Here are the latest updates from the IAM board, including key upcoming activities and improvements.
The board prioritises transparency into our work and resolves to share regular updates with the memory community. You can always reach out to us at info@iam-memory.org for any questions and feedback, or use the ideas page discussed below:
A) Introduction to IAM Titles
After community feedback, we released the titles system. The titles are now available at your competitor profile on iam-stats.org. Starting at the World Memory Championship 2019, we also started giving out physical title certificates at the competition. These were very well received by the entire memory community. One highlight of the titles system is that we encourage competitors to be able to win titles at any IAM competition.
B) IAM Board Elections
We have started the election process for the 2020 Board elections and all interested candidates can now apply to be an IAM Board Member. Please refer to the detailed announcement here. Thanks to Josh Cohen and Simon Orton for their work as the Election Committee.
C) Invitation for WMC 2020 Organizer Applications
We are inviting applications from organizers interested to host World Memory Championship 2020. Please refer to the post for more details.
D) World Memory Championship 2019
The World Memory Championship 2019 was held from 29 November to 1 December, 2019 in Zhuhai, China. It witnessed 142 competitors from 8 countries. This was the first competition to have a mixed format – where each competitor had the choice to participate digitally or on paper. 2 world records were set – 572 in 5-minute Numbers by Andrea Muzii and 1829 in Hour Cards by Andrea Muzii. After this competition, A more detailed report of the competition will be shared soon.
E) European Open 2019
The European Open Memory Championship 2019 was held in Sweden along with the Swedish National Memory Championship. Andrea Muzii became the new European Champion and Martin Nilsson became the Swedish National Champion. 3 world records were set: 455 in 5-minute Images by Andrea Muzii, 1202 in 30-minute Cards by Andrea Muzii, 1955 in 30-minute Numbers by Sylvain Arvidieu. All results can be found here.
F) Egypt Open 2019
We held the first edition of Egypt Open 2019 on 15 November, 2019. It was also the first ever digital championship in Africa. The results can be found here.
G) New Instagram Account
We now have a new Instagram account. Please follow us for the latest updates and stories.
H) New IAM Rulebook
Based on community feedback, we have updated our rulebook to clarify many points while still keeping it very concise. You can refer to our updated rulebook here.
I) Board Response to Community Suggestions
In October, we opened the first-ever channel where the community could share suggestions to the Board and get guaranteed feedback on every question. Starting this month, the Board has begun publishing their thoughts on all suggestions. The first edition of the post can be found here
J) New World Rankings
Andrea Muzii became the 1st in World Rankings after World Memory Championship 2019. He also became the first athlete to earn the title – Grandmaster of Memory (Gold)
K) Newsletter Update
We have resumed our newsletter and we will share monthly updates such as the one you are reading right now through the newsletter as well. Please register here to receive the newsletter so you don’t miss out any important developments.
L) Standards Update
The standard for 30-minute Numbers was updated to 2090, after 3 or more competitors crossed the previous standard last month.
Please keep writing your suggestions to us. We love to hear from you!
Your IAM Team