We would like to congratulate the winners and participants of our fourth Python Coding Challenge organised by the Digital Skills Lab in partnership with LSE Careers, and sponsored by international market maker Optiver. The challenge took place in Winter Term and focused on financial services, utilising a cutting-edge virtual exchange developed by Optiver. Students completed an online Python course before being sorted into teams to develop trading algorithms in Python, testing and then optimising the algorithm's performance to achieve the best possible trading outcome.
The challenge, launched by Optiver on 18 January, was open to all LSE students who either have completed the Python trainings Python for Data Science: Fundamentals and Pandas and NumPy Fundamentals or already have acquired foundational Python skills. Eight teams submitted a presentation to compete for five prizes and we are pleased to announce the winners as follows:
The Team Spirit award is given to participants who were nominated by their peers because they went above and beyond – either in supporting their own teams or in providing support and assistance to competitors.
Our Team Spirit award winner is:
- Wanqing An (Cyber Sprinters team)
The Teamwork & Collaboration award is presented to the team who demonstrated the most effective team working and collaboration strategies. This year, we have the distinct pleasure of recognising two teams in this award. Despite facing challenges along their respective journeys, these teams have exemplified resilience, dedication, and a collaborative spirit that has truly set them apart.
The winners of the Teamwork and Collaboration award are teams DevDynamos and BitWizards:
- Nitanshu Limbachiya (DevDynamos)
- Ryan Sweshkumar (DevDynamos)
- Terrence Zheng (BitWizards)
- Janos Revesz (BitWizards)
The Best Trading Strategy award went to a team whose strategic brilliance has truly set them apart. Their ingenious use of game theory and meticulous planning underscored their deep understanding of market dynamics. Their algorithm was designed not just to compete but to outmanoeuvre rivals, showcasing their precision and strategic acumen.
The winners of the Best Trading Strategy award are team Cyber Sprinters
- Brandon Kang
- Wanqing An
- Yutian Lei
- Yinuo Liang
The Best Application of Python Learning award recognises remarkable growth in learning and application.
This award goes to a team who demonstrated exceptional adaptability and problem-solving skills in a hyper-competitive environment. Their outstanding performance and active participation in workshops impressed the judges immensely.
The winners of the Best Application of Python Learning are team Data Diggers.
- Hiru Rodrigo
- Lisa Foreman
- Marlene Pawlitschko
- Ron Kurtzbard
The overall winners of the Winter Term 2024 Optiver Coding Challenge demonstrated impressive achievements across all the categories. This team has left an indelible mark on the competition, demonstrating exceptional teamwork, versatility, and resilience throughout their journey.
Their fair division of tasks and seamless presentation reflected their collaborative efforts. Despite facing challenges, they adapted with finesse, showcasing clarity, structure, and professionalism in their approach.
The overall winners are team Algorithm Allies:
- Anran Severac
- Zina Larbi
- Joe Kinder
Congratulations to all the winners!
If you have another idea for a coding challenge you would like us to help develop, please do get in touch by emailing us at digital.skills.lab@lse.ac.uk