iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Excel speedruns turn routine spreadsheet work into a timed performance: creators race through challenges, demonstrate keyboard techniques and invite viewers to try the same tasks. The appeal is part competition, part practical instruction—and, for some viewers, the pleasure of watching someone navigate a grid at remarkable speed.
What makes Excel a spectator sport?
The familiar spreadsheet becomes a stage when a creator sets a task, starts a timer and works through cells, formulas and formatting under pressure. Viewers can follow the moves, compare completion times or simply watch the rapid navigation. Drew Koontz, of Encyclopedia Excel, told WIRED that obstacle courses and speedruns let players compare times, find better ways to complete the same task and compete directly. The WIRED report by Miles Klee, published August 19, 2026, describes the scene as both a way to practise and a form of entertainment.
That combination helps explain why clips can travel beyond people who use spreadsheets for work. The task is legible enough to follow, but the speed and precision make it feel like a performance. Ryan Park, whose Excel Obstacle Course work is profiled in the report, says some viewers find mouse-free work soothing. That is his explanation of the appeal, not the result of a viewer survey.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →How creators teach through the challenge
Dan Kidney: beginner functions and practice courses
WIRED traces Dan Kidney’s Excel development to work as an insurance data analyst and building an ecommerce business. He began posting videos about beginner functions on TikTok, then made an obstacle-course speedrun. The report says that clip reached one million views within days. It also attributes a combined 300,000 Instagram and TikTok followers to his Functional Excel accounts; these are reported social-reach figures, not independently audited platform statistics.
#1 Best Overall
- EXCEL SHORTCUTS. ZERO SEARCHING. – Our bestselling reference mat puts an extensive collection of commonly used commands, formulas and helpful tricks directly beneath your fingertips so you can find answers fast, work smarter and stay in the flow.
- YOUR DESK. SMARTER. – Clearly organized sections for navigation, selection, formatting, data and functions make it easy to find the right Excel command exactly when you need it.
- LEARN, WORK & RESET – Built-in desk-exercise diagrams give you 10 quick ways to stretch, recharge and return to work feeling sharper.
- ROOM TO WORK & CREATE – The extended 31.5 x 11.8-inch Pixiecube desk mat fits a laptop or keyboard and mouse, while the soft 2 mm surface adds comfort and protects your desktop.
- BUILT FOR REAL-WORLD WORKDAYS – A rugged stitched edge helps prevent fraying, and the water-resistant, stain-resistant surface protects against scratches, spills and everyday wear—because smarter desks should work harder.
Kidney’s templates make the format usable as practice, not just something to watch. He told the report that a teacher in rural Germany used them for students to practise and compete in class. The example shows how a timed challenge can turn repeated spreadsheet actions into a game, while leaving room for learners to notice how a task is solved.
Jonathan Tristan: keyboard fluency on camera
Los Angeles creator Jonathan Tristan, known online as Your Finance Brother and described by WIRED as a former investment banker, focuses on keyboard combinations and navigating Excel without a mouse. The report attributes roughly 700,000 followers to him. His advice is built around making common actions visible: he describes toggling between Escape and F2 to inspect what a formula is doing.
Rank #2
- 【Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard And Mouse Combo】EDJO Full-sized wireless keyboard is ergonomically designed with Palm Rest and folding holder that can keep it at an optimum slope，prevent your wrists from hurting while long sessions of typing. Keyboard is also designed with anti-slide pads so it will stay in place when you're typing quickly. Note: The USB receiver is in the battery compartment of mouse, you can find it when open the mouse battery cover.
- 【Plug & Play 2.4G Wireless Connection】One 2.4 GHz USB receiver can connect both the keyboard and mouse, can also be used separately, plug & play, no need to download any software. 2.4 GHz wireless provides a powerful and reliable connection up to 33 feet(10m) without any delays.
