TCO16 Finalist Interviews

Interview with cjalmeida

What is your Topcoder story?
I heard about Topcoder early 2015 while improving my skills for a career transition into a more technical role. Topcoder was great in that I was exposed to a large number of useful technologies and was able to learn a lot.

I also had the opportunity to participate in challenges sponsored by important names in the industry. Winning a NASA or IBM sponsored challenge gives you some good bragging rights!

Primarily I compete in development competitions (code or assembly).

Why Topcoder?
Topcoder has, by far, the best platform for development-style competitions. I compete mostly to learn so I tend to pick challenges where I add something new to my “toolbox”.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
Just a few years ago, I had some major career setbacks. It was particularly scary because I’d just married and had to endure it while starting a new home and family.

Despite our country being in the worst recession since 1920’s I was able to overcome the situation get myself into a new position better than where I was before.

Innovation.
Progress

Inspiration.
Progress

Hope.
Greatness

Challenging.
Fun

Create.
Quality

Favorite Food?
I like cooking, so I like trying new stuff.

Favorite Color?
Don’t have one

Favorite Music?
90s and early classics (yes, I’m getting old)

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Anywhere with a good history and food.

Favorite Movie?
A bunch, but let’s pick “City of God” :)

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Most likely Barcelona, ES.

Interview with kinfkong

What is your Topcoder story?
I heard about Topcoder when I studied at University.

Why Topcoder?
Topcoder is a good place to learn new technologies.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
What I am proud of is that I have a cute daughter.

Innovation.
Work

Inspiration.
Creation

Hope.
Luck

Challenging.
Win

Create.
God

Favorite Food?
meat

Favorite Color?
black

Favorite Music?
Cantonese Songs

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Guangzhou

Favorite Movie?
Shawshank Redemtion

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Switzerland

Interview with MonicaMuranyi

Why Topcoder?
I love competitions that involve logical thinking. Competing in topcoder development contests is also my full time job although I usually take long breaks between a few months of competing to learn new things or travel.

What challenge(s) or project(s) put you on top for winning in a TCO stage?
Java Web App for Health Clinic Booking Engine, IBM – DES Web Specialists, Hercules Javascript XRE Receiver

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I feel good about being able to have a minimalist lifestyle. This allows me to be focused on just a few things that matter the most to me, like studying, traveling with friends, and competing.

Innovation.
clean

Inspiration.
blue

Hope.
white

Challenging.
purple

Create.
yelow

Favorite Food?
Duck with mango sauce

Favorite Color?
Indigo

Favorite Music?
Classic rock

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Croatia

Favorite Movie?
Gravity

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Vienna

Interview with NightWolf

What is your Topcoder story?
In 2008 one of my friends suggested I participate in SRM challenges, and it was a great experience! A few years later I decided to try to compete in development challenges, and I was surprised with the great organization of various types of challenges. When I was an inexperienced developer, the most important was the ability to view winning submissions and get thorough feedback from reviewers. It helped a lot in becoming a better developer!

Why Topcoder?
I like competing at Topcoder because I can choose the projects I’m interested in and the time that is most comfortable to me. It also forces me to deliver the best quality I can.
Since March 2016 I decided to leave my full-time job to have more free time. And another benefit that Topcoder provides is the ability to work remotely. Finally, Topcoder pays well when you work hard. :)

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I was born in Kyrgyzstan, it is very beautiful country with lots of great mountains and hospitable people! Then in 2008, when I was 20, I moved to Ukraine and got my first full-time .NET developer job.

My hobbies are various activities such as karting, tennis, gym, etc. I’m one of the members of Ukrainian karting team “Kozaks”, and usually once a year we compete in international 24-hours endurance challenges.
Probably one of my achievements is bronze medal in IOI 2005 (Poland).

