Home / Technology / Spreadsheet Champ Crowned in Vegas Esports Arena
Spreadsheet Champ Crowned in Vegas Esports Arena
6 Feb
Summary
- Excel competition evolved into a broadcasted esports event.
- Competitors range from nerdy types to athletes.
- The championship now features live audiences and commentator hype.
The Microsoft Excel world championship has evolved dramatically from its beginnings as a closed competition into a popular esport. Initially known as ModelOff and later the Financial Modelling World Cup, the event now draws massive interest, with ESPN broadcasting live finals in esports arenas, such as the one in Las Vegas.
Competitors, a diverse group including "nerdy types," a powerlifting champion, and endurance athletes, showcase their skills in Excel-based financial forecasting and problem-solving. The championship's transformation includes visual elements like real-time leaderboards and commentator-driven excitement, making it engaging for a broad audience.
The recent 2025 final in Las Vegas saw an electric atmosphere with 500 spectators cheering. The event, which saw over 500 competitors in its qualifiers, is becoming increasingly challenging, yet the community remains strong and welcoming.
One notable winner, who has been compared to LeBron James of spreadsheets, emphasizes the fun and social aspects of Excel, noting its use by hundreds of millions worldwide. This has led to innovative applications, from creating game show budget models to playing complex games like Battleship within Excel.