- 【Automatic Power Saving Function】The EDJO wireless keyboard and mouse combo has the function of automatically entering the power-saving state. When you stop using the keyboard more than 30 minutes, stop using the mouse more than 25 seconds, they will enter sleep mode respectively to save power. This feature greatly extends the battery life, you can click any button to activity the device. The keyboard need 1 x AA battery, the mouse need 1 x AA battery. (Battery Not Included)
- 【Wireless Optical Mouse】The mouse was optical design, even on some smooth surfaces, precise control can be obtained. 3-level adjustable DPI (800/1600/2400) allows you to choose your favorite moving speed of cursor. In addition, this wireless mouse is symmetry design, no matter you are Right handed Left handed, both hands are available, suitable for all people.
- 【Universal Compatibility & After-Sales Service】This wireless keyboard and mice combo compatible with windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/X, Mac and other operating system. Works well with desktops, Chrome-book, PC, Laptop, Computer and more. If you encounter any problems during use, please contact us via Amazon email, we will provide a satisfactory solution.
Tristan also jokes that viewers should “Pop the F1 key off your keyboard,” because it sits between Escape and F2 and can open Help if struck accidentally. That is his personal preference, not a general recommendation to remove a key. He further claims that a 10 percent speed gain across ten hours of Excel work could mean the difference between five and six hours of sleep. Treat that as a rhetorical illustration, not a measured productivity result.
Ryan Park: shortcuts as special moves
Park’s experience correcting and reorganizing 401(k) data informs his emphasis on speed and accuracy. He compares the shortcuts he teaches to the “special moves” of a video game. WIRED describes his Excel Obstacle Course work as having around 300,000 followers and reports Park’s estimate that his gamified tutorials have helped tens of thousands of people. Both numbers are attributed figures rather than audited measurements.
Rank #3
- Easy Setup: Simply insert the nano USB receiver into your computer and use the keyboard instantly. Arteck 2.4G Wireless Keyboard Stainless Steel Ultra Slim Full Size Keyboard with Numeric Keypad for Computer/Desktop/PC/Laptop/Surface/Smart TV and Windows 10/8/ 7 Built in Rechargeable Battery
- Ergonomic design: Stainless steel material gives heavy duty feeling, low-profile keys offer quiet and comfortable typing.
- 6-Month Battery Life: Rechargeable lithium battery with an industry-high capacity lasts for 6 months with single charge (based on 2 hours non-stop use per day).
- Ultra Thin and Light: Compact size (16.9 X 4.9 X 0.6in) and light weight (14.9oz) but provides full size keys, arrow keys, number pad, shortcuts for comfortable typing.
- Package contents: Arteck Stainless 2.4G Wireless Keyboard, nano USB receiver, USB charging cable, welcome guide, our 24-month warranty and friendly customer service.
Speed is only one way to use Excel creatively
The spectacle is not limited to beating a clock. Koontz points to engineer George Lungu’s Excel Unusual projects, including flight simulators, physics engines, roller coasters and planet simulations. These creations use the spreadsheet as a medium for experimentation and play, rather than as a conventional grid for tabulating work.
That creative strand belongs beside, but is distinct from, the competition scene: one asks how fast or cleverly a player can complete a defined task; the other asks what can be built inside the spreadsheet. Koontz also told WIRED, “It’s like saying that pen and paper will be obsolete,” referring to the continuing possibilities of Excel.
