Best Math Competition in the World – Top 7 Ranked (2026)

The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is the best math competition in the world. It has been the gold standard of pre-university mathematics since 1959, drawing top students from over 100 countries every year.

But the IMO is just the summit. Below it sits a rich landscape of elite math competitions, from the Putnam and APMO to the AMC series, Math Kangaroo, MATHCOUNTS, and AIME, each suited to a different age, skill level, and goal.

This guide ranks the top 7 international math competitions by prestige, difficulty, and global reach, covering the most prestigious math olympiad, the hardest math competition in the world, and the largest math competition by participation.

If you are new to competitive math, you may also want to understand what is the purpose of the math olympiad.

Top 7 Math Competitions in the World at a Glance

Here is a quick comparison of the world’s best math competitions, ranked by prestige, difficulty, and global reach.

Competition	Founded	Countries	Who Can Enter	Difficulty	Best For
IMO	1959	100+	High school (national selection)	Extreme	Elite proof-writers
Putnam	1938	USA/Canada	Undergraduates	Extreme	University students
APMO	1989	Asia-Pacific + USA	Top students under 20	Very High	Asia-Pacific region
EGMO	2012	Europe + guests	Female high school students	Very High	Girls in math
AMC 10/12	2000	USA + international	Grades 10 to 12	High	US high school students
AMC 8	1985	USA + international	Grade 8 and below	Moderate	Middle schoolers
Math Kangaroo (IKMC)	1991	80+ countries, 6M+ entrants	Grades 1 to 12	Accessible	All students

1. International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO): The Gold Standard

The IMO is the undisputed best math competition in the world for pre-university students.

No other international math contest comes close in terms of prestige, difficulty, or global reach.

Key Facts About the IMO

• Founded: 1959 in Romania (Brasov)
• Participants: Around 600 students from 100+ countries each year
• Format: 6 proof-based problems over 2 days (4.5 hours per day)
• Topics: Algebra, geometry, number theory, combinatorics
• Who qualifies: National team selection, typically 4 to 6 students per country after multi-stage competitions such as USAMO in the United States
• Team size: Each country sends up to 6 students

Eligibility: Learn about IMO exam eligibility criteria for students of all classes.

Why the IMO Is the Most Prestigious Math Olympiad

The IMO’s problems are legendary. They require deep creativity, not just knowledge.

There is no formula to memorize. Solutions demand original mathematical insight.

Past participants include Terence Tao (who won a gold medal at age 13), Peter Scholze, and dozens of Fields Medal winners.

A perfect score at the IMO is extraordinarily rare. Even a single medal is a career-defining achievement.

Universities like MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and Cambridge actively recruit IMO medalists.

An IMO gold medal is one of the most recognized achievements on any college application.

IMO History: The Longest-Running International Academic Olympiad

The IMO was first held in 1959 in Brasov, Romania, proposed as a way to bring together the brightest young mathematical minds across borders.

It has run every year since, with the sole exception of 1980. That makes it the longest-running international academic olympiad in the world.

Over 100 countries now participate, sending teams of up to 6 students each who have earned their spot through rigorous national selection processes.

The contest covers four main areas: algebra, number theory, geometry, and combinatorics. No calculus is required, but the problems demand a level of creative reasoning that goes well beyond standard school mathematics.

Learn more: how to qualify for the IMO in the USA | IMO preparation guide. No calculus is required, but the problems demand a level of creative reasoning that goes well beyond standard school mathematics.

2. William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition: Hardest University-Level Math Contest

For undergraduate students, the Putnam Competition is the equivalent of the IMO.

Held annually in the USA and Canada, it is widely regarded as the hardest math exam at the university level.

Key Facts About the Putnam

• Founded: 1938
• Participants: Around 4,000 undergraduates annually
• Format: 12 problems over 6 hours (two 3-hour sessions)
• Scoring: 0 to 120 points. The median score is often 0 to 2.

Is Putnam Harder Than IMO? (IMO vs Putnam Compared)

This is one of the most searched questions among competitive mathematicians: is Putnam harder than IMO, and is IMO harder than Putnam?

Both competitions are extremely difficult, but they test different things.

The IMO focuses on proof-based problems for high school students. Each problem can take hours of sustained thinking. The Putnam tests a broader range of university-level mathematics across 12 problems in 6 hours, requiring faster problem-solving under pressure.

The key difference: IMO gives 6 problems over two days, with extended time for deep mathematical exploration. The Putnam gives 12 problems in 6 hours, where speed and breadth both matter.