Innovation.
Formula-1

Inspiration.
Family

Hope.
Peace

Challenging.
Life

Create.
Future

Favorite Food?
sushi

Favorite Color?
White

Favorite Music?
Epic

Favorite Vacation Spot?
I haven’t been there yet :)

Favorite Movie?
Eight Below

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Silicon Valley

Interview with seriyvolk83

Why Topcoder?
I’m a part of Topcoder community because it follows one of my principles - work hard and you will be rewarded.

What challenge(s) or project(s) put you on top for winning in a TCO stage?
I think there were three series of challenges that helped me - USA Diving Team, Interlochen Media and Anheuser-Busch.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
An interesting fact about me: I was very good in playing on bayan (accordion) when I was 10-15 years old. That’s why I type code very quickly now.

Innovation.
Apple

Inspiration.
Prize

Hope.
Kids

Challenging.
Skills

Create.
development

Favorite Food?
Anything cooked by my wife… and Caffe Latte

Favorite Color?
Orange

Favorite Music?
Deep House or Classical Music… it depends

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Spain beaches

Favorite Movie?
Fight Club

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Maldives

Interview with Sky_

What is your Topcoder story?
I came to topcoder 4 years ago and I compete in development tracks.

Why Topcoder?
For prize money.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I have 2 cats.

Favorite Food?
steaks

Favorite Color?
white

Favorite Music?
speedcore

Favorite Vacation Spot?
none

Favorite Movie?
none

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Hawaii

Interview with spanhawk

What is your Topcoder story?
I came to know about Topcoder 2 years back from a blog post. I compete in Development Track challenges. This year will be my first visit to TCO finals.

Why Topcoder?
For prize money and to learn new things.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
Apart from programming I love to ride. I was a participant in Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey 2016

Innovation.
Topcoder

Inspiration.
Prize Money

Hope.
Tomorrow

Challenging.
To win

Create.
coding

Favorite Food?
Paneer

Favorite Color?
White

Favorite Music?
jiyein kyun (Papon)

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Himalayas

Favorite Movie?
The Dark Knight

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
New Delhi

Interview with Standlove

What is your Topcoder story?
I started to compete at Topcoder since 2004, and have been through lots of changes at Topcoder. I even got disappointed several times during those ‘dark days’. In 2014, I stopped competing and joined a startup company, but I’m really not a ‘company guy’, so I’m back again.

Why Topcoder?
I enjoy working at home, and I can always find time for my family even I’m busy.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I had baby boy last year, he is achieving all those little things every day.

Innovation.
marvel cosmo

Inspiration.
yoda

Hope.
jedi

Challenging.
Darth Vader

Create.
Luke

Favorite Food?
Dry Beef

Favorite Color?
White

Favorite Music?
Try Everything

Favorite Vacation Spot?
SanYa in China

Favorite Movie?
Spider Man

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Hawaii

Interview with vvvpig

Why Topcoder?
Topcoder provides good chances to compete and win prizes. It will also shows me how the latest IT techinologies work with real life business.

What challenge(s) or project(s) put you on top for winning in a TCO stage?
SunShot and IBM - SIBM projects.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I usually like to watch TV shows during my free time.

Innovation.
USA

Inspiration.
Edison

Hope.
Life

Challenging.
winner

Create.
life

Favorite Food?
noodle

Favorite Color?
Blue

Favorite Music?
God is girl

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Beijing

Favorite Movie?
I,Robot

If you were in charge of Topcoder for the day, what rule would you institute?
Collect suggestions from all participants and try to solve the top 10 ones.

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Antarctica

Interview with callmekatootie

Why Topcoder?
I have taken up Topcoder full time - I compete for money, bragging rights. and peace of mind

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I sponsored my parents’ trip to USA and Japan for sightseeing. Seeing them happy and content made me feel likewise.

Innovation.
Google

Inspiration.
People

Hope.
Dream

Challenging.
topcoder

Create.
stuff

Favorite Food?
Anything that mum cooks

Favorite Color?
blue

Favorite Music?
Bollywood

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Kerela

Favorite Movie?
Anything with Adam Sandler in it

If you were in charge of Topcoder for the day, what rule would you institute?
If anyone writes something in the forums, they have to write in sentences in multiples of two and the even sentences should rhyme with their odd pair.

