MMGo World Mental Arithmetic Esports 65 players compete

The 2024 MMGo World Mental Math E-Sports Championship came to a successful conclusion on Saturday, October 12, at the San Francisco Bay Area’s QIAO Education Center. Organized by the Universal Abacus Academic Society and the American Mental Calculation Alliance, the competition utilized the MM Go software as its platform, seamlessly blending digital technology with traditional mental calculation techniques. The grand finale featured 65 competitors from five countries competing both online and in-person, followed by an award ceremony.

Breaking away from the traditional paper-and-pencil format, contestants engaged in real-time competitions using mobile phones and tablets. Among them, 31 local participants competed on-site, while 34 others joined remotely from Japan, Taiwan, India, and Malaysia. The competition was divided into age groups: Group A for those under 6, Group B for ages 7-9, Group C for ages 10-12, and Group D for those over 12.

Shiow Hsieh, president of the Universal Abacus Society, expressed that this event signifies the entry of mental calculation competitions into the digital age and extended gratitude for the enthusiastic participation and support from competitors worldwide. She particularly noted that this was the first event held in-person combined with online participation since the pandemic, allowing contestants from various locations to join this international showcase.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Director of the San Francisco Office, Yong Chang Zhu, emphasized that mental calculation is a vital part of traditional Chinese skills and culture, having a profound impact on children’s cognitive development and academic performance.

Xiangfang Xu, Secretary of the Cultural and Educational Center for the San Francisco Bay Area, encouraged children to continue learning mental math, suggesting that mastering this skill fosters logical thinking and will benefit them in their academic and everyday lives.

Notably, the event featured an AI host that provided real-time commentary on the competition, marking the first time AI technology has been incorporated into mental math e-sports, introducing an unprecedented technological element to traditional mental calculation competitions.

Following the competition, an awards ceremony took place, where cash prizes, medals, and certificates were presented to the winners. Among the presenters were Fremont City Councilman Yang Shao, President of the National Chinese School Federation, Wan-Jun Wang, President of the Silicon Valley International Talent Association, Shumei Wang from the Northern California Taiwan Arts University Alumni Association, and Vice President of the American Mental Calculation Alliance, Chi An.