LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 22, 2025) — The University of Kentucky Excel team from the Gatton College of Business and Economics has made waves by securing third place in the Microsoft World Excel Collegiate Competition. This remarkable finish is a result of hard work and dedication from the team over several months.
The team’s journey started in January 2024 when 16 finance students joined forces to take on the Microsoft Excel Collegiate Challenge. With the mentorship of professors Leonce Bargeron and John Saliling, the team held weekly practice sessions. They honed their Excel skills and tackled tough problems posed by the competition.
In April 2024, their efforts paid off as they competed in the Southern Conference Championship at the University of Tennessee. Facing off against nine other teams from six different schools, they not only won the team championship but also claimed individual titles. This victory earned them a spot in the World Championship, which took place in December 2024 in Las Vegas.
The World Championship, streamed live from the HyperX Esports Arena, saw top college competitors from around the world, including teams from Austria, Argentina, Australia, Poland, and Madagascar. The UK team, comprised of Colin Albrecht, Joseph Delgado, and Andrew Durant, faced tough challenges in the semifinals but made it to the final four from 14 teams.
Andrew Durant and Tristan Harbold also qualified for the individual competition, showcasing their skills among the best. Durant, a finance major with minors in computer science and business analytics, expressed surprise at how far he had come. “I never expected to come this far. That drive is something I will carry with me into my career,” he said.
In a thrilling finish, Durant achieved the No. 4 world ranking, making him the highest-ranked U.S. collegiate competitor, just three points shy of claiming a top three finish. Harbold also performed well, finishing at No. 11 in the world.
Durant credited much of his success to the support from his professors, saying, “Their guidance and encouragement throughout this journey were invaluable.”
Looking to the future, the UK Gatton Excel team is eager to grow and recruit new talent. They aim to build on their momentum and continue representing the university in upcoming competitions.