Many top competitors describe both as equally challenging in different ways. The Putnam’s median score of 0 to 2 points (out of 120) reflects just how hard the competition is, even for strong university math students.

Top scorers on the Putnam (known as Putnam Fellows) gain enormous recognition in the mathematical community. Many go on to distinguished careers in research and academia.

Verdict on Putnam vs IMO: They are not directly comparable. The IMO is harder for pre-university students; the Putnam is the hardest math competition for undergraduates. Both sit at theend of the difficulty spectrum.y students; the Putnam is the hardest math competition for undergraduates. Both sit at the extreme end of the difficulty spectrum.

3. Asian Pacific Mathematics Olympiad (APMO): Regional Powerhouse

The APMO is one of the most prestigious regional math olympiads.

It serves as a key step in the pathway toward the IMO for students across the Asia-Pacific region, including the United States.

Key Facts About the APMO

• Founded: 1989
• Format: 5 problems over 4 hours
• Eligibility: Students under 20 in participating Asia-Pacific countries
• Notable: The USA participates and uses APMO scores in IMO team selection

The APMO is especially important for countries with strong math olympiad traditions, including China, South Korea, Japan, and Australia.

Performance at the APMO often directly influences which students are selected for the national IMO team.

4. European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO): Top Competition for Girls

Founded in 2012, EGMO has rapidly become one of the world’s most important math competitions.

It is specifically designed to encourage and celebrate mathematical talent in young women.

Key Facts About EGMO

• Founded: 2012
• Format: IMO-style, 6 problems over 2 days
• Eligibility: Female students under 20 in European and guest countries
• Impact: USA, China, and many non-European nations send guest teams

EGMO is not only a top-tier competition on its own.

It is also a proven pathway to the IMO for many female mathematicians who go on to represent their countries at the international level.

5. American Mathematics Competitions (AMC 8, 10, 12): Best Entry Point in the USA

The AMC series is the most important math competition pathway in the United States.

It is also the primary route to the IMO for American students and one of the most widely recognized competitions globally.

The AMC Pathway to the IMO

1. MATHCOUNTS (optional, grades 6 to 8) – a separate national coaching program and competition series many middle schoolers take alongside or before the AMC 8
2. AMC 8 – Open to grade 8 and below
3. AMC 10/12 – Open to grades 10 and 12 respectively
4. AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Examination) – Top AMC 10/12 scorers qualify
5. USAJMO / USAMO – Top AIME scorers advance
6. USA IMO Team – Top USAMO participants are selected

MATHCOUNTS and AIME: Two Terms Students Often Confuse With the AMC

Two terms come up constantly in AMC-related searches: MATHCOUNTS and AIME.

MATHCOUNTS is a separate national math competition and coaching program for grades 6 to 8 in the United States. It is not part of the AMC pathway, but many strong AMC 8 competitors also compete in MATHCOUNTS, since both test similar problem-solving skills at the middle school level.

AIME is not a stand-alone competition. It is the second step in the AMC pathway, open only to students who score high enough on the AMC 10 or AMC 12. AIME problems use an integer-answer format and are harder than AMC problems, but they are not yet proof-based like the USAMO or the IMO.

In short: MATHCOUNTS runs alongside the AMC 8 for middle schoolers, while AIME sits directly between the AMC 10/12 and USAMO for high schoolers aiming at the IMO.

What Makes the AMC Different

The AMC competitions use multiple-choice and short-answer formats. This makes them more accessible than proof-based olympiads.

However, high AMC scores still require great problem-solving skills well beyond the standard school curriculum.

If you are preparing for the AMC, understanding the AMC syllabus and knowing how to prepare for the AMC are essential first steps.

The AMC is also popular internationally. Schools outside the USA can register for the AMC 8, 10, and 12 exams.

Many students worldwide use the AMC pathway to prepare for their national olympiad and IMO qualification.

Learn about AMC age limits and eligibility, and the benefits of AMC math for academic growth.

Learn more: What is a good AMC score? | AMC awards and honors | Average AMC scores

6. International Kangaroo Mathematics Contest (IKMC): World’s Largest Math Competition

With over 6 million participants across 80+ countries, Math Kangaroo is the biggest math competition in the world by participation.

It is designed to make mathematics fun and accessible for students at all levels.

