Math Competitions in Greece
Greece has one of the most well-structured mathematical competition ecosystems in Europe, primarily organized by the Hellenic Mathematical Society (EME). The system features a clear progression from the accessible Pythagoras competition (grades 3-6) through Thales, Euclid, and Archimedes to the National Mathematical Olympiad. Greece also participates in Math Kangaroo through its national chapter. Combined participation across all competitions exceeds 80,000 students annually.
IMO participant since 1975
Pythagoras
The Hellenic Mathematical Society's math skills competition for students in grades 2-9 (elementary and gymnasium). Features 20 multiple-choice questions testing mathematical reasoning, not rote knowledge. Held annually on a single Saturday in March.
Kangourou Greece
The Greek chapter of Math Kangaroo, the world's largest mathematics competition. Open to all grades 1-12 with multiple-choice format and emphasis on making mathematics fun and engaging.
Thales
The first phase of Greece's secondary school math competition pipeline (grades 7-12). Open to all students, with top performers qualifying for Euclid. Proof-based format requiring full written solutions.
Euclid
The second phase of Greece's EME competition pipeline. By invitation only for top Thales performers. More challenging proof-based problems requiring sophisticated mathematical reasoning.
Archimedes
The third and final qualifying stage of Greece's EME pipeline before the National Olympiad. Olympiad-level proof problems for top performers from Euclid.
Greek Mathematical Olympiad
Greece's national mathematical olympiad, the final selection stage for the IMO team. By invitation only for top Archimedes performers. IMO-style format with 6 problems over 2 days.
Balkan Mathematical Olympiad
Regional olympiad for Balkan countries including Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus. Important stepping stone toward IMO for participating nations.