Leeds-based boffin sets sights on world spreadsheet championship glory
A computer expert who became the UK’s spreadsheet champion is aiming for global glory this year.
Having taken the national title, Ha Dang then finished fifth in the world championships in Las Vegas last year, competing against 64 other experts from around the world.
He took part in a series of timed challenges designed to test speed, accuracy and problem-solving skills using Microsoft Excel.
And the 33-year-old is looking to go further this year to be crowned Europe’s best, and perhaps the world’s.
Ha, who works for stockbrokers Redmayne Bentley on Wellington Place, Leeds, is so invested in spreadsheets that he even practiced on Microsoft Excel over Christmas.
Ha, who lives in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, said: “I go on Excel whenever I have time to spare. It’s something I enjoy doing; it’s my escape.
“On Christmas Eve, I had more time than Christmas Day, so I spent about three hours on it.”
He said of his whirlwind trip to Las Vegas: “I came fifth in the competition. It was surreal to be on the stage with these experienced guys and see people who really deserved it win.
“These puzzles are great for programming skills and make me a better accountant and critical thinker.
“Solving them is fun, like giving yourself a little Christmas present.”
Ha only moved from Vietnam to the UK 10 years ago and taught himself Excel through YouTube videos.
He says his fascination with spreadsheets began in childhood.
He said: “When I was about six or seven, I saw a spreadsheet on television and I was interested, I used it in school and later in my job.”
Ha began competing seriously last year after attending the Global Excel Summit in January, where he first learned more about the competitive scene.
He added: “I started to compete last year, and I really enjoy it. It is a hobby of mine, but I do use it for everything in my life like financial things and making decisions.”
Ha was named UK champion earlier after a closely fought final which involved timed tests in which contestants were given themed datasets, including one based on the Kings and Queens of England, and asked to design spreadsheets to answer specific questions.
Ha said: “For me, creating spreadsheets is my hobby which I do in my free time and at weekends, it really doesn't bother me if people think I'm a geek. In fact, I'm proud of it.”
Despite his success in the UK, Ha said he approached the Las Vegas final with realistic expectations.
“I knew the US would be harder because they’re great people,” he said.
“I said I’d go there for fun, because the best-case scenario is you get to be with like-minded people.”
Looking ahead, Ha says he plans to continue competing and challenging himself.
“I would like to keep pushing myself to find new problems to solve,” he said.
“This year there’s actually a European Open, and a lot of us are going to fly to Amsterdam at the end of May to compete in that.
“I am looking forward to it.”