‘LeBron James of spreadsheets’ once thought Excel esport was unlikely
There is an official Excel championship held in Las Vegas, where the winner takes home a belt and $5,000. The event leans into spectacle—dedicated player intros, a cheering crowd and hyped presenters—so much so that 2025's champion Diarmuid Early wrote, "I have been called the LeBron James of spreadsheets, but I try not to take myself too seriously." Early said the competition has grown harder as interest increases.
"There’s more interest in it than ever. It’s now harder every year as a result, but the community is amazing." Early donated their earnings to the Against Malaria Foundation and said future plans include much greater prize funds; winners could receive $1 million in the future.
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