World Champions Crowned at Pearson's Certiport 2026 Microsoft Office Specialist Competition

Rhea-AI Summary

Pearson (PSO)/b) announced the winners of the Certiport 2026 Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship, held in Anaheim, California. The 24th annual event brought together 135 finalists aged 13–22 from 36 countries who qualified through Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint certification exams and national competitions. Winners were named across Microsoft 365 Apps and Office 2019 tracks.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

See more from StockTitan in Google Search and AI answers. Adds StockTitan as a preferred source · opens Google

Add on Google Not now

07/29/2026 - 04:41 PM

HOBOKEN, N.J., July 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L) today announced the winners of the Certiport 2026 Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship, a global competition that recognizes students from around the world using Microsoft Office. Now in its 24^th year, the championship highlights the value of Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications in preparing learners for academic and career success.

This year's event, held in Anaheim, CA, welcomed 135 finalists (ages 13–22) from 36 countries who qualified by passing Microsoft Word, Excel™, or PowerPoint™ certification exams, and won their respective country competitions. This year's event, held in Anaheim, California, welcomed 135 finalists ages 13–22 from 36 countries.

The global competition celebrates excellence in Microsoft Office, helping students build confidence and develop essential digital skills for the future. Through their participation, students gain valuable real-world experience, preparing them to succeed in an economy increasingly shaped by new technologies.

The winners:

• Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365 Apps)
  First: Sio Keng Nim, Macao, China Second: Lee Yuan Han, Taiwan Third: Flor Nathalia Pelaez Guerra, Ecuador
• Microsoft Excel™ (Microsoft 365 Apps)
  First: Nguyen Mai Chi, Vietnam Second: Aleksy Jakub Dobrodziej, Poland Third: Hoi Kiu Cheng, Hong Kong, China
• Microsoft PowerPoint™ (Microsoft 365 Apps)
  First: Santiago Matteus Dardón Pinzón, Guatemala Second: Ung Man Kit, Macao, China Third: Nguyen Dinh Bao, Vietnam
• Microsoft Word (Office 2019)
  First: Reem El Shafii, Lebanon Second: Valentina Ribatski Baldan, Brazil Third: Xiao Jun Ting, Taiwan
• Microsoft Excel™ (Office 2019)
  First: Zhong Tin Kin, Macao, China Second: Thanawit Thawonkan, Thailand Third: Do Le Tuan Kiet, Vietnam
• Microsoft PowerPoint™ (Office 2019)
  First: Liang Xinzhi, Macao, China Second: Helena Bertozzi Pires, Brazil Third: Amar Azar, USA

Why it matters: "These students have not only earned a valuable credential, they have demonstrated the commitment, capability, and confidence needed to succeed in a fast-changing digital world. As certified Microsoft Office Specialists, they are building a strong foundation for academic achievement, career opportunity, and lifelong learning," said Arthur Valentine, President of Assessment and Qualifications at Pearson. "Their initiative and adaptability show exactly the kind of future-ready talent employers need. By mastering essential digital skills, they are preparing to thrive in an AI-driven economy."

What Microsoft said: "The Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship celebrates more than technical excellence. It highlights the power of digital skills and certifications," said Jeana Jorgensen, Corporate Vice President, Global Skilling, Microsoft. "The students who take part in this competition demonstrate that their talent, dedication, and certification can open doors. These opportunities will also extend far beyond the event, creating pathways for success in the workforce." 

The big picture: The Microsoft Office Specialist is the only official Microsoft-recognized certification program for validating Microsoft Office skills. Available in over 140 countries and 26 languages, MOS certifications serve as a powerful instrument for assessing students' skills and preparing them for real-world application of their knowledge. They help them stand out in academic and professional settings while providing employers with a trusted measure of workplace readiness. Learn more about the Pearson Certiport Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship here.

Related Pearson News

• The Certification Imperative: Empowering Young People to Bridge the Skills Gap
• Employers Use IT Certification to Close High Risk Skills Gaps and Gain Competitive Advantage, Pearson Study Finds
• New Pearson and AWS Global research: 53% of Employers Struggle to Find AI-Ready Graduates 

About Pearson 

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at plc.pearson.com.

Media Contact

Greg.Forbes@pearson.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/world-champions-crowned-at-pearsons-certiport-2026-microsoft-office-specialist-competition-302838284.html

SOURCE Pearson

FAQ

What is the Certiport 2026 Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship run by Pearson (PSO)?

The Certiport 2026 Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship is a global student competition focused on Microsoft Office skills. According to Pearson, it recognizes learners who pass MOS certification exams and excel in national contests, showcasing their digital proficiency and real-world readiness.

When and where was the 2026 Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship held for Pearson (PSO)?

The 2026 Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship took place in Anaheim, California. According to Pearson, the event gathered finalists from around the world who had previously qualified through Microsoft Office certification exams and country-level competitions during the year.

How many students competed in Pearson’s 2026 Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship and from how many countries?

The 2026 MOS World Championship hosted 135 student finalists from 36 countries. According to Pearson, these participants were aged 13–22 and had already passed Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint certification exams and won their respective national competitions to reach the global finals.

Which Microsoft Office applications were included in the 2026 MOS World Championship organized by Pearson (PSO)?

The 2026 MOS World Championship featured Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. According to Pearson, students competed in versions aligned with Microsoft 365 Apps and Office 2019, demonstrating certified skills across multiple core Office applications that are widely used in education and workplaces.

What benefits does Microsoft Office Specialist certification offer students, according to Pearson (PSO)?

Microsoft Office Specialist certification provides a recognized credential proving digital skills. According to Pearson, MOS certifications help students build confidence, support academic success, enhance career opportunities, and give employers a trusted measure of workplace readiness in an increasingly technology-driven and AI-influenced economy.

How widely available is the Microsoft Office Specialist certification highlighted by Pearson (PSO)?

Microsoft Office Specialist certification is available in over 140 countries and 26 languages. According to Pearson, it is the only Microsoft-recognized program for validating Office skills, helping students stand out academically and professionally while giving employers a consistent way to assess digital capabilities.