Canadian wins Microsoft Excel World Championships in Las Vegas

In December 2024, Michael Jarman, a 30-year-old Canadian, was crowned the new world champion at the Microsoft Excel World Championships held in Las Vegas. Jarman, who initially moved to Canada from Britain in 2017, dedicates a few hours a week to practice Excel based on available online cases and his work as the head of model development for a financial modelling company. The competition, hosted at the HyperX Arena, involves multiple stages where competitors tackle problem-solving questions using Excel, featuring a final challenge that tests their skills under time constraints. During the finals, Jarman faced off against five other competitors, each racing against the clock to accumulate points through complex modelling tasks. The final task this year required tracking statistics in a simulated game of World of Warcraft, highlighting the diversity of skills applied in Excel. Jarman expressed his enthusiasm about winning in a competitive environment that welcomed back former champions, emphasizing the fair play and camaraderie amongst contestants in a typically isolating hobby. The community surrounding the competition is comprised of individuals who share a passion for Excel, often perceived as a mundane tool by the general public. Giles Male, a commentator at the event, noted the unique atmosphere where Excel enthusiasts come together, celebrating their collective interest in spreadsheeting. The event also featured a collegiate competition, reflecting an increase in student participation, which may help bolster interest in the field and inspire future generations of Excel users to embrace the challenges it presents. Jarman’s victory not only positions him as a skilled Excel user but also sets an example for students and amateur competitors alike, proving that a niche hobby can blossom into an impressive skill set leading to championship titles. The excitement of these championships, particularly in a vibrant setting like Las Vegas, reinforces the idea that Excel can indeed be a thrilling pursuit, contrary to the perceptions held by many who only engage with it as a workplace obligation.