The 10 Math Competitions Every High School Problem-Solver Should Know
If you’re a high school student who enjoys math beyond the textbook, competitions are one of the cleanest ways to level up fast on sharper problem-solving and better mathematical writing.
Below are 10 of the world’s most respected math competitions, mixing classic proof-based olympiads, team tournaments, and modelling contests, along with the official website for each.
1) International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)
The world championship for high school math. Six proof-based problems across two days; the difficulty is… legendary. IMO problems train you to think clearly under pressure and communicate solutions rigorously.
IMO is arguably the most globally recognized math contest for high schoolers; universities, scholarships, and research programs take it seriously.
Official site: IMO Official
2) American Mathematics Competitions (AMC: AMC 10/12 as the main high-school track)
A major contest series (multiple-choice), often used as a gateway into higher-level competitions. It’s concept-heavy, speed-sensitive, and great for building breadth.
Even if you’re not in the U.S., many schools worldwide host AMC.
Official site: Mathematical Association of America
3) Harvard–MIT Mathematics Tournament (HMMT)
One of the most prestigious high school tournaments—team and individual rounds, with problems that reward creativity and strong fundamentals. It blends fast thinking and deep thinking—plus it’s a strong signal if you do well.
Official site: HMMT
4) William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition (Putnam)
The most famous undergraduate math competition in North America. This is not “high school level,” but it belongs on your radar as a long-term target.
Why a high schooler should care: If you keep doing math seriously, Putnam becomes the next mountain after olympiads. Reading Putnam problems early can be motivating (and humbling—in a healthy way).
Official site: Mathematical Association of America
5) Mathematical Kangaroo (Kangourou sans Frontières network)
A massive international contest with broad participation. Problems are fun, clever, and logic-driven—excellent for building confidence and consistency.
Official international association (KSF) site: aksf.org
(Individual countries often run their own local portals under the KSF umbrella.)
6) Purple Comet! Math Meet
A free, online, team-based international contest. It’s accessible and genuinely well-written—great if you want competition experience without heavy logistics.
Official site: Purple Comet
7) American Regions Mathematics League (ARML)
A major team competition known for high energy and multi-round formats. It’s heavily team-oriented and rewards strategy, speed, and teamwork.
Important note: ARML has had multiple web presences; the long-running official domain is commonly referenced here.
Official site: arml.com
8) International Mathematical Modeling Challenge (IMMC / IM²C)
A team modeling competition where you solve a real-world open-ended problem over multiple days and write up a full report. This is closer to applied research than “contest math.”
Official site: immchallenge.org
9) European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO)
A major international proof-based olympiad designed to encourage and showcase girls in high-level mathematics. Many countries worldwide participate (not only Europe).
Official site: EGMO
10) Romanian Master of Mathematics (RMM)
A highly respected international invitational with extremely strong contestants and tough proof-based problems. It is for students already performing at or near national-olympiad/IMO training levels.
Official site: rmms.lbi.ro