Rank #4
- Smart Display Screen & Multi-function Knob: AULA F108 Pro wireless mechanical keyboard has built-in intelligent TFT color display screen, which can be used as an interactive interface for real-time updating and customization. The high-definition display and multi-function knobs are designed to make it easy to switch and update custom Gif images, volume, date and time, battery status, backlight and connection modes for greater ease of use(Note: You need to download the software under windows system and keep in wired mode to set the screen image/GIF, calibrate the date and time. The screen has a transparent protective film that can be torn off for use)
- Tri-mode Connection Mechanical Keyboard: The AULA F108 Pro gaming keyboard supports BT5.0, 2.4GHz wireless and USB-C wired connectivity which can save up to five devices. The BT5.0 mode allows for quick switching between pc,mac,laptop and tablets while the 2.4GHz wireless and USB-C wired mode with a polling rate of 1000Hz ensures highly competitive stability and responsiveness.The F108PRO pc gaming keyboard is compatible with Windows, Mac, IOS and Android operating systems, and you can easily switch systems with multifunctional knob(Note: In Linux systems, incompatible driver versions may cause abnormal F-zone functionality, which is a normal phenomenon. Please rest assured to use it)
- Hot-swappable Custom Keyboard: The F108 Pro wireless gaming keyboard comes with a hot-swappable base that is compatible with 3-pin or 5-pin switches. Without the soldering process, users can easily replace switches and keycaps to customize their keying experience (keycap/switch puller is included in the package). Equipped with pre-lubricated stabilizers and switches, the creamy keyboard bring smooth typing feeling and pleasant creamy mechanical sound, providing fast response for exciting games
- Advanced Five Layers Filling Structure: The mechanical gaming keyboard features an advanced structure, extended integrated silicone pad, and PCB single key slotting, better optimizes resilience and stability, making the hand feel softer and more elastic. Five layers of filling silencer fills the gap between the PCB, the positioning plate and the shaft, effectively counteracting the cavity noise sound of the shaft hitting the positioning plate, ensuring the purest sound and soft and smooth typing experience every time you press the key
- 104 Keys Full Size Keyboard: The F108 Pro computer keyboard features a newly upgraded 100% full-size layout with arrow keys, function keys, and numeric zones for a more comfortable and productive office. The two-colour injection-moulded PBT keycaps are more durable without fading, sweat-proof, and softer to the touch. With the south-facing LEDs, the pc keyboard backlight clearly illuminates each key through the font, allowing you to operate accurately in the dark. Built-in 8000mAh high-capacity battery, the creamy keyboard with number pad is suitable for long-time work or high-intensity gaming
How Excel championships turn challenges into competition
Excel Esports organizes events around spreadsheet-based game tasks involving logic and problem solving. Its official event site describes online battles, practice cases and a qualification route to finals. The format gives the speedrun idea a more structured form: participants solve designed cases under event rules, rather than merely posting a personal best.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →At the time the site was checked for this article, it listed Las Vegas finals for November 30–December 2, 2026. Event dates and access details can change, so consult the organizer’s current schedule before making plans. The site also lists practice cases and paid downloadable cases; availability, prices and qualification rules are subject to change.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- EXCEL CHEAT SHEET DESK PAD:This Excel shortcuts mouse pad is a reliable desk companion, showcasing key shortcuts for Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Windows. It includes practical information and shortcut keys to help you work more efficiently on your daily tasks.
- LARGE AND PRACTICAL SIZE: Measuring 27.6 x 11.8 inches (700x300x2mm), this Excel mouse pad serves as both a mouse pad and desk mat, offering generous space for your computer, keyboard, and mouse. Ideal for use in the office or at home.
- CLEARLY ORGANIZED AND EASY TO USE:Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Windows shortcut keys are grouped and organized for easy reference, making this desk pad a helpful tool for both beginners and experienced users.
- SMOOTH AND ACCURATE CONTROL:The smooth fabric top ensures accurate mouse movements, while the non-slip base keeps the pad securely in place, delivering a stable and comfortable user experience.
- LONG-LASTING AND HIGH-QUALITY DESIGN:This mouse pad features premium fade-resistant printing, ensuring that shortcut details remain clear and detailed over time. The reinforced stitched edges add durability for extended use.
How to try an Excel speedrun yourself
- Start with one repeatable task. Use a practice challenge or choose a small task you already understand, such as navigating a sheet or completing a sequence of edits. A clear finish point makes a time meaningful.
- Learn the keystrokes before racing. Follow a tutorial or practise the relevant keyboard actions slowly. The point is to understand what each action does, not to trade accuracy for a faster clip.
- Repeat the same challenge. Keep the task and its rules consistent so you can compare your own attempts. If you change the method, notice whether the result is both faster and correct.
- Use an organizer’s current details if you want to enter. Excel Esports publishes its cases and event information; check its site for current formats, access, time limits and qualification rules rather than relying on an old schedule.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
