The competition sets a historic milestone as the host introduces new technology-driven standards while honoring the sport’s legacy.

WMC 2025 features the participation of 290 competitors from nearly 30 countries and territories, including leading memory-sports nations such as the UK, Germany, the US, Japan, China, India and Mongolia.

Athletes will compete in 10 of the discipline’s most demanding categories, testing speed, accuracy and mental endurance, including speed numbers, abstract images and spoken numbers.

“This is not only a global-level competition but also a platform to inspire learning, creativity and human intellect in a new era. We are committed to ensuring the event is conducted with full transparency, integrity and fairness,” said Dr Thang Van Phuc, former Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Chairman of the Vietnam Records Organization and Head of the tournament’s steering board.

For the first time under Vietnam’s hosting, manual scoring will completely give way to a fully digital testing and scoring system. Results will be displayed in real time on LED screens, turning the usual quiet of the exam hall into a dynamic digital arena where audiences can watch rankings shift second by second.

Organizers have also unveiled the “Flow of Wisdom” Challenge Trophy, initiated and crafted by Vietnam, carrying the spirit “Passed by Nations – Raised by Champions.” The trophy represents both competitive excellence and an artistic legacy honouring cross-border and intergenerational intellectual connection.

Professor Marek Kasperski, President of the World Mind Sports Council, said Vietnam’s preparation and energy stand out in the 34-year history of the championship. He noted that with the adoption of new technology and the host country’s strong hospitality, WMC 2025 is expected to be among the most memorable editions and may even see unprecedented records.

The 34th World Memory Championships run from December 12 to 14, 2025. Experts expect that with strong preparation and momentum on home soil, Vietnam’s competitors, could deliver major breakthroughs, potentially setting two to three world records in strong categories such as abstract images and speed numbers.

Founded in 1991 by Tony Buzan and Raymond Keene, the World Memory Championships is the world’s oldest and most prestigious memory-sports tournament. It aims to push the boundaries of human cognition and promote the global development of mind sports.

WMC 2025 is co-organized by the Vietnam Memory Organization, the World Records Union (WorldKings) and Tam Tri Luc Group, under the supervision of The Guild of Mind Sports Arbiters (GOMSA).

Sisters to represent Vietnam at World Memory Championships

Two sisters have won first and third prizes at the first Vietnam Memory Championship and will attend the Asian and world tournaments in Malaysia and China.