DoWEA Mathletes connect across regions at the 2026 MATHCOUNTS State Competition
GIESSEN, Germany – Middle school students from DoWEA Europe and DoWEA Pacific came together for the 2026 MATHCOUNTS State Competition, demonstrating strong mathematical reasoning, perseverance, and collaboration across regions. While students in Europe competed face‑to‑face as part of a centrally supported student activity, Pacific students participated remotely, ensuring mathletes across DoWEA had access to the state‑level competition experience.
Throughout the event, students tackled rigorous problem‑solving challenges that required strategic thinking, persistence, and teamwork. Europe‑based participants experienced the full range of competition activities in person, including team challenges, the written competition, and the fast‑paced Countdown Round. The balance of structured competition, hands‑on problem‑solving, and scheduled breaks helped maintain student engagement and focus throughout the multi‑day event.
Students consistently highlighted the friendships and teamwork that developed during the competition.
“MATHCOUNTS is awesome because it’s not only math—it’s also about teamwork and meeting amazing people,” one student shared.
A highlight of the Europe experience was a visit to the Mathematikum, where students explored mathematical concepts through interactive, hands‑on exhibits. By investigating patterns, structures, and problem‑solving strategies, students experienced mathematics as something tangible and dynamic, extending learning beyond the competition setting.
“MATHCOUNTS was the best thing that happened to me all year,” shared Colton H. (Vicenza MS)
Across both regions, students valued the opportunity to connect with peers who shared their interest in mathematics. Whether collaborating face‑to‑face or participating remotely, mathletes experienced MATHCOUNTS as a shared academic endeavor that emphasized teamwork, communication, and mutual support.
Students also encouraged others to participate in future competitions.
“Do you like math? Do you like fun? Join MATHCOUNTS. Though it may not seem super fun, it is—trust me, I was there,” said Evan B. (Baumholder MHS)
The competition concluded with the selection of the top individual performers. Four students earned the opportunity to represent DoWEA at the 2026 RTX MATHCOUNTS National Competition, to be held May 9–12 in Orlando, Florida. This year’s Nationals‑bound team reflects the strength of mathletes across both regions and includes Nathan Li and Christopher Dewey from Wiesbaden Middle School, Xara Olsen from Ramstein Middle School (Europe), and Yaojun Chua from Lester Middle School (Pacific). The team will be coached by Vinh Mai of Ramstein Middle School.
Educators also praised the event and its impact on students.
“This was an outstanding experience for my students,” said Todd Coyour of Baumholder MHS. “Being such a small school, we seldom qualify for an event like this. It was very well run, and it’s good to see students be able to compete academically.”
The 2026 MATHCOUNTS State Competition brought together mathletes from across DoWEA through both in-person and remote participation. While experiences varied by region, students across Europe and the Pacific engaged in rigorous mathematical problem solving and demonstrated perseverance and commitment at the state level. These experiences continue to support student growth while strengthening academic connections across DoWEA.