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Of course, in my own country, India and in Bangalore

Interview with gondzo

What is your Topcoder story?
I heard about Topcoder in high school, joined in college for algorithm contests, started with development challenges after college and I’m still here, 3 years later :)

Why Topcoder?
Topcoder challenges are a great fit for part time work, and the prizes are good.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
Scuba diving and Amateur (HAM) radio

Innovation.
Hard

Inspiration.
Divine

Hope.
Good

Challenging.
Interesting

Create.
Build

Favorite Food?
veal steak

Favorite Color?
blue

Favorite Music?
none

Favorite Vacation Spot?
none

Favorite Movie?
Se7en

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Galapagos

Interview with lbotsch

What is your Topcoder story?
I was looking for programming challenges and found topcoder by chance. I started with the first challenge that looked interesting to me, it was a F2F challenge and I won. From there on, I was hooked

Why Topcoder?
I like the challenge. I love to learn new things and to find creative solutions to a problem, in a way that is not expected. I remember one challenge, where I was supposed to use a platform API in a way that was not intended. That was really fun.

Innovation.
creativity

Inspiration.
freedom

Hope.
engine

Challenging.
motivation

Create.
learn

Favorite Food?
everything tasty

Favorite Color?
red

Favorite Music?
rock

Favorite Vacation Spot?
the world

Favorite Movie?
the matrix

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
on the moon

Is there something in particular you’d love your TCO16 finalist profile to share that I’ve not asked you? Feel free to write what you’d like it to say here.
I am very excited to come to the TCO16 finals in Washington DC :)

Interview with morehappiness

What is your Topcoder story?
I heard Topcoder from a website named CSDN. I mostly compete assembly competitions and F2F competitions.

Why Topcoder?
I can work freely.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
My little son won a prize for the first time.

Innovation.
Technology

Inspiration.
Reading

Hope.
Winning

Challenging.
Persistence

Create.
Game

Favorite Food?
Beef

Favorite Color?
Green

Favorite Music?
Tomorrow will be better

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Zhangjiajie

Favorite Movie?
Forrest Gump

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Qingdao

Interview with smtryingcode

Why Topcoder?
Topcoder is a place where I can learn and work. It gives me confidence plus flexibility to work anywhere and anytime.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I like to travel and I always do the work I like. I am happy with my life and I am proud of it.

Innovation.
Topcoder

Inspiration.
TCO Finalists

Hope.
Become TCO champion

Challenging.
Other Competitors

Create.
good UI UX

Favorite Food?
Rice and Fish Curry

Favorite Color?
white

Favorite Music?
Bollywood Music

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Goa

Favorite Movie?
Blood Diamond

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
USA

Interview with eldidou

What is your Topcoder story?
I started to compete at Topcoder for the TCO13 and manage to qualify for the finals since then. I didn’t do well in the finals the previous years but this time I will do better !

Why Topcoder?
Having fun, meeting people from around the world, winning trips to the us, learning new things.

Innovation.
Creation

Inspiration.
Expiration

Hope.
A New Hope

Challenging.
Being here

Create.
Innovate

Favorite Food?
Kig ha farz

Favorite Color?
yellowish blue

Favorite Music?
Dschinghis Khan - Moskau

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Tuamotu

Favorite Movie?
Kung Fury

If you were in charge of Topcoder for the day, what rule would you institute?
Trial by combat instead of system tests.

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Anywhere? On the ISS.

Interview with imazato

What is your Topcoder story?
I started competing in Topcoder Marathon contests in 2009. And I competed in TCO Marathon Match in 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2015. But I could not advance to Final. (I stoped competing after graduating from university. So there are blank years. I restarted in 2013.) This year, I advanced to TCO Final and I’m so excited. I hope I can do well in TCO Final.

Why Topcoder?
I compete in Topcoder just for fun.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I have run a marathon under 3 hours before.