Key Facts About Math Kangaroo

• Founded: 1991 in France (originally called Kangourou des Mathématiques)
• Participants: 6 million+ students across 80+ countries annually
• Format: Multiple-choice, 75 to 90 minutes, level-appropriate problems
• Best for: Students of all ages looking for an engaging, low-pressure first competition

Is Math Kangaroo Prestigious?

Math Kangaroo is not designed to be an elite olympiad. Its value lies in accessibility and engagement.

It is the ideal starting point for students who want to experience competition math without the extreme intensity of olympiad-level contests.

That said, Math Kangaroo should not be underestimated. Many IMO participants first competed in Kangaroo as younger students.

It builds confidence, sharpens logical thinking, and introduces key concepts in algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics.

Learn more about what Kangaroo Math is, Math Kangaroo participation details, and Math Kangaroo prizes.

Learn more: How to prepare for Math Kangaroo

7. China Girls Math Olympiad (CGMO): Elite Competition for Female Mathematicians

The CGMO is a prestigious, invitation-only competition for female high school students.

Its format closely mirrors the IMO. Originally focused on China, it has expanded to include top international teams.

Key Facts About the CGMO

• Format: 8 proof-based problems over 2 days
• Eligibility: Invitation-only for national teams of female high school students
• Prestige: USA, Russia, and other elite nations regularly participate

The CGMO, along with EGMO, plays an important role in encouraging gender diversity in competitive mathematics at the highest level.

Why the IMO Is Still the Best Math Competition in the World

Several competitions are elite. But the IMO stands alone.

Here is why.

Factor	Why the IMO Wins
History	65+ years running. The oldest international math competition.
Global scale	100+ countries. No other olympiad comes close.
Difficulty	6 open-ended proof problems. Creative, original solutions required.
Prestige	Fields Medalists and Abel Prize winners began here.
Recognition	Top universities worldwide actively recruit IMO medalists.
Legacy	Has defined careers and inspired generations of mathematicians.

How the IMO Compares to Other Top Competitions

Many students and parents ask how the IMO stacks up against other well-known math contests and math championships. Here are the most common comparisons.

IMO vs AMC

The AMC series uses multiple-choice and short-answer problems that can be solved in minutes. IMO problems require original mathematical proofs and can take hours.

The two competitions are not directly comparable in difficulty. However, the AMC is the starting gateway for American students who eventually aim for the IMO.

Is IMO Harder Than Putnam? (Putnam vs IMO)

Both are considered the hardest math competitions in their categories. The IMO is the hardest for high school students. The Putnam is the hardest for undergraduates.

Both have extremely low median scores, even among top students. The difference comes down to format, breadth, and the level of mathematical background assumed.

Math Kangaroo vs AMC

Math Kangaroo is designed for accessibility and engagement across all grade levels. The AMC is more competitive and directly feeds into the olympiad pipeline.

For younger students (grades 1 to 6), Math Kangaroo is a better starting point. For students in grades 8 and above who want to pursue competitive math seriously, the AMC is the stronger choice.

Math Kangaroo vs Math Olympiad

Math Kangaroo focuses on fun, logical thinking, and broad participation. National and international math olympiads focus on deep, proof-based problem solving for elite students.

They serve different purposes but complement each other well. For a detailed breakdown, see our guide on the difference between Math Olympiad and Kangaroo Math.

IMC vs IMO (International Mathematics Competition for University Students)

The IMC (International Mathematics Competition for University Students) is the top math competition for college and university students globally. It is separate from the IMO and the Putnam.

While the Putnam focuses on North American undergraduates, the IMC draws competitors from universities worldwide. Students who excelled at the IMO in high school often go on to compete in the IMC at the university level.

IMO vs MATHCOUNTS vs AIME: How They Are Different

MATHCOUNTS and AIME sit much earlier on the difficulty ladder than the IMO. MATHCOUNTS uses grade-appropriate number sense and sprint-round problems aimed at students in grades 6 to 8. AIME uses harder, integer-answer problems that come after the AMC but are still short-answer, not proof-based.

The IMO, by contrast, requires full written proofs on open-ended problems that can take hours to solve. A typical US student’s path runs from MATHCOUNTS or AMC 8, through AMC 10/12, then AIME, then USAMO, before reaching IMO team selection.

Which Math Competition Should YOU Enter?

Choosing the right competition depends on your age, skill level, and goals.

