Spreadsheet enthusiasts were given an unusual spectacle this weekend as the Microsoft Excel World Championship (MEWC) staged its first-ever outdoor international contest. The event challenged elite competitors to solve complex Excel puzzles from famous landmarks around the world, adding unpredictable real-world conditions to a competition normally conducted indoors.
Diarmuid Early Retains Crown in Dramatic Landmark Battle
Defending Excel world champion Diarmuid Early secured victory in the inaugural MEWC Landmark Battle, edging out rival Andrew Ngai by just 40 points in a closely contested 30-minute showdown.
The Irish competitor, who is now based in New York, finished with 1,060 points, narrowly ahead of Ngai on 1,020 points. Jaq Kennedy and Nicolas Micot completed the four-person field.
The contest introduced a new format designed to test not only spreadsheet expertise but also adaptability. Rather than competing from a controlled indoor setting, participants were stationed at iconic landmarks across the globe.
Excel Experts Take to World Landmarks
Each competitor worked from a different location:
- Diarmuid Early competed overlooking the Statue of Liberty in New York.
- Jaq Kennedy tackled challenges near Big Ben in London.
- Nicolas Micot worked from the vicinity of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
- Andrew Ngai competed with views of Sydney Harbour.
The outdoor setting added a layer of complexity, exposing competitors to weather conditions, potential internet connectivity issues and interruptions from curious members of the public.
Inspired by the Reality of Modern Remote Work
The one-off event was co-sponsored by technology manufacturer Asus, which supplied each contestant with an ExpertBook Ultra laptop and a portable wireless secondary display.
According to MEWC organisers, the concept was inspired by the increasingly mobile nature of professional work. Many modern employees now perform tasks from client sites, airports, cafés, co-working spaces and other remote locations rather than traditional office environments.
The competition sought to reflect those realities while showcasing the flexibility of spreadsheet-based work in less predictable settings.
How Competitive Excel Became a Global Spectator Event
While spreadsheet competitions may seem niche, the Microsoft Excel World Championship has steadily grown in popularity since its launch in 2021.
The event gained wider public attention after broadcasts on the US sports network ESPN in 2022 introduced audiences to the surprisingly intense world of competitive spreadsheet problem-solving.
MEWC challenges require participants to complete sophisticated tasks designed by expert Excel users. These puzzles often blend analytical thinking, data management and creative problem-solving.
Past Challenges Have Included Unexpected Tasks
Recent competitions have featured a wide range of unusual spreadsheet-based challenges.
During the 2025 World Championship in Las Vegas, where Early defeated Ngai to claim the title, contestants were required to solve a jigsaw-style puzzle entirely within Excel.
Earlier competitions featured tasks inspired by yacht racing, slot-machine mechanics and even Modelario, a platform-style game built using Microsoft Excel.
Around the World in Eighty Days Provides Inspiration
The Landmark Battle drew inspiration from Jules Verne’s classic novel Around the World in Eighty Days.
Competitors were tasked with navigating a seven-part puzzle that involved determining the fastest travel route for a group of fictional characters attempting to replicate the famous journey undertaken by Verne’s protagonist, Phileas Fogg.
The challenge demanded speed, accuracy and strategic decision-making under pressure.
Early’s Strategy Delivers Another Victory
According to organisers, Early secured victory through his established “core-first, bonus-later” approach.
The strategy involves completing all mandatory puzzle elements before returning to tackle optional bonus tasks. By prioritising guaranteed points, Early was able to build a strong foundation before adding extra scoring opportunities.
A further twist came from the competition format itself. Contestants had no access to their rivals’ live scores and worked independently with only a cameraman and their equipment present.
As a result, Early completed the challenge without knowing how close the final result would be.
Road to Las Vegas Continues
Attention now turns to qualification for the 2026 Microsoft Excel World Championship, with competitors battling for places in the next finals in Las Vegas.
Early has already emerged as one of the leading contenders. Six of the nine scheduled Road to Las Vegas qualifying matches have been completed, and he has won three of them, reinforcing his status as one of the favourites for this year’s title.
Conclusion
The Landmark Battle demonstrated how competitive Excel continues to evolve beyond traditional tournament settings. By combining world-famous locations with demanding spreadsheet challenges, organisers created a fresh format that highlighted both technical expertise and adaptability. With qualification for the 2026 championship already underway, Diarmuid Early’s latest victory further cements his position as one of the leading figures in the growing world of competitive Excel.
Edward Langley is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developing stories. His work highlights issues, trends and events that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance and accessible journalism.