Top Tips from Microsoft Excel World Champion for Office Workers

Diarmuid Early, a 40-year-old professional, has emerged as the victor of the 2025 Microsoft Excel World Championship. With 20 years of experience in utilizing Excel, he has honed his skills at prestigious companies like the Boston Consulting Group and Deutsche Bank. His expertise spans data analysis and financial reporting, making him a reputable figure in the realm of Excel proficiency.

Winning the Championship

Early’s journey to victory in the Excel World Championship was marked by perseverance. Previously, he faced challenges in postseason performance, often reaching the knockout stages as a top seed but finishing fifth at best. His triumph in 2025 has solidified his position as a leading expert in the field.

Top Tips from Microsoft Excel World Champion

Early emphasizes that office workers should always believe there is a better way to perform tasks. He advocates for questioning conventional methods, particularly when individuals find themselves stuck in repetitive tasks, like excessive copying and pasting.

Utilizing Resources for Improvement

• Search online for solutions to common Excel challenges.
• Use resources like Google or ChatGPT to gain insights.
• Identify shortcuts that can save time.

According to Early, about 80% of the challenges users face in Excel can be resolved by researching the problem. Recognizing that others have encountered similar issues can lead to better solutions.

Mastering Functions for Efficiency

Early recommends learning functions like SUMIFS, which may be time-consuming initially but offer significant long-term benefits. Although mastering such functions may seem daunting at first, proficiency develops with practice.

The Importance of Analytical Thinking

Taking time to analyze results is crucial. Early points out that junior bankers often focus solely on providing answers. However, deeper insights lead to greater credibility and accuracy in their work.

Future of Excel and AI Integration

Early expresses concerns about the high potential for human error in overly complex formulas. He stresses the importance of understanding mistakes, especially as users progress in their Excel journey.

AI tools may aid users in developing better skills and overcoming basic errors. However, for experienced users, the challenge remains in continuously finding innovative solutions rather than relying on AI.

Final Thoughts on Excel Mastery

With a wealth of experience, Early has accumulated numerous Excel hacks through the years. He recalls moments of joy from teaching others valuable shortcuts that could significantly reduce their workload. Such insights often lead to transformative changes in how colleagues approach their tasks.

Embracing these strategies can enhance productivity and improve overall job performance, making the journey toward Excel mastery both rewarding and efficient.