September 22, 2025
4 min. read
Math contests are held everywhere, but one stands above the rest—the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
Think of it as the Olympics for math lovers: the world’s brightest high school students, all solving insanely creative problems that push you to your limits.
With its global stage, legendary difficulty, and amazing history, the IMO is more than a contest—it’s the ultimate challenge for anyone who loves math and wants to see how far their problem-solving skills can go
What Makes a Math Competition “the Best”?
A truly great math competition is defined by four key factors:
- Global participation: The best contests, like the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), attract students from over 100 countries.
- Level of difficulty: Top competitions feature creative, proof-based problems in algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics that go beyond classroom math.
- Prestige and recognition: History, rigor, and reputation give contests like the IMO unmatched status and influence.
- Opportunities: Success in elite competitions can lead to scholarships, advanced training, and admissions advantages at top universities.
For students, parents, and educators, these factors make the IMO and similar contests not just exams, but life-changing opportunities.
The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO): The Gold Standard
The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), founded in 1959 in Romania, is the oldest and most prestigious international mathematics Olympiad. What began with seven countries has grown into a global contest with 100+ nations across five continents.
Each year, students tackle six proof-based problems over two days (4.5 hours per session), testing not just knowledge but creativity, logic, and rigorous proof-writing.
Often called the “Olympics of Mathematics,” the IMO is the ultimate challenge for high school students.
Success brings global recognition, scholarships, and STEM opportunities, while the experience itself builds critical thinking, resilience, and a lifelong passion for math.
Simply put, the IMO is the pinnacle of high school math competitions—combining history, scale, rigor, and unmatched prestige.
Other Prestigious International Math Competitions
While the IMO is the pinnacle, several other global contests also stand out:
- Asian Pacific Mathematics Olympiad (APMO) – Founded in 1989, this four-hour, five-problem exam challenges top students under 20 across the Asia-Pacific region, including the U.S.
- European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO) – Aimed at encouraging young women in math, EGMO mirrors the IMO format and has become a leader in promoting gender diversity in high-level contests.
- China Girls Math Olympiad (CGMO) – Another prestigious female-focused contest, CGMO nurtures mathematical talent through collaboration and rigorous problem-solving.
- International Kangaroo Mathematics Contest (IKMC) – With over 6 million participants in 80+ countries, IKMC is the world’s largest math contest, offering fun and accessible multiple-choice challenges across grade levels.
Quick Comparison
| Competition | Scale | Target Students | Difficulty |
| IMO | 100+ countries | Top global high school students | Very high (6 proof problems) |
| APMO | Asia-Pacific | Top students under 20 | High (5 proof problems) |
| EGMO | International | Female high school students | High (IMO-style) |
| CGMO | Primarily China + partners | Female high school students | High |
| IKMC | 80+ countries, 6M+ participants | All grade levels | Moderate (multiple choice) |
Together, these contests enrich the global math landscape—whether by scale, inclusivity, or problem-solving depth—and provide students with multiple paths to challenge themselves and shine.
Why the IMO Stands Out as the Best?
The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is unmatched in prestige, scale, and difficulty. Since its founding in 1959, it has grown to include 100+ countries, making it the world’s premier stage for high school mathematicians.
Over two days, participants face six problem-based problems in algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics, testing not just knowledge but also creativity and rigorous reasoning. Few contests demand this level of depth and originality.
The IMO is also a launchpad for future leaders in mathematics and science—many Fields Medalists began as IMO medalists. For students, it represents years of preparation and the highest honor in pre-university math.
In short, the IMO’s history, global reach, and intellectual challenge make it the gold standard of math competitions worldwide.
Who Should Participate in Math Competitions?
Math competitions are open to students at every stage:
- Middle school: Contests like the AMC 8 or International Kangaroo Math Contest help younger students explore problem-solving and build confidence.
- High school: Passionate problem solvers can take the AMC 10/12, AIME, USAMO, and eventually the IMO, developing proof-writing skills and preparing for STEM pathways.
- College: Undergraduates can test their abilities in the Putnam Competition, one of the toughest university-level contests.
The key is to choose competitions that match your age and skill level. Starting with accessible contests and progressing to harder ones ensures steady growth, confidence, and long-term success in mathematics.
Conclusion:
The IMO is the world’s top math contest, but math competitions are about more than medals.
They help you grow as a thinker, build confidence, and find joy in problem solving. Each contest is a step toward a deeper love of mathematics.
