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North America's Young Mathletes Come Together in Chicago

On May 10, 2025, the vibrant halls of McCormick Place in Chicago transformed into a hub of mathematical brilliance as more than 650 of North America's most talented young mathematicians gathered for the much-awaited 2025 MathCON Finals. This annual event is not just a competition; it celebrates a shared passion for mathematics among students in grades four through twelve, bringing together participants from both the United States and Canada.

The MathCON Finals, hosted by MathCON—a highly regarded mathematics enrichment initiative—saw its participants rise from a pool of over 33,000 candidates who had previously competed in regional rounds earlier this year. To qualify, these young prodigies had to demonstrate their problem-solving prowess by scoring in the top percentile, tackling a challenging 100-minute exam composed of 32 intricate problems. Remarkably, no calculators were allowed, amplifying the challenge.

A Bright Spot in Education

Program Director Nik Hallberg highlighted the significance of this event, stating, _"This was one of the most special MathCON events I have ever been a part of. The energy was incredible, and I’m so proud of the kids who continuously elevate the standards of excellence."_

Among the impressive young talents was Michael Vanden Berg from Gateway Science Academy in St. Louis, who qualified for the finals for a second consecutive year. His father's words resonate with many: _"Last year, Michael told me, 'I found my people here.' This event connects kids who share a love for math, making it a fun and welcoming environment."_

The event crowned national champions across various grade levels:

• - 12th Grade: Sanjay Ravishankar, California
• - 11th Grade: Aryan Raj, Virginia
• - 10th Grade: Raghav Arun, North Carolina
• - 9th Grade: Christopher Sakaliyski, Illinois
• - 8th Grade: Kenneth Sun, Massachusetts
• - 7th Grade: Rishabh Rajesh, Illinois
• - 6th Grade: Hudson Jones, North Carolina
• - 5th Grade: Naveen Chenicheri, Washington
• - 4th Grade: Andy Liu, North Carolina

Engaging Activities and Inspiring Keynotes

In addition to the rigorous final exam, the MathCON Finals were filled with a variety of engaging and family-friendly activities. Attendees had opportunities to participate in the highly popular Rubik's Cube Challenge and the parent-student Game 24 competition. Performances by the Jesse White Tumblers and mathemagician Sidney Friedman added a festive atmosphere to the day.

One of the event's highlights was the keynote address delivered by Po-Shen Loh, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University and a well-known math educator. Loh shared his insights on the enduring value of mathematical thinking, stating, _"That's the value of math contests like MathCON—helping students tackle problems they aren't used to solving."_

The Finals also acted as a reunion for many returning families and students. Holly Speranza, a ninth grader from Rhode Island, expressed her enthusiasm, _"It’s just fun being around people who have the same interests as me. This is my fourth time attending MathCON!"_

A Growing Community of Math Enthusiasts

As the excitement around mathematics continues to flourish, so does interest in MathCON’s year-round initiatives. Registration has opened for the MathCON Summer Camp, which will be hosted in Chicago this June, providing students with further opportunities to hone their math skills and engage with fellow enthusiasts.

For those eager to delve deeper into the world of math, visit MathCON's official website for more information and to explore upcoming events and opportunities.