If you know how to handle yourself skillfully using spreadsheets Microsoft Excel, maybe you could aspire to earn fame and money with your skills. No, it's not a joke. We prove it to you in this article, in which we explain What is the Microsoft Excel World Championship? (MEWC).
We are talking about a global event that rewards competence and creativity when using Excel. This software thus becomes the playing field where participants fight each other, trying to demonstrate their mental quickness, their advanced knowledge of this tool and their problem-solving ability.
How was the idea born?
Microsoft has been trying to show the world that Excel is more than just a data management tool for some time now. The best way it has found to do this is to create a skills competition in which to bring together the best talents in the world.
This is how, in 2016, the first edition of the event was presented. Microsoft Excel World Championship, although the current format, with its challenges, preliminary rounds and direct eliminations, has been in place since 2022.
In a very short time, Interest in this event has grown exponentially. Today it is one of the most exciting and interesting events linked to the world of technology. A way of approaching this field from a competitive or sporting perspective. And, above all, a very fun way of understanding the scope and enormous possibilities that this magnificent tool offers us.
Microsoft Excel World Championship Competition System
Anyone can sign up for this Excel World Championship and test their knowledge, although reaching the Final is something only reserved for the best. These are the phases in which this competition is structured:
Regional qualifying rounds
Microsoft organizes regional competitions in different parts of the world. The tests are open to everyone (provided the applicant meets the established requirements) and are done online.
In these preliminary rounds, competitors must solve specific problems in Excel (use of formulas, graphic design, data analysis, etc.) in a limited time in order to pass the screening and access the next phase.
Knockout rounds
The participants who manage to achieve the best results in the regional rounds (the number is now reduced to just 128 people) move on to the next phase, which consists of a series of knockout rounds, called battles. The challenges here are more complex (building financial models, using advanced tools, solving optimization problems, etc.). Obviously, in Each new round increases the degree of difficulty.
To add more pressure and excitement to the competition, players can see their opponent's screen and the scoreboard at any time and in real time. The winner moves on to the next phase, the loser is eliminated.
World Final
Once the long phase of elimination rounds is over, only two candidates remain. The two finalists will have to face each other in an event broadcast live to the whole world from a venue specially prepared to host the event. In 2024 that place was Las Vegas, Nevada.
In this final, the title contenders will have to face unique problems that have been designed by Excel expertsUnder the watchful eye of the judges (and spectators), whoever manages to solve them satisfactorily in the shortest time possible will take the crown.
How to participate
As we said, anyone can register for the regional rounds through this link. The only requirement is have Microsoft Excel installed on the computer and have a stable internet connectionThe entry fee is $20 per round.
Road to Las Vegas
This is the programming «Road to Las Vegas» rounds from the Microsoft Excel World Championship 2025 (UTC London time):
- January 23, 2025 – 16:30 p.m.
- February 20, 2025 – 16:30 p.m.
- March 27, 2025 – 07:30 a.m.
- April 24, 2025 – 16:30 p.m.
- May 29, 2025 – 16:30 p.m.
- June 19, 2025 – 07:30 a.m.
- July 31, 2025 – 16:30 p.m.
- August 28, 2025 – 07:30 a.m.
- September 18, 2025 – 16:30 p.m.
About 10 minutes before the start of each test, participants will receive access to the problem or case to be solved in their email. A time limit of 30 minutes is established to complete everything and send the answers. Top 10 players of each battle will obtain a place in the next phase.
Regional rounds
In addition to the previous rounds, you can also try to move on to the second phase through the regional rounds, which will be held simultaneously on September 27, 2025. These are the world regions established by the organization:
- Africa.
- Asia/Pacific (including Australia).
- Europe.
- North America (USA and Canada).
- South America/Latin America.
The number of qualified participants from each continent is calculated proportionally to the total number of participants from each region. The qualifying rounds will take place at 17:00 (London UTC), with the exception of the Asia/Pacific region, which will take place at 08:00 (London UTC).
Knockout rounds (play-offs)
The earlier rounds will reduce the number of applicants. only 256 participants. They are the ones who will face the elimination rounds in pairs, which will be broadcast live on the FMWC YouTube Channel. These are the dates:
- October 11, 2025 (08:00 UTC London) – Last 256 and last 128.
- 18th October 2025 (08:00 UTC London) – Latest 64, Latest 32 and Latest 16.
In-person finals
And finally, the moment of truth arrives. The last 16 participants (plus a few "re-fished") will compete before the eyes of the whole world in a live event that will take place at the HyperX Arena at the famous Luxor Hotel, in Las Vegas, between December 1 and 3, 2025.
The winner takes home a prize of $5.000., as well as worldwide recognition as the world's leading Excel expert. The top 24 finishers also receive cash prizes ranging from $1.000 to $2.500.
The impact of the Microsoft Excel World Championship
This championship, in which they take part million players, not only serves to find the best Excel users in the world, but is also a great showcase to show how this calculation tool can be used in many other ways, as creative as they are surprising.
This original competition has achieved a huge popularity thanks to the live broadcast of the finals, where commentators explain the strategies and tell anecdotes related to the competitors. There are also analysis, interviews and chats where the public can interact and cheer on their favourites. In short, an exciting event that is experienced with almost the same intensity as e-sports.
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