Meet Ireland's 'LeBron James' of Microsoft Excel Diarmuid Early: World Champion

From Office Tool to Esport Arena: Diarmuid Early's Excel Triumph

Imagine the roar of a crowd, the dazzling lights of a Las Vegas arena, and the pulse-pounding tension of a major sporting final. Now, picture the athletes not with a ball, but with a keyboard and mouse, their battleground a desktop setup. This unexpected scene played out as Irishman Diarmuid Early stepped onto the HyperX arena stage, earning him the moniker:Meet Ireland's 'LeBron James' of Microsoft Excel Diarmuid Early. Hailing from Galway and raised in Waterford, Diarmuid has now solidified his status as the world's premier spreadsheet whizz, elevating Microsoft Excel from a common office program to a thrilling, high-stakes spectacle.

His recent victory at the 2025 Microsoft Excel World Championships, coupled with a staggering $60,000 (£45,726) prize pot, underscores the dramatic rise of Excel esports. This December showpiece attracted 256 spreadsheet enthusiasts globally, who battled through intense knockout rounds for a coveted spot among the final 24 in Vegas.

The Electrifying Atmosphere of Spreadsheet Supremacy

While the concept of competitive Excel might sound unconventional, Diarmuid vividly describes an atmosphere that rivaled any traditional sport. "Most of the time, you're playing quietly at home by yourself," he shared. "But in Vegas, it’s absolutely wild. You hear everyone roaring, even if you don't know why—it’s just pure chaos."

The event unfolded in a dedicated esports arena, packed with hundreds of cheering spectators and live commentators calling every move. Even with headphones, the intensity was overwhelming. "They give you headphones, but they're not noise-cancelling, and honestly, I doubt even those would be enough," he quipped, highlighting the raw energy of the finals.

Navigating the Pressure Cooker: A Champion's Mindset

Beyond the fanfare, the tournament's competitive edge was relentless. Diarmuid explained the brutal nature of timed eliminations in the final rounds: every five minutes, the player in last place is knocked out. "You're just trying to get your bearings, figure out the challenge, and then you hear: ‘Thanks for playing, you’re out,’" he recounted. "You’re constantly looking over your shoulder."

A three-time victor in financial Excel tournaments, this win marked Diarmuid’s first triumph in the overall competition. His victory saw him surpass triple-world champion Andrew Ngai, securing a $5,000 (£3,737) prize and the coveted title belt. "It was incredibly exciting," Diarmuid confessed to BBC News NI. "I came in as one of the pre-tournament favourites, but I also have a history of 'choking.' So, it felt good to finally deliver."

The excitement even reached across time zones. "My mum woke up and caught the last 10 or 15 minutes of the final back in Ireland," he added, illustrating the global reach of the event. "With an eight-hour time difference, she was tuning in as she started her day."

What Exactly is Excel Esports? More Than Just Numbers

Excel esports has brilliantly transformed a ubiquitous office tool into a dynamic, problem-solving sport. Evolving over two decades, the competitive scene has shifted from being primarily finance-based to encompassing a broader spectrum of general challenges. Diarmuid clarifies, "It doesn't require accounting or finance knowledge," despite what one might assume.

Challenges often involve intricate tasks like solving mazes within a spreadsheet, calculating poker hands, or even organizing historical figures into their respective battles. Typically, competitors face a 30-minute challenge broken into progressive levels. Points are awarded for correct answers, with difficulty escalating through the levels. In a tie, speed is the ultimate decider. "It boils down to your ability to think on your feet and execute quickly in Excel," Diarmuid explained. "Solving earlier levels efficiently allows you to tackle the later, tougher ones much faster."

From Spreadsheet Champion to Business Success

Now based in New York, Diarmuid has leveraged his unparalleled proficiency as a spreadsheet whizz to establish his own financial business. His competitive fame has undeniably opened doors. "I’ve had clients approach me saying, ‘Hey, we heard about this Excel competition, and there’s this guy in New York who wins it. Can we work together?’" he recounted, highlighting the tangible benefits of his unique renown.

While he’s hesitant about short-form social media—"That sounds terrible," he laughed about TikTok or Instagram—Diarmuid maintains a vibrant YouTube channel where he shares "walkthroughs and live solves," further engaging with the growing competitive Excel community.

Join the Growing Spreadsheet Revolution

Despite Diarmuid’s personal reservations about certain platforms, the competitive Excel scene continues its robust expansion across various digital communities. For anyone intrigued by the world of competitive spreadsheeting, now is an opportune moment to dive in.

"We have a super active community, including a huge WhatsApp group for various discussions, and we're constantly adding new members," he noted. "Many people also reach out for guidance on how to get started in the scene. I get those requests a lot."

The 'LeBron James' Legacy: A Humorous Nod

Known affectionately as "Dim" to his fans, the headline from Investor's Business Daily — "Meet the LeBron James Of Excel Spreadsheets" — has truly resonated within the community. Asked about the comparison to the NBA's all-time leading scorer, Diarmuid remarked, "I mean, the name seems to have staying power." With a laugh, he added, "It must be because I'm so unusually tall. I try not to take myself too seriously; I enjoy it for the comedic aspect and leave it at that."

Ready to put your Excel skills to the test? Signups are now live for the first "Road to Las Vegas Battle," commencing on January 22, 2026. This could be your chance to follow in Diarmuid Early’s footsteps and become the next spreadsheet champion!