Gatton Excel team ranks No. 3 in the world following competition success

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 22, 2025) — The University of Kentucky Gatton College of Business and Economics Excel team has earned an impressive third place in the world rankings of the Microsoft World Excel Collegiate Competition. This achievement follows months of dedication and countless hours of practice by the team members.

The journey to the world stage began in January 2024 when a group of 16 finance students formed a team to compete in the Microsoft Excel Collegiate Challenge.

Under the guidance of faculty members, Leonce Bargeron, PNC Associate Professor, and John Saliling, lecturer of finance, the team committed to weekly practice sessions — refining their Excel skills and tackling challenging problems set by the competition organizers.

Their hard work paid off in April 2024, when they traveled to the University of Tennessee for the Southern Conference Championship. There, the UK team competed against nine other teams from six different schools and emerged victorious — sweeping both the team and individual championships. This win secured them a spot in the World Championship, held in December 2024 in Las Vegas.

The World Championship, streamed live from the HyperX Esports Arena, brought together top collegiate Excel competitors from around the globe. Finalists traveled from countries such as Austria, Argentina, Australia, Poland and Madagascar.

The UK team — Colin Albrecht (Union, Kentucky), Joseph Delgado (Lexington) and Andrew Durant (London, Kentucky) — faced fierce competition in the semifinals, where only four of 14 teams advanced to the final round. The team secured a spot in the final four and ultimately claimed top three in the world.

“UK is competitive in many areas, such as sports, arts and the academic arena,” Saliling said. “The Gatton College Excel team is contributing to UK’s winning tradition and adding to its laurels in finance.”

Durant, a finance major with minors in computer science (Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering) and business analytics (Gatton College), and Tristan Harbold (Louisville), a finance and mathematics (College of Arts and Sciences) major with a minor in computer science, qualified for the individual competition.

“I never expected to come this far, but I’ll always remember the fire I had within me during this journey,” said Durant, who is also a Lewis Honors College alum. “That drive is something I want to carry forward — chasing that same feeling in other important experiences in my life, especially as I begin my career.”

Out of 64 competitors, only 12 advanced to the finals, including Durant and Harbold. Durant delivered an exceptional performance, securing the No. 4 world ranking and becoming the highest-ranked U.S. collegiate competitor. He narrowly missed a top three finish, falling just three points short (601 to 598) in a dramatic final 30 seconds. Harbold also had a strong showing, finishing with the No. 11 world ranking.

“Earning first place and representing UK on a global stage was a dream come true, but it wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of Professor Leonce Bargeron and Professor Saliling. Their guidance and encouragement throughout this journey were invaluable, and I can’t thank them enough for believing in me.”

Looking ahead, the UK Gatton Excel team plans to expand, recruit freshman talent and continue building on the university’s momentum in future competitions. Those interested in joining the team or learning more, can contact john.saliling@uky.edu.