Pearson today announced the winners of the ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ 2026 , a global competition that recognizes students from around the world using Microsoft Office. Now in its 24th year, the Championship highlights the value of Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications in preparing learners for academic and career success.
This year’s event, held in Anaheim, CA, welcomed 135 finalists (ages 13–22) from 36 countries who qualified by passing Microsoft Word, Excel™, or PowerPoint™ certification exams, and won their respective country competitions. This year's event, held in Anaheim, California, welcomed 135 finalists ages 13–22 from 36 countries.
The global competition celebrates excellence in Microsoft Office, helping students build confidence and develop essential digital skills for the future. Through their participation, students gain valuable real-world experience, preparing them to succeed in an economy increasingly shaped by new technologies.
The winners
Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365 Apps)
First: Sio Keng Nim, Macao, China
Second: Lee Yuan Han, Taiwan
Third: Flor Nathalia Pelaez Guerra, Ecuador
Fourth: Scott Chamberlain, USA
Fifth: Natalia Gorozidou, Greece
Sixth: Heidy Jiménez Román, Puerto Rico
Seventh: Perla Kassis, Lebanon
Eighth: Choi Chi Yan, Hong Kong, China
Ninth: Ikumi Fujioka, Japan
​Tenth: Edgar Antonio Luna Acosta, Dominican Republic
Microsoft Excel™ (Microsoft 365 Apps)
First: Nguyen Mai Chi, Vietnam
Second: Aleksy Jakub Dobrodziej, Poland
Third: Hoi Kiu Cheng, Hong Kong, China
Fourth: Ahmad Mattar, Lebanon
Fifth: Yavier Sierra Perez, Puerto Rico
Sixth: Ethan M. Strayer, USA
Seventh: Guzal Ruzieva, Uzbekistan
Eighth: Ana Guo, Macao, China
Ninth: Andrea Nicole de Mata Sandoval, Guatemala
​Tenth: Huang Pei Hsuan, Taiwan
Microsoft PowerPoint™ (Microsoft 365 Apps)
First: Santiago Matteus Dardón Pinzón, Guatemala
Second: Ung Man Kit, Macao, China
Third: Nguyen Dinh Bao, Vietnam
Fourth: Danai Tselempi, Greece
Fifth: Seyeon Ahn, Republic of Korea
Sixth: Mohamad Chebbo, Lebanon
Seventh: Selina Lei Yap, New Zealand
Eighth: Rebecca Sutherlin, USA
Ninth: Nazrin Miriyeva, Azerbaijan
​Tenth: Filip Zheynov, Bulgaria
Microsoft Word (Office 2019)
First: Reem El Shafii, Lebanon
Second: Valentina Ribatski Baldan, Brazil
Third: Xiao Jun Ting, Taiwan
Fourth: Velin Velinov Markov, Bulgaria
Fifth: Luis Alejandro Flores Alencastro, Ecuador
Sixth: Lei Ian Chak, Macao, China
Seventh: Reid Chapman, USA
Eighth: Wong Cheuk Him, Hong Kong, China
Ninth: Pham Le Minh Tam, Vietnam
​Tenth: Davron Kambaraliev, Uzbekistan
Microsoft Excel™ (Office 2019)
First: Zhong Tin Kin, Macao, China
Second: Thanawit Thawonkan, Thailand
Third: Do Le Tuan Kiet, Vietnam
Fourth: Paul Hudson, USA
Fifth: Favian Ysmayel Taccarelli, Puerto Rico
Sixth: Huseyn Shukurov, Azerbaijan
Seventh: João Vitor Zancanella Stinghen, Brazil
Eighth: Bianca Rafaella Martinez Rocabado, Bolivia
Ninth: Aileen Jaquez, Dominican Republic
​Tenth: Jenna Cyrille G. Pugal, Philippines
Microsoft PowerPoint™ (Office 2019)
First: Liang Xinzhi, Macao, China
Second: Helena Bertozzi Pires, Brazil
Third: Amar Azar, USA
Fourth: Maria Abi Khalil, Lebanon
Fifth:Eduardo Antonio Castillo Hoepelman, Dominican Republic
Sixth: Nian You Jia, Taiwan
Seventh: Tomás Alexander González Méndez, Guatemala
Eighth: Harumi Aysha Sashida Garcia, Mexico
Ninth: Danilo Montenegro, Ecuador
Tenth: Phung, Ngoc Uyen My, Vietnam
Why it matters
“These students have not only earned a valuable credential, but they have also demonstrated the commitment, capability, and confidence needed to succeed in a fast-changing digital world. As certified Microsoft Office Specialists, they are building a strong foundation for academic achievement, career opportunity, and lifelong learning,” said Arthur Valentine, President of Assessment and Qualifications at Pearson. “Their initiative and adaptability show exactly the kind of future-ready talent employers need. By mastering essential digital skills, they are preparing to thrive in an AI-driven economy.”
What Microsoft said
"The Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship celebrates more than technical excellence. It highlights the power of digital skills and certifications,” said Jeana Jorgensen, Corporate Vice President, Global Skilling, Microsoft. “The students who take part in this competition demonstrate that their talent, dedication, and certification can open doors. These opportunities will also extend far beyond the event, creating pathways for success in the workforce.”
The big picture
The Microsoft Office Specialist is the only official Microsoft-recognized certification program for validating Microsoft Office skills. Available in over 140 countries and 26 languages, MOS certifications serve as a powerful instrument for assessing students’ skills and preparing them for real-world application of their knowledge. They help them stand out in academic and professional settings while providing employers with a trusted measure of workplace readiness.
Learn more about the Pearson ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship .