Meet the winners of the 24th annual Certiport 2026 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship. This year’s event, held in Nashville, TN, drew 140 finalists from thousands of students (ages 13–22) across the U.S. who qualified by passing Microsoft Word, Excel™, or PowerPoint™ certification exams. The competition recognizes outstanding achievement in Microsoft Office, and empowers students to build confidence as they develop essential digital skills. By participating, these students are gaining valuable experience that will better prepare them for a future shaped by artificial intelligence and technological innovation.
Meet the winners
Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365 Apps)
First: Scott Chamberlain, Utah
Second: Julia Schieferdecker, Illinois
Third: Payne Brown, Idaho
Fourth: Diako Dabiri, Illinois
Fifth: William Duhs, New York
Sixth: Antonio Hobbs, Washington, D.C.
Seventh: Javier Sanchez, Louisiana
Eighth: Olivia Parker, Massachusetts
Ninth: Ronan Rice, Washington
Tenth: Julie Boerlin, Arkansas
Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps)
First: Ethan Strayer, Idaho
Second: Aiden Haynes, Tennessee
Third: Gage Patty, Kansas
Fourth: Cole Mika, New Jersey
Fifth: Elizabeth Mullan, Massachusetts
Sixth: Felix Lepa, Florida
Seventh: Malea Lopes-Serrao, Wisconsin
Eighth: Jackson Kuffrey, Tennessee
Ninth: Cylus Sullivan, North Carolina
Tenth: Seth Raymond, Indiana
Microsoft PowerPoint (Microsoft 365 Apps)
First: Rebecca Sutherlin, Texas
Second: Marina Simmons, Tennessee
Third: Steven Miller, Utah
Fourth: Trajaun Albert, Massachusetts
Fifth: Evan Schroedle, Idaho
Sixth: Aakriti Shaw, California
Seventh: Aliona Gyulnazaryan, California
Eighth: Harshita Sinha, Washington
Ninth: Daniel Brummett, New Mexico
Tenth: Raymond Schechinger, Iowa
Microsoft Word (Office 2019)
First: Reid Chapman, Kansas
Second: Bryan Lochan, New York
Third: Rebecca Korchman, New Jersey
Fourth: Charbel Boulos, Pennsylvania
Fifth: Jeffrey Bano Tayupanda, Massachusetts
Sixth: Elijah Robinson, Louisiana
Seventh: Kevin Lu, Georgia
Eighth: Luca Dabrowski, Illinois
Ninth: Boshra Benantar, New York
Tenth: Greyson Quong, Washington
Microsoft Excel (Office 2019)
First: Paul Hudson, Illinois
Second: Isabel Winkler, Michigan
Third: Mason Indiraraj, Wisconsin
Fourth: Beau Harring, Florida
Fifth: Nirav Kundu, Washington
Sixth: Natalie Jones, Illinois
Seventh: Sarai Munoz, Tennessee
Eighth: Tia Argento, New Jersey
Ninth: Issac Hill, Wisconsin
Tenth: Nykol Duncan, New Mexico
Microsoft PowerPoint (Office 2019)
First: Amar Azar, New Jersey
Second: Julie Chea, Georgia
Third: Riviera Foley, Iowa
Fourth: Emily Aguilar, Florida
Fifth: Hayden Young, Illinois
Sixth: Omar Osmanzai, Pennsylvania
Seventh: Abdoulie Touray, Washington
Eighth: Thelonius Smith, New Jersey
Ninth: Kenneth In, Texas
Tenth: Rosie Monrroy, Texas
Why it matters
“These students have gained a valuable credential for their resumes that highlights their commitment to developing sought-after skills and creating a pathway for continued learning and growth. Both the certification they've achieved and the title "Microsoft Office Specialist" will benefit them as they advance in their academic and professional journeys,” said Laura Peterson, Managing Director of Professional Assessments at Pearson. “It’s important to recognize that these students are not only excelling in digital skills but are also embracing the newest technology, and preparing for an AI-driven economy. Their initiative and adaptability set a powerful example for us all to follow as we navigate the evolving landscape of technology.”
What’s next
First-place champs head to the global stage at the Certiport 2026 Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship in Anaheim, CA, July 27–30. They’ll compete against 100+ international finalists, with a $3K prize in hand and an attempt at the world title.
What Microsoft said
“We are proud to support the Certiport 2026 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship, honoring students whose ambition, perseverance, and commitment to learning have brought them to this national stage to showcase their digital expertise,” said Jeana Jorgensen, Corporate Vice President, Global Skilling, Microsoft. “This competition shows what’s possible when student talent, digital skills, and certification come together – a powerful combination that prepares students for success in the modern workforce.”
This is the only official Microsoft-recognized certification program for Microsoft Office globally and serves as a powerful instrument for assessing learners’ skills and preparing them for real-world application of their knowledge. Learn more about the Certiport Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship here, and more about the Certiport Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship here.