[imagesource: YouTube / Certiport]

I am unashamedly useless at Microsoft Excel.

Props to my fellow Excel simpletons out there. Unity is strength.

To those who use the software regularly and consider themselves adept, the bar has been set and it’s frighteningly high.

Two weekends ago, TechRadar reports that ESPN broadcast a replay of a recent event featuring the world’s most advanced Excel users facing off in a knockout tournament.

The Excel “All-Star Battle” actually took place back in May and is organised as part of the Financial Modelling World Cup. If you’re considering boycotting the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, you may have found your substitute:

It began with eight competitors, who went up against one another in a series of spreadsheet-based challenges until eventually a champion was crowned.

The action might have been difficult to follow for us mere mortals, if not for the live commentary, interviews and post-tournament analysis, all of which were delivered with an enthusiasm to rival any other sports coverage.

No, seriously.

Even commentator Bill Jelen said the concept of ESPN covering such an event seemed far-fetched but he loved what he saw:

 “It’s actually fascinating to watch these people come up with different ways to solve problems – and solve them really quickly. And these same formulas and logic could be used to solve everyday business problems.”

Jelen has written more than 40 Excel books and his co-commentator, Oz Du Soleil, has co-authored a number of Excel books and runs the Excel On Fire YouTube channel.

If this is your thing, then more power to you:

The announcers are having so much fun LOL pic.twitter.com/0KHNHwyj06

— Chase Breedlove (@breedmylove) August 8, 2022

Here’s the full stream:

I know what you’re thinking – you want in and the good news is you’re in luck.

You can sign up for the championship here – do so by October 6. On October 8, a qualification round will take place and 128 competitors will be selected.

The finals take place on November 12 and there is $10 000 prize money up for grabs.

Ready, set, start your spreadsheets!

[source:techradar]