The 2024 International Final of the Economics Olympiad took place in the awe-inspiring surroundings of the International Olympic Academy (IOA) in Ancient Olympia, Greece, welcoming 85 of the top young economic minds from 18 countries. These finalists were selected from a pool of over 97,000 students who competed in national rounds across the globe, representing the brightest future leaders in the field of economics. The Economics Olympiad is organized by the Czech Institute for Economic Education (INEV) and continues to be a platform for promoting economic literacy among high school students worldwide.

This year’s event was hosted on the breathtaking campus of the IOA, where students not only experienced the thrill of competition but also explored one of the world’s most iconic historical sites. The students visited the Archaeological Site of Ancient Olympia, including the stadium where the Olympic Games were born—a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. Surrounded by the rich history and majestic landscape, the setting inspired students to reflect on the intersection of history, competition, and learning.

During the event, the Economics Olympiad unveiled its new logo, inspired by the powerful idea that “the world would be a better place if everyone understood supply & demand.” This new emblem symbolizes the Olympiad’s commitment to making economic education accessible and impactful globally.

The event began with an introduction to the history of Olympic values and the IOA by Dionyssis Gangas, Senior Advisor to the President of the IOA. This was followed by welcome remarks from Dr. Christos Dimas, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of Greece, who provided students with an overview of the Greek financial crisis and the country’s subsequent recovery. He highlighted how sound economic policies can lead a nation from desperation to optimism, underscoring the critical role that effective economic decision-making plays in transforming economies and securing a brighter future for citizens.

Dr. Miranda Xafa, former IMF Board Member and member of the Academic Board of the Economics Olympiad, along with George Karageorgos, Head of the Representative Office in Greece at Freedom Finance Europe Ltd, held engaging “Meet a Mentor” sessions where students had the opportunity to interact with experienced professionals. The keynote address was delivered by Kostis Hatzidakis, Minister of Economy and Finance of Greece, who highlighted the vital role that economic literacy plays in society, stating: “Economic education can protect against populism. When citizens understand basic economics, it leads to a more informed and active society, crucial both for the quality of our democracies and for the stability of our economies.” Alona Tatarova, Executive Director of the newly established Institute for Fiscal and Economic Studies in Athens, Greece, served as the master of ceremonies, guiding the event with elegance and professionalism.

The competition itself was divided into three rigorous parts. In Part A, students tackled nine open-ended questions on Economics and Finance, with a total of 90 points awarded over 90 minutes. Part B consisted of 45 multiple-choice questions, also worth 90 points and conducted over 90 minutes. Finally, the top 10 students, based on their cumulative scores in Parts A and B, advanced to Part C, which involved an oral examination by a distinguished panel of experts. These experts included Randall Filer, Professor of Economics at Hunter College and President of the Economic Fundamentals Initiative; Joseph Calhoun, Chair of the Department of Economics at Florida State University and co-author of Common Sense Economics; Pavel Potuzak, Assistant Professor at the Prague University of Economics and Business; and Lukasz Hardt, Professor of Economics at the University of Warsaw and Deputy President of the Polish Economic Society.

The winners of this year’s Economics Olympiad International Final were truly exceptional. Szymon Jackowski of Poland secured first place and a €1,500 prize, followed by Lukáš Tabery of the Czech Republic, who won second place and €1,000, and Chris Loukas of Greece, who took third place and €500. Poland was also awarded the title of “Top Delegation of the Year,” followed by Greece in second place and the Czech Republic in third. Special recognition was given to the Bendukidze Free Market Center in Ukraine as the “National Organizer of the Year” for the largest increase in participation, and Hana Kubickova from Brno, Czech Republic, received the “Teacher of the Year” award for registering 712 students in the competition.

The event offered a platform not only for competition but also for personal growth and international connection. One student from Uzbekistan, who had traveled abroad for the first time thanks to a scholarship from the Economic Fundamentals Initiative, remarked, “This has been my first trip outside my country. I’ll remember this for the rest of my life.” Aris Notis, head instructor of the Greek delegation, reflected on the organization and setting, stating, “The venue, its facilities, and the competition were impeccable. The best international finals I’ve ever attended.”

The success of this event was made possible through the generous sponsorship of New York College, University of New York in Prague, and Freedom Finance Europe. Their continued support enables the Economics Olympiad to inspire the next generation of economists and promote economic literacy on a global scale.

For photos of the event, please visit Event Album.

Results: Top 10 – Gold Medalists

Detailed Anonymized Results can be downloaded here.