From Spreadsheets to Stardom: Inside the Wild World of Excel Championships

Right, stick with me here because I’m about to tell you about the most brilliantly bonkers documentary you’ll watch in 2025. Remember when you thought your mate Dave was proper clever for knowing how to do a VLOOKUP? Well, prepare to have your mind absolutely blown.

When Excel Becomes an Extreme Sport

Melbourne filmmaker Kristina Kraskov has done what none of us knew we needed she’s turned competitive spreadsheeting into edge-of-your-seat entertainment. Her new documentary “Spreadsheet Champions” follows six competitors as they prep for the Microsoft Office Specialist world championship in Florida, and cor blimey, it’s not your average office skills showcase.

Having spent the last decade covering entertainment, I thought I’d seen it all. But watching these Excel warriors battle it out with keyboard shortcuts and formula wizardry had me more gripped than the last season of Love Island. Who knew pivot tables could be so dramatic?

From “What the Hell?” to “Must-Watch”

Six years ago, Kraskov stumbled across an article about international Excel competitions and had the same reaction most of us would: “What the hell, that can’t be real.” But rather than having a laugh and moving on, she spotted pure documentary gold.

The director, known for capturing “different inner worlds that are a bit unusual on the outside” (including a brilliant short about a mullet festival, because why not?), has turned what could’ve been a dry-as-toast subject into something properly fascinating.

Beyond the Spreadsheets

What makes “Spreadsheet Champions” absolutely mint isn’t just the competition itself it’s the characters. These aren’t your typical office workers having a laugh. They’re proper passionate about their craft, training like Olympic athletes, but with more macros and less lycra.

The stakes? Higher than you’d think. The glory of being crowned Microsoft Office Specialist world champion might sound like a laugh, but it’s serious business. These competitors are living proof that excellence can be found in the most unexpected places.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

What exactly do competitors do in Excel championships?

Competitors tackle complex spreadsheet challenges against the clock, showcasing skills in everything from data analysis to advanced formula creation. Think MasterChef, but with cells instead of celery.

How do you even train for an Excel competition?

Participants spend months mastering advanced Excel functions, practicing speed techniques, and developing strategies for problem-solving. Many clock hundreds of hours perfecting their spreadsheet game.

Where can I watch Spreadsheet Champions?

The documentary is hitting major streaming platforms in August 2025, with special screenings at select independent cinemas across the UK.

The Final Cell

In a world where we’re constantly told to “think outside the box,” these champions are proving there’s something pretty special about mastering what’s inside the cells. “Spreadsheet Champions” isn’t just about Excel it’s about passion, dedication, and finding your thing, even if that thing makes other people go “eh?”

Whether you’re a formula fanatic or can barely sum a column, this documentary will have you looking at Excel in a whole new light. And who knows? Maybe next year’s champion could be you. Fancy giving it a go?