More than 10,700 take part in Estonia’s online maths challenge
Thursday 8th October 2026 on 13:15 in
Estonia
More than 10,700 people tested their skills in the first three hours of Estonia’s third nationwide e-rehkendus maths challenge, ERR reported. A total of 375 participants solved every problem correctly, more than in previous years.
Getter Põru won the €1,234 grand prize, drawn among those who answered all 12 questions correctly. The challenge included one problem for each school grade, prepared by Hele Kiisel, Helen Kaasik and Kristel Tamm of the Estonian Mathematics Society’s school mathematics section.
Rankings, which also took solving time into account, were announced in five categories. The top three upper-secondary school students were Jasper Vähk, Mattias Mahlakas and Egert Pähkel. Among basic school pupils, the leaders were Karl Miko Põdra, Märt Mattias Alas and Mia Väinsar. The top students were Romet Martjan, Getlin Juhe and Sergei Baumer.
Rainer Bõkov, Mikk Põdra and Ekke-Markus Muttika led the category for teachers, lecturers and researchers. The top general participants were Hendrik Nigul, Mihkel Kree and Hannes Valk.
The best upper-secondary school student can study for a bachelor’s degree in any field at Tallinn University of Technology, except architecture. The top adult general participant can take a micro-degree programme of their choice at the university.
Participants could also take part in groups with family, classmates, sports teammates or colleagues. A total of 378 groups registered. The largest was from Nõo Reaalgümnaasium, an upper-secondary school, with 220 participants.
Tallinn University of Technology rector Tiit Land, who completed the problems at Võru Gymnasium, said the event showed strong interest in mathematics in Estonia. He said visible improvements in mathematical skills were needed sooner, adding that while large cohorts of upper-secondary graduates were currently entering higher education, much smaller cohorts lay ahead.
The challenge is organised by Tallinn University of Technology, ERR and SEB Bank. This year’s problems will remain available to solve until next year’s competition.