screws. As the battle entered half-distance, it proceeded to ram Justin Marple's machine against the bottom-left bumper a second time, almost turning it onto its side. More chasing and deflecting followed from Beta, causing Bloodsport's disc to again hit the Upper Deck screw mount. Beta initiated two more similar series of attacks, both ending with Bloodsport being pushed into the Upper Deck bumpers and screws. Two more rams popped Bloodsport into the air, prompting Beta to push it into the upper-right pocket. Beta hammered an escaping Bloodsport once again, before pushing it up against the center Upper Deck screw mount. While again shepherding Bloodsport across the arena, both robots temporarily fell foul of the rising killsaws.

Beta Bloodsport WCVII Hammer Shots

Beta hacks away at the top of Bloodsport.

Undeterred, Beta drove Bloodsport one more time into the bottom-left bumper, using this opportunity to hammer and bend the latter's directional indicator. After once more chasing and pushing Bloodsport against the Upper Deck screw mount, it slammed the latter into the top-left paddle, along with the yellow bumpers on each side of the BattleBox. Now opposite the control booth, Beta pinned Bloodsport in place while striking both the "Wheel of Misfortune" and its top housing. These attacks broke apart the front casing for the latter, earning vital damage points for Team Hurtz, though Beta was in turn pushed back over the killsaws by Bloodsport. As the final ten seconds ticked down, both competitors clashed again near the center. Beta deflected Bloodsport and rammed it into the bottom-left bumper for the final time, releasing its opponent just before the end buzzer sounded.
Chris Rose: "Kenny, credit to these two bots for putting on a show, but man, this was all about Beta."
Kenny Florian: "Absolutely. There was just no getting around that big wedge! This was a masterful performance by John Reid, repeatedly ramming Bloodsport into the rails, and dominating the Control category..."
— Over post-match replays

Team Hurtz celebrated their dominant three-minute showing, initiating chants of Beta's name which were replicated by the audience. Their delight was substantiated by the resulting judges' decision, which unanimously deemed Beta to be the winner. With this, Beta completed its Fight Night schedule with a competitive 3-1 record.

Beta vs. Whiplash

Beta vs Whiplash configuration anti-vert

Beta with its anti-vertical spinner armor ahead of the fight.

Beta secured the No.13 seed in the Top 32, and met the No.20 seed and former runner-up, Whiplash. John Reid's team paired Beta's anti-vertical spinner armor with its 16lb bladed hammer for this battle, knowing Whiplash had used its disc in each of its Fight Night battles this time around.
"So we're up against Matt [Vasquez] - one of the best drivers in the sport. The big thing for us is that he's gone extra on the wheels. That means he's probably impossible to pin. His wheels can always grip on something, and can always escape. He's probably never going to stop - we'll have to be really accurate with our hits."
— John Reid pre-fight
Beta Whiplash WCVII 1

Whiplash lifts its opponent, but Beta strikes back.

Early in the fight, Beta found itself circled by Whiplash, who drove its lifting arm underneath the No.13 seed tipped it back. Beta swung its bladed hammer in retaliation, but Whiplash got another lift in before dropping the British machine.

Beta Bloodsport WCVII 4

Beta is driven on top of the Upper Deck.

As Whiplash retreated, Beta gave chase but drove into its opponent's spinning disc in an impact which spun the hammer-wielding robot around. Whiplash then got underneath the rear of Beta and rammed it into and on top of the Upper Deck.

Whiplash Beta WCVII 3

Whiplash celebrates an impending win.


"Oh s**t."
— John Reid shakes his head as Beta stops moving

Whiplash Beta WCVII 4

Beta is counted out.

It was at this moment that Beta rolled onto the BattleBox hazard and suddenly discovered it had no drive power, as its frame had bent in such a way that it had become high-centered. Though its weapon still worked, Beta had no mobility and was unable to escape the immobilization count.

Beta was counted out, and fell at the Round of 32 stage for a second time.

Beta vs. Lucky (Exhibition)

Beta fought in a single exhibition match against Lucky as part of Vengeance in Vegas II. This served as a rematch from when the teams fought back in World Championship II, and Beta again used its pill-shaped hammer head for this battle.

Beta vs Lucky flips VIV2

Beta begins on the back foot.

Both robots quickly met each other in the center of the BattleBox, where Beta fired its hammer and hit the top of Lucky. The Canadian bot retaliated by getting underneath its sloped front and flipping the British bot towards the drivers' booths.

Beta vs Lucky screws VIV2

Beta is taken the screws by Lucky.

After self-righting, Beta found itself hurled against the BattleBox as Lucky landed a combination of attacks. John Reid's robot was caught momentarily on the arena but used its hammer to become free. However, Beta's hammer did not immediately retract, instead leaning against the flipper of Lucky until Beta was forced against the screws, when it finally reset.

Beta Lucky VIV2

Lucky playing with Beta in the corner.

Lucky drew Beta to the center of the arena and as both teams anticipated an opening, it was Mark Demers' team who got the next attack in, overturning Beta near the corner of the arena. Slow to self-right, Beta was thrown four more times in the corner as Lucky threatened to throw it out of the arena.

