South African Actuary Adam Jacobson to Compete in Microsoft Excel World Championship

Adam Jacobson, an actuary with 15 years of experience in life insurance and reinsurance pricing, has developed a passion for competitive Excel. As the head of retail pricing at global reinsurance company Munich Re, Jacobson uses Excel daily and discovered the Microsoft Excel World Championship (MEWC) through social media. He entered his first MEWC-linked competition in March last year and has since gained confidence, competing in monthly matches against approximately 500 people worldwide.

Jacobson's interest in Excel began while studying, and he has been using the tool throughout his career, leveraging its problem-solving functionality. With a strong background in Excel, Jacobson dominated the qualifiers in South Africa, earning the top spot in the country and a sponsored trip to Las Vegas for the quarterfinals. He is set to compete against 96 other players on December 1, with the top 16 advancing to the semifinals.

The MEWC transforms Excel into a dynamic global sport, testing the logical thinking skills of competitors. Contestants complete 140 problem-solving challenges within 30 minutes, judged on accuracy and efficiency. Challenges range from games like cricket and chess to financial modeling and music, showcasing the versatility of Excel. Jacobson explains that competitors must think quickly, as time is limited.

Jacobson's achievement has garnered pride from the MEWC South Africa team, who note that he has proven himself among the elite Excel competitors. As the South African representative, Jacobson will compete in the HyperX Arena before a live audience, with the event broadcast in real-time on ESPN and YouTube. The winner will take home $20,000, with prize money also awarded to the top 50 players.

The competition is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, with Jacobson noting that it's being showcased in public spaces, such as hotel lobbies. He encourages others to explore alternative competitions that test online efficiency, highlighting the opportunity for individuals to discover their skills and compete globally. Jacobson's goal is to make the semifinals and be among the top 16 players in the world.

Competitive Excel has sparked curiosity among Jacobson's family, friends, and colleagues, who are fascinated by his participation in the MEWC. He believes that the competition is not just about being the best but also about thinking quickly and accurately. Jacobson is part of the MEWC South Africa community and hopes to see the sport included in the Olympics.

The quarterfinals will feature two 30-minute games, with combined scores determining who advances to the next round. Jacobson is optimistic about his chances, stating that he likes to win and is eager to test his skills against the world's best Excel competitors. With his expertise and experience, he is poised to make a strong impression in Las Vegas.

Key points

• Adam Jacobson, a South African actuary, has qualified for the Microsoft Excel World Championship quarterfinals in Las Vegas, ranking number one in the country and 45th globally.