The Russian Open Memory Championship 2025, held on 25–26 October 2025 at Synergy University in Moscow, marked a new chapter in the growth of international memory sports. Organized by the Russian Memory Sports Federation with the support of Synergy University, Alpina Publisher, and the World Memory Sports Council (WMSC), the event demonstrated not only exceptional individual achievements but also the increasing professionalism and unity of the global memory community.

This year’s championship was a landmark event, conducted strictly in accordance with the 10 standard competitive disciplines of the World Memory Sports Council (WMSC).

A total of 23 competitors from Russia and Latvia took part in the Children, Junior, and Adult divisions.

The event was honored by the presence of Mr. Kim Foo, Teo, the Chief Arbiter of the World Memory Sports Council, who personally supervised the competition and guided the implementation of international standards.

Under his guidance, the “Spoken Numbers” discipline, traditionally conducted in either Russian or English was unanimously shifted to English, ensuring full international comparability of results.

All participants competed across ten disciplines in 2 days, reflecting a wide range of memory skills:

Random Words

Binary Numbers

Names and Faces

Random Numbers

Speed Numbers

Abstract Images

Historic Dates

Spoken Numbers

Speed Cards

All results were processed using a fully digital competition platform, developed by Judge Mr. Ilya Gubenko. This system, first introduced in 2022, has been upgraded to meet the latest WMSC and Millennium Scoring Standards, a significant step forward in modernizing Russian national competitions.

We congratulate all the winners below:

CATEGORY WINNERS

Overall & Adult Category

1. Irina Goryacheva – Voronezh
2. Anna Stupina – Bryansk
3. Kirill Kozlov – Vladimir

Junior Category

1. Ivan Polyanin – Krasnogorsk
2. Svetlana Ovchinnikova – Omsk
3. Ksenia Finatova – Pushkino

Children’s Category

1. Yulia Ovchinnikova – Moscow
2. Sofia Belous – Yalutorovsk
3. Lev Petelin – Yalutorovsk

Though no world records were broken this year, the championship showcased extraordinary consistency, discipline, and potential for future international competition.

The atmosphere throughout the event was energetic and collegial. Competitors and organizers alike travelled long distances by airplane, train, bus, and car to take part, many with over 8–10 hours of travel time. Their participation underscores the dedication and growing popularity of memory sports across Russia.

The Russian Memory Sports Federation, led by Chairman Mr. Andrey, Ilya, Gaia and Anna. They demonstrated exceptional professionalism and passion. Their leadership is expanding the recognition of memory sports across Russia.

With regional qualifiers, improved digital platforms, and international collaborations already in development, the Russian Memory Sports Federation is poised for even greater impact in the coming years. Their commitment to innovation, youth engagement, and global standards has strengthened Russia’s position as a competitive and influential member of the worldwide memory sports community.

The organizers extend heartfelt appreciation to:

Synergy University for their state-of-the-art venue and excellent support

Alpina Publisher for providing inspiring educational materials

The World Memory Sports Council and Chief Arbiter Mr. Kim Foo, Teo for their trust, guidance, and international cooperation

Prepared by: Anna Bondarenko

With inputs from Chief Arbiter Mr. Kim Foo, Teo.