Unsuccessful in achieving this, Lucky instead launched the inverted Beta towards the Upper Deck and into the short corner, eventually flipping Beta onto the platform itself. John Reid's robot appeared to be experiencing issues with its hammer mechanism as it fired its hammer to land back on the steel floor but was then unable to reset its hammer arm once again.

Beta vs Lucky VIV2 KO

Lucky looks on as Beta is counted out.

Lucky got around to the vulnerable rear end of its opponent and dealt a smaller flip which propped Beta against the spiked barrier. After freeing the former Bounty Hunters boss from the wall, Mark Demers remained aggressive before finally retreating and allowing Beta to be counted out. This led to Lucky winning the rematch by knockout.

BattleBots: Champions II[]

Beta vs. Double Tap

Beta Champs II

Beta in the blue square pre-fight.

Returning for BattleBots: Champions II, Beta fought main season alternate Double Tap in the opening round of the third Sin City Slugfest bracket. Team Hurtz returned to their traditional sloped armor configuration, and also sported their pill-shaped hammer.

Beta Double Tap Champs II

Beta strikes the top of Double Tap.

Double Tap was slow to spin up, and immediately drove into the Upper Deck in an attempt to evade Beta's box rush. John Reid stopped the weapon and drove the rookie into the short corner, landing several minor hits to its top. Beta then reversed and Double Tap drove up its sloped front.

Beta Double Tap BB Champs 2 teaser

Double Tap tries to escape a blow from Beta.

Beta retreated to the middle of the BattleBox, which allowed Double Tap time and space to spin up its weapon. However, it was quickly halted as Beta slid underneath again and drove the rookie bot towards the Upper Deck.

Double Tap Beta KO Champs II

Double Tap is scooped up and rammed into the rails.

After this attack, Double Tap's weapon showed no signs of life. Beta was able to drive to its side, pinning its opponent against the housing of the screws and getting around to its rear. With Double Tap in a vulnerable position, Beta charged it into the rails, tipping Double Tap over and resting it against the BattleBox.

Beta Double Tap KO Champs II

Beta carves a hole in the baseplate of Double Tap.

Double Tap's underbelly was now exposed, and Beta wasted no time in hammering away at its segmented baseplate. This caused visible dents in its underside before a large hole formed between its front wheels. Beta returned to the center of the arena, spinning in celebration. John Remar counted Double Tap out, giving Beta the win by knockout.

Beta vs. Free Shipping

Beta took on Free Shipping in the Slugfest semi-finals, and opted for its thin hammer as it looked to hack into the flat top of Gary Gin's machine.

Free Shipping Beta Champs II

Beta strikes the top of Free Shipping.

Both bots circled one another in the middle of the arena to start the semi-final. Free Shipping then slid its wedges under the front of Beta, who fired its bladed hammer down in response.

Free Shipping Beta KO Champs II

Free Shipping stares down a beaten Beta.

Free Shipping rammed Beta into the screws, overturning it near the blue starting square. The vertical spinner of Free Shipping dealt a blow to the back of Beta, tearing one of its rear wheels as its primary weapon struggled to retract.

Beta was unable to right itself and was counted out, eliminating it at the semi-final stage.
"What a tough way to go for John Reid and Beta..."
— Chris Rose as Beta is counted out

Results[]

BETA
Season 5.0
Heavyweight Championship
Withdrew
Bracket vs. Bender Forfeited
World Championship I
World Championship Tournament
Withdrew
Qualifier vs. Tombstone Forfeited
World Championship II
World Championship Tournament
#9 Seed, Quarter-Finals
Qualifier vs. Lucky Won (JD)
Round of 32 vs. Overhaul (24) Won (JD)
Round of 16 vs. Nightmare (25) Won (KO)
Quarter-Final vs. Tombstone (1) Lost (JD)
World Championship V
Fight Nights
3-0
Fight Night #1 vs. ROTATOR Won (JD)
NOTE: By filming order, Beta's match against ROTATOR took place after its other two Fight Night battles
Fight Night #2 vs. Rusty Won (KO)
Fight Night #3 vs. GRABOT Won (KO)
NOTE: Beta was originally scheduled to face Sharko in its third fight, but it withdrew and GRABOT took its place
World Championship Tournament
#13 Seed, Round of 32
Round of 32 vs. Ribbot (20) Lost (KO)
BattleBots: Bounty Hunters
Bounty Hunters - Beta Bounty
Bounty Match
Bounty Battle vs. Lock-Jaw Lost (KO)
World Championship VII
Fight Nights
3-1
Fight Night #1 vs. Kraken Won (JD)
Fight Night #2 vs. Shatter! Won (JD)
Fight Night #3 vs. Black Dragon Lost (KO)
Fight Night #4 vs. Bloodsport Won (JD)
World Championship Tournament
#13 Seed, Round of 32
Round of 32 vs. Whiplash (20) Lost (KO)
Exhibition Matches
0-1
Exhibition Match #1 vs. Lucky Lost (KO)
BattleBots: Champions II
Sin City Slugfest III
Semi-Finals
Quarter-Final vs. Double Tap Won (KO)
Semi-Final vs. Free Shipping Lost (KO)

