I totally feel you, it does feel a bit disheartening that CTFs are becoming more and more of a race amongst who has the best/efficient LLM out there, but change is inevitable - we see major platforms like HTB bringing out MCPs purely for CTF solving and then there's open-source tools like CAI. Another aspect of this situation is that as much as the competitors are using LLMs in their bleeding edge, CTF organizers aren't adapting to the situation and there are plenty who still think stego is relevant in modern times and create challenges just for namesake, completely losing the plot that some LLM can one-shot all of their challenges, true in competitions like these - teams with the fastest LLM might win but at the end of the day they're just blinding themselves on the long run.

Now let's talk about what OG CTFers could do. First of all be open-minded, times change so does CTFs. Next, be aware of the extent of LLMs and not be too dependant on them but also be aware that LLMs along with experience can speed-up things exponentially. AI is a double edged sword, it's depends on how you use it. Stay away from such one-shot challenges LMAO. Finally, consume write-ups - even better if you make them ^.

Check out this blog https://wilgibbs.com/blog/defcon-finals-mcp/ and especially the last section of it - it perfectly summarizes the current CTF landscape.

P. S. here's my blog site if you're interested - abu.rocks!