The 'LeBron James of spreadsheets' thought Excel becoming a popular esport was 'unlikely' before winning the grand prize in Las Vegas
PC Gamer
by James Bentley February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The world of competitive Excel has taken an unexpected turn with the rise of Excel as an esport. Diarmuid Early, dubbed the "LeBron James of spreadsheets," recently claimed victory at the official Excel championship in Las Vegas, winning a grand prize of $5,000 and a belt. The event, which combines speed, skill, and theatricality, is designed to attract a broader audience to this niche but surprisingly popular competition. Early, who donated last year’s earnings to the Against Malaria Foundation, humorously noted that he initially thought the idea of Excel becoming a mainstream esport was unlikely—until he won the championship himself.
The tournament format involves competitors solving increasingly complex spreadsheet problems within 30 minutes. The challenges range from unjumbling data to mastering advanced functions, with each round testing participants’ knowledge and creativity. Early revealed that future tournaments could offer even larger prize funds, potentially reaching $1 million for winners. This growth reflects the growing interest in Excel as a competitive skill, with enthusiasts finding joy in its versatility and power.
Excel’s potential goes beyond spreadsheets—it has been used to create games like Fallout-inspired titles and even a 16-bit CPU within the program. Early also boasted about building an Excel file capable of playing Battleship better than most people. These feats highlight the software’s surprising capabilities and appeal to tech enthusiasts and gamers alike. The championship not only celebrates spreadsheet mastery but also fosters a sense of community among participants and viewers.
For gaming enthusiasts, the rise of Excel as an esport challenges traditional notions of what constitutes a game or competition. It showcases how even mundane tools like spreadsheets can be repurposed for entertainment and skill-building. As Early aptly put it, “You can have a lot more fun with Excel than people realize.” The growing popularity of Excel competitions demonstrates that gaming doesn’t always require cutting-edge technology—it can thrive on creativity and the unexpected.
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Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/19/2026