Compete in the one-slide challenge
Tell a compelling data story about the 2026 FIFA World Cup and win cash prizes
How the challenge works
The challenge
Goal: Tell a compelling data story about the 2026 FIFA World Cup – in a single PowerPoint slide using think-cell.
Topic: You can choose freely - from identifying a potential winner or dark horse or analyzing performance metrics to exploring the economic impact on host countries, media trends, or other broader implications of the World Cup.
There is no right or wrong answer. The best entries have a focused message, a logical argument, and data that supports it.
Ready to tell your story?
Participation
- Open to fully enrolled students at accredited universities worldwide
- No prior think-cell experience required
- Participate individually or in teams of two
- One submission per individual or team
Timeline
Submission deadline: July 19, 2026, 11:59 PM
Requirements:
- Create a single slide using think-cell
- Submit in PDF
Prizes
Earn attractive prizes:
🥇 First Place: €200
🥈 Second Place: €150
🥉 Third Place: €100
🔥 Hottest Take: €50
🗳️ Community Favorite: €50
Judging
We are not judging whether you're right - we're judging how effectively you make your case using data and visual storytelling.
Judging criteria: Strength of story, use of Data, and visual communication.
Sign-up for our challenge webinars and learn data storytelling
We will host three optional webinars covering data storytelling with think-cell, practical slide-building techniques, and guidance on developing a compelling argument. The session is designed to help participants make the most of the challenge and further strengthen their presentation skills. You may register for the webinar(s) below:
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15 June |
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (CEST) |
Mastering think-cell for the World Cup Slide Design Challenge |
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19 June |
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM (CEST) |
Mastering think-cell for the World Cup Slide Design Challenge |
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24 June |
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CEST) |
Mastering think-cell for the World Cup Slide Design Challenge |
Frequently asked questions
What is the think-cell Slide Challenge?
The think-cell Slide Challenge is a one-slide case challenge. Participants are asked to build a single PowerPoint slide using think-cell that presents a compelling, data-backed argument on a given topic.
How do I come up with an idea for my slide for the World Cup challenge?
You can choose your topic freely. There is no right or wrong answer. A great entry doesn't need complex analysis - it needs a focused message, a logical argument, and data that supports it. Think about a question, claim, or insight related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and build a compelling story around it.
Some examples to get you thinking:
- Which team is most likely to win the 2026 World Cup?
- What is the biggest overlooked factor behind World Cup success?
- What is the impact of expanding the tournament to 48 teams?
- Which team is most likely to outperform expectations?
- Does squad value actually predict success?
- What is the economic impact of hosting a World Cup?
- Is youth or experience more important for winning the World Cup?
Who can participate?
The challenge is open to fully enrolled students at accredited universities worldwide.
Can I participate individually or as a team?
You may participate individually or in a team of up to two students.
Do I need a think-cell license to participate?
Yes. A think-cell license is required. Academic licenses are completely free of charge for currently enrolled student at a verified higher education institution.
Students are eligible to sign up for a free think-cell license via the think-cell Student Portal.
Can I participate if I am new to think-cell?
Absolutely. No prior think-cell experience is required, and the challenge is a great opportunity to learn and practice data storytelling.
Can I submit more than one entry?
No. Each individual or team may submit only one entry.
What are the submission requirements?
Submit a single PowerPoint slide using think-cell as a PDF.
When is the submission deadline?
All submissions must be received by July 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
What prizes can I win?
First Place: €200; Second Place: €150; Third Place: €100; Hottest Take: €50; Community Favorite: €50
How will submissions be judged?
We are not judging whether you're right - we're judging how effectively you make your case. Entries will be evaluated based on strength of story, use of data, and visual communication.
What is the Community Favorite award?
The Community Favorite award is determined through public voting and recognizes the audience's favorite submission.
The public will see the slide, but only the first name(s) of the participant(s).
What if I have questions before, during, or after the challenge?
You can reach us at casecomp@think-cell.com. We are happy to help with any questions related to the challenge.
Get to know the Academics Team
Feel free to contact our team at academics@think-cell.com
Jonas Gerhard
Josh Hewitt
Paul Tran
Sibei Lin
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