Excel Wizards Vie for Global Supremacy in New Documentary
Filmmaker Uncovers the High-Stakes World of Competitive Spreadsheeting
The intricate, often overlooked power of Microsoft Excel is now center stage in a new documentary, “Spreadsheet Champions.” Filmmaker Kristina Kraskov discovered the global Excel competition six years ago and was immediately captivated, envisioning a film that would reveal the hidden talents of its young participants.
From Niche Competition to Cinematic Spotlight
Kraskov, known for her unique focus on “different inner worlds,” found the competitive spreadsheeting scene a perfect subject. “Spreadsheet Champions” follows six teenagers from across the globe as they prepare for the 2023 Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship in Florida. While many view Excel as a basic tool, participants must master around 70% of its advanced capabilities, far beyond the 10-15% typically used by the average person.
The competition, orchestrated by Certiport and backed by Microsoft, tests participants on speed, accuracy, and the ability to interpret data. “Understanding the story of the data, or the soul of what it is actually telling you,” is key, according to Kraskov.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Challenge
Open to individuals aged 13 to 22, the championship, running since 2002, requires competitors to first excel at a national level. A unique rule permits each participant only one chance to compete, fostering a dynamic environment without returning champions. This exclusivity presented significant logistical hurdles for the film crew, who tracked down qualifiers via Zoom.
The documentary showcases a diverse group of competitors: Alkimini, 20, from Greece; Braydon, 16, from Australia; Carmina, 16, from Guatemala; De La Paix, 19, from Cameroon, who studied at school due to a lack of personal internet access; Mason, 15, from the US; and Nam, 21, from Vietnam. Kraskov emphasized the film’s aim to celebrate the participants’ dedication rather than mock them.
Unveiling Personal Journeys
Kraskov and producer Anna Charalambous spent extensive time with each competitor, observing their daily lives and interacting with their families. This immersion allowed them to capture genuine insights into the young individuals. “People reveal themselves a lot if you just pay attention to how they live their lives,” Kraskov noted.
The highly secure nature of the competition, overseen by a man named Bing, added another layer of challenge. “It’s so high-level security,” Kraskov explained. “Bing eventually trusted us and gave us questions that would be retired… At the end of the day, he has to deliver a hardcore, secure, world-expert level exam the next year, and our priority is to show the complexity of what it is and what they’re doing.”
The skills honed in the competition have tangible benefits; Carmina, now 18, is studying mechatronics engineering at university. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “I tend to doubt a little bit of myself and with that experience [of competing] I learned to just go into it and try things out… It helped me a lot.”
“Spreadsheet Champions” premiered at SXSW and will screen at the Melbourne International Film Festival, with five of the featured students attending. Kraskov hopes the film highlights the dedication of individuals pursuing less conventional passions, finding their commitment more compelling than mainstream celebrity culture.
The rise of data analysis skills is increasingly valued in the job market. For instance, a 2023 report by Burning Glass Technologies found that job postings requiring Excel skills have more than doubled in the past decade, indicating a growing demand for proficiency in such tools (Burning Glass Technologies, 2023).