Wins/Losses[]

  • Wins: 10
  • Losses: 8
Competition Wins Losses
Season 5.0 None Bender
World Championship I None None *
World Championship II Lucky
Overhaul
Nightmare
Tombstone
World Championship V ROTATOR (Undercard Match)
Rusty (Undercard Match)
GRABOT (Undercard Match)
Ribbot
BattleBots: Bounty Hunters None Lock-Jaw
World Championship VII Kraken (Undercard Match)
Shatter! (Undercard Match)
Bloodsport (Undercard Match)
Black Dragon (Undercard Match)
Whiplash

Lucky (Exhibition Match)

BattleBots: Champions II Double Tap Free Shipping

* Beta's withdrawal from World Championship I is not considered to be a loss, as a replacement was selected to fight Tombstone. However, its withdrawal from Season 5.0 of Comedy Central BattleBots is considered a loss as Bender advanced in the tournament with a bye.

Faruq Tauheed Introductions[]

"I hope you brought your aspirin, because you’re about to get hammered. From the United Kingdom, BETA!"

"In this symphony of misery, you'd better B-sharp or this bot will make you B-flat! It's nothing but treble! It's BETA!"

"If it were a fraternity, it would be Phi Slamma Hamma! When it rushes the Box, you'll be housed! It's BETA!"

"If it were a disease, it would be called die-a-beat-es, and sugar, it's time for your next shot. It's BETA!"

"The hammer bot from the land of Camelot, It's so dashing, even the Brits think: *British accent* "Well, isn't it just smashing?" The heavy hittin' Briton, BETA!"

"This bot collects by the British pound, and all you'll hear is its hammer sound. You've never been hit with such a force from a machine that shows no remorse. It didn't come here for a spot of tea, and it certainly won't get your sympathy. God save the Queen, this bot is straight up mean. It's BETA!"

"It's a British Invasion. A hard day's fight, you'll face defeat when he fires up his silver hammer to 'Let it beat.' Forget holding your hand, he'll hold this to your throat and your death will be almost as embarrassing as the songs Ringo wrote. He hates you, yeah, yeah, yeah. It's BETA!"

"This bot with the Greek name hits like one Zeus' thunderclaps. He'll make you crumble like feta. Like their economy, you'll collapse. He'll make a grease stain out of your bot. Will you live? Uh-uh. No. Nah. He'll smash your armor to pieces till we're all shouting, 'Opa!' It's the Achilles of slapping you silly. Here's BETA!"

"This bot comes from the U.K. Let's break that down. He's the ultimate killer if you come to his town. The Royal Family better update the keys to let him in their home because he's the uncrowned king and he's claiming his throne. Give it up for BETA!"

"This bot is British, but don't expect them to buy you a pint at the pub, or take you out here in Vegas and get you shots at the club. But if your goal was to get a little tipsy, your hopes aren't completely dashed because this bot will get you completely and absolutely hammered and totally smashed. Give it up for BETA!"

Merchandise[]

Any appearance by Beta in merchandise are listed below:

Trivia[]

  • Team Hurtz are the only British team to attend the first seven televised seasons of BattleBots, despite not competing in Season 5.0 and World Championship I.
  • If Beta had been able to compete in Season 5.0, it would be one of only six robots to compete in both the original BattleBots on Comedy Central and the reboot on ABC and Discovery - the others being Warhead, Moebius, Complete Control, Son of Whyachi, and Nightmare.
  • After Robot Wars had ended, Beta was taken to a barbecue and placed on a friend's lawn by John Reid, who tied it to two foot long rods that were driven into the ground. When John gave a demonstration of Beta's power, the force of its hammer pulled the pegs right out of the ground and Beta jumped in the air.
  • Beta was the first UK-based team to receive a Hexbug BattleBots toy.
  • In the pits during Season 5.0, Beta hung off a 1/8" steel sheet with Dominic Parkinson standing on the base of Beta without falling off, showing how powerful the magnets of Beta were.
  • Beta entered a UK live event under its Robot Wars pilot name Basher after the first season of ABC's BattleBots reboot had ended.
    • It is known to have fought Chronic during the event.
  • According to multiple teams present at filming for the 2020 season, Beta was originally set to fight Sharko for their third Fight Night battle until they were unable to repair their robot in time. GRABOT and Rampage were both considered to replace Sharko, but GRABOT was ready first and fought Beta instead.
  • One of Beta's iconic hammers was sold after World Championship II for £1,175 (~$1,600), money which went towards a collective charity raising money for Ty Cariad Africa.
    • On July 13, 2022, another was listed for sale via eBay, alongside various other components from the 2016 build of Beta.[13]
  • In January 2023, Beta's hammer was listed for sale on eBay, still bent and warped out of shape by its opponent, Kraken.
  • Beta's Fight Night battle against Shatter! during World Championship VII marked the first time two robots armed with axe or hammer weaponry faced off since Ragnarök vs. MadCatter during World Championship IV.
  • Beta's "skinny" hammer weighs the same as its classic hammer.

See Also[]

References[]

Navigation[]

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