Who is Vishvaa Rajakumar? The young Indian memory champion

Vishvaa Rajakumar , a 20-year-old student from Puducherry, India, has gained international recognition for his remarkable achievement in the Memory League World Championship 2025. The competition is an intense online challenge where participants are required to memorise and recall sequences of numbers, images, and words at impressive speeds. Rajakumar's extraordinary performance included memorising 80 random digits in just 13.50 seconds and 30 images in 8.40 seconds. His triumph not only secured him the title of World Champion but also placed him at the top of the global rankings, with a perfect score of 5,000.

Rajakumar is currently a student at the Manakula Vinayagar Institute of Technology in Puducherry, and his victory at the Memory League World Championship has added to his growing list of accomplishments in the world of memory sports. Over the years, he has participated in both national and international competitions, honing his memory skills and becoming a recognised figure in this field. His success is a reflection of his dedication, discipline, and mastery of the ancient art of memorisation.

Master of the Memory Palace Technique
One of the key reasons for Rajakumar's success is his expertise in the "method of loci," better known as the "memory palace" technique. This ancient method, originating in Roman times, involves associating pieces of information with specific locations in a mental space, such as rooms in a house. Rajakumar uses this technique by mentally placing pairs of words or numbers in different locations around his home, creating vivid stories around each location. These stories allow him to recall the information in the correct sequence quickly, which is vital in competitions where speed is crucial.

The memory palace technique is what enabled Rajakumar to memorise 80 digits in an astonishing 13.5 seconds, equating to nearly six digits per second. His ability to recall large quantities of data in such a short time highlights both his cognitive capabilities and his command over advanced memory techniques.

Hydration and Preparation: Keys to Success
In addition to his memorisation strategies, Rajakumar also places a strong emphasis on physical preparation, particularly hydration. Speaking to The New York Times

, Rajakumar explained that staying hydrated plays a crucial role in maintaining his memorisation speed. Proper hydration ensures that his throat remains clear for subvocalisation, which is an essential part of the memorisation process. Without sufficient water intake, Rajakumar finds that his speed decreases, while drinking enough water allows him to recall information more quickly and clearly, maximising his performance during competitions.

This balance between mental training and physical well-being is what sets Rajakumar apart from many others in the world of memory sports. His dedication to both aspects has played a pivotal role in his rise to the top.

An Emotional Victory and Future Aspirations
For Rajakumar, winning the Memory League World Championship was a deeply emotional moment. Reflecting on his victory, he admitted that he shed tears of joy, saying, “Yes, I do realise how amazing it is. I was crying,” as quoted by The New York Times

. This triumph was the result of years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication, and it marked a significant milestone in his journey.

Looking ahead, Rajakumar has ambitious plans. After completing his college education, he intends to become a memory trainer and establish a memory institution in India. Through this initiative, he aims to share the techniques that helped him reach the top of his field and inspire others to develop their memory skills. His goal is to make memory training accessible to a wider audience and contribute to the growing field of cognitive development in India.

A Symbol of Mental Strength in India
Rajakumar’s success shines a light on the growing recognition of mental sports in India. While physical sports have long been the dominant focus, memory sports are beginning to gain attention, thanks to athletes like Rajakumar. His victory has the potential to inspire countless young people in India to explore the power of their own minds and engage in memory competitions.

Rajakumar’s achievements challenge conventional notions of success, demonstrating that mental abilities are just as valuable as physical prowess. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that with dedication, the right techniques, and a focus on both mental and physical well-being, extraordinary feats can be accomplished.

Inspiring Others Through Memory Sports

Vishvaa Rajakumar’s journey is not just about personal success; it is a celebration of the power of mental training. Through his achievements, he has shown that mastering traditional memorisation techniques can lead to remarkable results in the modern world. As Rajakumar continues to inspire others, his legacy will likely encourage greater interest in memory sports, paving the way for more individuals to unlock their cognitive potential. His story is a testament to what can be achieved with a sharp mind, discipline, and a passion for learning.