The following are the most advanced international mental math competitions.
Mental Calculation World Cup
Organized in Germany every 2 years by Ralf Laue. Around 40 of the top calculators of all ages compete in standard and surprise events.
- Previous event: MCWC 2022 in Paderborn (Germany)
- Next event: MCWC 2024 in Paderborn (Germany) this September
Junior Mental Calculation World Championship
Organized annually in Germany by Caroline Merkel, and is open to all competitors up to 19 years old with an interest in Mental Math.
- Previous event: October 2023
- Next event: September 2024—announcement soon! (official website)
I also have a selection of free resources for participants preparing for the JMCWC.
Mind Sports Olympiad
This board games and mind sports festival is held:
- every August in London; and
- every February/March online (the “Grand Prix”)
The Mental Calculations World Championship used to be part of the London event, but there are no immediate plans to resume this. From 2020, it has had an online format, accepting around 100 participants each year from around the world.
- Previous event: March 2023 online
- Current event: March 2024 online
The Mind Sports Olympiad contains a very wide range of events, from competitive memory, backgammon, experimental board games, and even diving chess!
GMCA Mental Calculation League
A new online tournament—open to all ages—allows participants to compete head-to-head against others around the world, in a wide variety of tasks. Successful competitors may also compete in their favourite category (for example, 8-digit multiplication) in a separate contest. Registrations are already open for the first tournament!
Next event: January 2024 with qualifying rounds from November 2023.
Mental Math World Cup
This online app-based competition is less advanced than the other events on this page, but includes 1000s of simultaneous competitors internationally. It is a suitable starting point for children and adults less experienced in Mental Math, and the team provides resources specifically for the types of question in their competition.
- Previous events: results directory
- Next event: July/August 2024 [registration deadline May 31st]
Memoriad
The “Olympics” of Mind Sports, held every 4 years, each time in a different international destination. This event is open to all ages, and participants can choose from disciplines in Mental Calculation, Memory and Speed Reading.
- Previous event: Memoriad 2016 in Las Vegas (official results)
- Next event: Memoriad 2024 in Dubai (details to be announced soon!)