We’re back with another Hacker Spotlight, and this time, we’re kicking it off with the Most Valuable Hacker (MVH) from Bugv’s Live Hacking Event 2026.
Bugv’s live hacking events are designed to bring real-world security testing to life where skill, speed, and strategy matter. Among Nepal’s top security researchers competing in an intense, collaborative environment, Ananda Dhakal stood out with his exceptional performance, earning the MVH title.
In this spotlight, Ananda shares his journey into cybersecurity, his bug bounty experience, tools he relies on, and insights from competing in Bugv’s live hacking event. From starting his hacking journey at just 13, his story highlights persistence, curiosity, and a strong foundation in practical cybersecurity skills.
Let’s dive into the conversation and hear directly from the hacker himself.
1. Can you briefly introduce yourself and your cybersecurity journey?
I’m Ananda Dhakal, a vulnerability researcher from Nepal. I started my journey in bug bounties back in 2018 when I was just 13 years old, and since then, hacking has grown from a curiosity into a full-time career.
2. What inspired you to get into cybersecurity, and what motivates you today?
Hacking is something that always fascinated me ever since I got familiar with computers. As my source of inspiration, I give all the credits to my cousin Bishal Dhakal who introduced me to this glamorous world of hacking. He got me introduced to DVWA and Burp Suite and let me figure out the rest.
My primary motivation lately is the technical challenge that I get from trying to break into the system. That feeling you get after finding a high/critical is just so good that it makes me want to chase that again and again.
3. What do you enjoy doing outside of hacking and cybersecurity?
Travel, Guitar, Cricket, Anime
4. How have bug bounties impacted your life so far?
Bug bounties are the reason I was able to make a career in cybersecurity since the bar to entry is non-existent. It has been life-changing to come across bug bounties at such a young age and make an impact on this domain.
5. Roughly how much time do you spend hunting bugs or practicing?
With a full-time job and a bachelor’s degree, I don’t hunt as actively as before. But whenever I get some free time, I jump back in and try to land a few solid findings.
6. What are your favorite security or hacking tools, and why?
Burp anytime. Since my expertise is in web hacking, Burp handles almost everything I need in workflow.
7. What tools, platforms, or resources do you use to learn and stay updated?
I regularly read disclosed reports on HackerOne and stay updated with the latest vulnerability findings and techniques on X.
8. What were your expectations going into the Bugv Live Hacking Event?
I didn’t have high expectations since I was a complementary participant. I mainly expected to see some of Nepal’s top security talents competing in the event.
9. At what moment did you realize you might win the MVH title?
When I found the payment bypass that could let me reward myself any amount of bounty, I knew the title was mine.
10. What makes Bugv’s live hacking events valuable in your opinion?
The intense environment, collaboration with other hackers, and direct communication with the other side of the team is what makes the live hacking event so valuable.
11. What advice would you give to beginners who are just starting in hacking?
Focus on building skills, not just chasing bounties. Understand how technology works before trying to break it. Stick to one program, stay persistent, and the bounties will eventually come.
12. What message would you like to share specifically with the Bugv community and future Live Hacking participants?
The event is amazing, well-organized, and the swag is absolutely awesome. Highly recommended for all bug bounty hunters out there.
Congratulations once again to Ananda Dhakal for earning the MVH title at Bugv’s Live Hacking Event 2026.
Stay tuned as we continue our Hacker Spotlight series, featuring more top security researchers from the Bugv community.
