Skyesports has partnered with the Financial Modeling World Cup (FMWC) to host the Microsoft Excel World Championship (MEWC) India Qualifier to Chennai. Supported by the Indian Digital Gaming Society (IDGS), this initiative opens the gateway for Indian participants to compete on one of the most unconventional global esports stages—where logic, speed, and problem-solving take center stage, all within the realm of Microsoft Excel.
The MEWC India Qualifier marks the country’s debut in the international Excel esports arena. Registrations are now open for the open online qualifiers, offering professionals, students, and Excel enthusiasts from across India a chance to participate in this one-of-a-kind tournament. The national champion will earn a fully sponsored trip to Las Vegas to represent India in the Round of 64 at the MEWC 2025 World Finals, scheduled later this year. Alongside this opportunity, the winner will also gain access to a three-day Microsoft Excel and financial modeling training camp in Las Vegas, valued at over INR 1,00,000.
The championship challenges participants with fast-paced, problem-solving scenarios crafted around real-world logic puzzles, all to be solved within the Excel environment. Far removed from its traditional office use, Microsoft Excel is reimagined here as a high-octane, analytical battleground that rewards creative thinking and precision under pressure.
Speaking about the initiative, Shiva Nandy, CEO of Skyesports and Treasurer of IDGS, said, “The India Qualifier for the Microsoft Excel World Championship is an esports tournament like no other. It provides professionals across the country with an opportunity to demonstrate their spreadsheet skills on a national platform. Hosting the finals at our Skyesports HQ studio enables us to produce a high-quality live show for fans to enjoy, and we’re proud to support the winner on their journey to represent India in Las Vegas this December.”
Following the online qualifiers, the top 12 participants will advance to the national finals, which will take place on-ground at the Skyesports HQ studio in Chennai. The grand finale will be broadcast live, giving viewers across India a front-row seat to witness some of the brightest analytical minds go head-to-head for a chance to wear the Indian jersey on the global stage. The winner of the national finals will join 255 global contenders—including elite FMWC players, local chapter winners, and wildcard entries—to compete in Las Vegas for international recognition and a share of the $61,500 prize pool.
The Indian Digital Gaming Society (IDGS), a key driver of innovation and growth in India’s gaming and esports ecosystem, has lent its support to the initiative. As an industry body, IDGS has been instrumental in fostering policy, skill-building, and digital gaming awareness through collaboration and advocacy. Its support for the Excel World Championship underscores its vision of expanding the boundaries of competitive gaming to include alternative and intellectual formats.
The Microsoft Excel World Championship has captured global attention for redefining what esports can be. Its live finals have previously been featured on platforms such as ESPN, The Guardian, Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. The 2025 edition promises to be the most exciting yet, with live coverage from Las Vegas and hundreds of players battling through playoffs to reach the in-person grand finale.
Registrations for the India Qualifier are currently open on the official Microsoft Excel World Championship - India Qualifier website. Participants will receive case materials and submission portals directly through email before the qualifier begins. Contestants are expected to begin their attempt within a 45-minute window and solve the task in under 30 minutes, racing against the clock and each other.
The India Finals and global broadcasts will be streamed live on Skyesports’ channels and the official FMWC YouTube platform.
