Speaking immediately after the 2024 final, Phu Duc said: "I am overjoyed to become the 24th Olympia champion and the third champion from Thua Thien - Hue. My victory has brought Thua Thien - Hue level with Quang Ninh, with both provinces now having three Olympia champions each."

From the very start of the competition, Phu Duc led the way, showcasing his impressive knowledge and composure. In the Khai Dong (Warm-Up) round, he answered all six questions correctly, earning maximum points and receiving applause from the audience. This set the tone for the rest of the competition, as Phu Duc maintained his lead throughout.

However, it was in the Vuot Chuong Ngai Vat (Obstacle Course) round that Phu Duc truly impressed viewers. As soon as the first hint was revealed, before the answer had even been announced, Phu Duc hit the buzzer and correctly answered "Net Zero." His lightning-fast and accurate response made the Vuot Chuong Ngai Vat round one of the shortest in the history of the Olympia program.

Sharing his thoughts with VietnamNet after the competition, Phu Duc explained: "I believe that my consistency and smart strategy were key factors in my victory today."

Indeed, Phu Duc built a substantial lead after the first three rounds. However, in the final Ve Dich (Finish) round, his competitor, Nguyen Phu, made a strong comeback, posing a real challenge to the student from Hue.

The decisive moment came when Phu Duc pressed the buzzer for the final question, which would determine the winner. With Nguyen Phu trailing by only 20 points, Phu Duc's strategic thinking became evident: even if he answered the question incorrectly, he would only lose 15 points, still finishing five points ahead of Nguyen Phu. As expected, this scenario played out, securing Phu Duc’s victory.

"In the competition, the tensest moment for me was when Nguyen Phu was just 20 points behind. However, I had already encountered a similar situation in the Quarterfinals, so I knew exactly how to handle it," Phu Duc shared.

After the victory, Phu Duc revealed that he plans to catch up on all the social activities and events he had missed while preparing for the final.

Phu Duc has a passion for studying mathematics, and his method of learning involves finding practical applications for each theorem or formula to help remember them better. He also has a strong interest in programming and has previously won his school's Olympia competition.

Le Van Luan, Phu Duc’s homeroom teacher and math instructor, described him as a highly intelligent student with quick, sharp thinking. "Phu Duc is eager to learn and expand his knowledge across all subjects, making him well-rounded in all areas," said Mr. Luan.

"Phu Duc is a friendly and approachable student, well-liked by both teachers and classmates. He is always enthusiastic in participating in group activities and excels in various academic competitions," Mr. Luan added.

Outside of his studies and preparation for Olympia, Phu Duc enjoys exercising and reading books. "These are habits that I find really beneficial for my health," he noted.

In his spare time, Phu Duc also enjoys making gio (Vietnamese pork rolls) and often helps his neighbors, who run a traditional gio shop.

With this latest victory, Thua Thien - Hue has now tied with Quang Ninh, each boasting three Olympia champions.

Along with the prestigious $50,000 prize and the opportunity to study abroad, Phu Duc plans to first focus on completing his high school education.

Thanh Hung