If you are…	Start with…	Goal
Grade 1 to 6	Math Kangaroo	Build love of math, low-pressure experience
Grade 6 to 8	AMC 8, MATHCOUNTS, or Math Kangaroo	Develop problem-solving, build competition experience
Grade 9 to 12 (USA)	AMC 10/12, then AIME, then USAMO	Pathway toward IMO; college admissions advantage
Grade 9 to 12 (Global)	National olympiad, then IMO	Represent your country at the world’s top contest
Female students	EGMO or CGMO	IMO-level challenge in an encouraging environment
Undergraduates	Putnam Competition	Hardest university-level math contest in North America
College students (international)	International Mathematics Competition (IMC)	Top math competition for university students worldwide

Example: how to qualify for the IMO from Bangladesh

Best Math Competitions for Kids and Middle School Students

If you are a parent or teacher looking for the best math competitions for kids, here are the top options by age group.

Grades 1 to 5: Math Kangaroo is the best starting point. It is available in 80+ countries, uses age-appropriate problems, and makes math feel like a game.

Grades 6 to 8: The AMC 8 is the most recognized competition for middle school students in the USA. MATHCOUNTS is a strong companion program for the same age group, with its own chapter, state, and national rounds. Math Kangaroo remains a great option internationally.

Many countries also have junior divisions of their national math olympiad. See our guide on how to prepare for the Junior Math Olympiad for more tips.

Other popular math competitions for kids include: Noetic Learning Math Contest, Math League, MATHCOUNTS, and the Continental Mathematics League (CML).

The key is to start early and build confidence. Most IMO participants began serious competition math by age 12 to 14.

For students who want to aim high from the start, our guide on how to get full marks in a maths olympiad covers proven strategies.

How to Prepare for the World’s Best Math Competitions

Whether you are aiming for the IMO or just starting out with Math Kangaroo, the preparation principles are the same.

1. Start early. Most IMO participants began serious competition math by age 12 to 14.
2. Master the fundamentals. Strong skills in algebra, number theory, geometry, and combinatorics are essential at any level. Find out what types of questions are asked in math olympiads to focus your study.
3. Practice past papers. Every major competition publishes archives of past problems. Solving these is the single most effective training method. Learn how to get better at solving math olympiad questions with proven strategies.
4. Learn proof-writing. For olympiad-level competitions, being able to write rigorous mathematical proofs is non-negotiable. Our guide on how to improve problem-solving skills for the IMO covers this in depth.
5. Use structured training. Online platforms, math circles, and olympiad books (such as Art of Problem Solving) accelerate growth significantly.
6. Join a community. Forums like Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) connect students with peers and mentors who share strategies and motivation.

Learn more: Free math olympiad training online | How to improve at olympiad problem-solving

How Much Do Math Competitions Cost to Enter?

Entry costs vary a lot by competition, and they can change year to year, so always confirm current fees with the official organizer.

Math Kangaroo and the AMC series are generally the most accessible, with modest per-student fees typically collected through a registered school, math club, or coordinating center. MATHCOUNTS is often free for students, since chapter and state competitions are funded through school participation and sponsorships rather than individual entry fees.

Higher-level competitions like the IMO do not charge individual students to compete. Selected national team members are supported by their country’s math olympiad committee, though families sometimes cover costs for earlier training camps or regional qualifying rounds.

Before registering for any competition, check with your school’s math coordinator or the official competition website for the most current fee structure and registration deadlines.

What Is the Toughest Olympiad in the World?

A common question: what is the hardest olympiad in the world across all subjects?

In mathematics specifically, the IMO and Putnam are universally recognized as the two hardest math competitions in existence, for their respective age groups.

When comparing across subjects (physics, chemistry, biology, informatics), the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) and International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) are also considered among the most rigorous. But for pure mathematics, no competition rivals the IMO in terms of proof-based difficulty and global prestige.

The IMO’s hardest problems, particularly Problem 3 and Problem 6 on each day, have stumped entire national teams. These problems represent the absolute frontier of pre-university mathematical thinking.

Final Verdict

The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is the best math competition in the world. It has held that position for over 65 years.

No other contest matches its combination of global scale, legendary difficulty, and transformative prestige.

But every competition on this list has value. Math Kangaroo builds a love of math in young students. MATHCOUNTS and the AMC create the strongest middle and high school mathematicians in the USA.

EGMO and CGMO create world-class opportunities for female mathematicians. And the Putnam challenges the sharpest university minds in North America.

The best competition for you is the one that challenges you, excites you, and gives you room to grow. Start where you are and aim for the top.

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