Innovation.
destruction

Inspiration.
light bulb

Hope.
space

Challenging.
overcome

Create.
God

Favorite Food?
rice

Favorite Color?
red

Favorite Music?
none

Favorite Vacation Spot?
my home

Favorite Movie?
Back to the Future

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Moon

Interview with marek.cygan

What is your Topcoder story?
I have heard about Topcoder when Tomek Czajka (tomek) won TCO in 2003. For several years I have competed in the algorithms track, but about 2 years ago I switched to the marathon track. This will be my 10-th Topcoder onsite event (9-th TCO).

Why Topcoder?
I am here to learn and to have fun, moreover I like the competitive aspect of contests.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I am happily married and have 8-months old daughter.

Innovation.
Idea

Inspiration.
Life

Hope.
optimism

Challenging.
interesting

Create.
Code

Favorite Food?
Meat

Favorite Color?
None

Favorite Music?
Rock

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Close to water, forest and mountains.

Favorite Movie?
The Shawshank Redemption

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
New Zealand

Interview with nhzp339

What is your Topcoder story?
I read a thread from the forum of ZheJiang University at the end of 2004, which featureed Standlove’s story at Topcoder. From then on I’ve competed in Topcoder in many tracks. Recently I still compete but mostly only in Marathon. This will be my 8th Marathon final onsite.

Why Topcoder?
You can always learn many things from competing with others, and try your best to do a certain task contains a lot of joy.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
In 2002 I got 100,000 yuan(about $15,000) by guessing matches results of World Cup South Korea/Japan.

Innovation.
Imagination

Inspiration.
Intuition

Hope.
Wishes

Challenging.
Competition

Create.
Creature

Favorite Food?
Pan cake

Favorite Color?
Blue

Favorite Music?
Butterfly’s Love

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Taipei

Favorite Movie?
The Shawshank Redemption

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Hawaii

Interview with nika

What is your Topcoder story?
I was TCO Algorithm finalist a few times and after spectating Marathon finals I got really interested and decided to take it more seriously. In 2014 I managed to advance to my first Marathon finals. This year online rounds were much harder but got lucky and will be competing in my second Marathon finals.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I work in silicon valley with a company which was a very small startup sponsoring TCO in 2011 when I met them. It is exciting to see the company grow so fast since then.

Innovation.
Idea

Inspiration.
Target

Hope.
Future

Challenging.
Competition

Create.
Work

Favorite Food?
Steak

Favorite Color?
Green

Favorite Music?
Pop

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Miami beach

Favorite Movie?
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

If you were in charge of Topcoder for the day, what rule would you institute?
Every time your code doesn’t compile you have to do a push up

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Hawaii

Interview with Psyho

What is your Topcoder story?
http://m.natemat.pl/bf0c2cb841d88364973ba78444da710d,640,0,0,0.jpg

Why Topcoder?
https://cdn.meme.am/instances/56662860.jpg

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
http://i.imgur.com/QQxfH6S.jpg

Innovation.
Innovation

Inspiration.
Inspiration

Hope.
Hope

Challenging.
Challenging

Create.
Create

Favorite Food?
http://prawns.dinehere.us/itemimmgs/992953_2_2_RibeyeSteak_1248870088.jpg

Favorite Color?
https://www.google.pl/search?q=orange+color

Favorite Music?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqiePnTXpNE

Favorite Vacation Spot?
http://127.0.0.1/

Favorite Movie?
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0206634/

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e1/FullMoon2010.jpg

Is there something in particular you’d love your TCO16 finalist profile to share that I’ve not asked you? Feel free to write what you’d like it to say here.
http://goo.gl/euHSDS

Interview with wleite

What is your Topcoder story?
I am veteran in Topcoder Marathon, started long time ago, back in 2003 competing in the Algorithm track. This will be my 8th TCO onsite participation (1 Algorithm and 6 Marathons so far), hope I can come back home with the championship this time!

Why Topcoder?
I am a really Topcoder enthusiast, I’ve learned a lot through all these years, and still feels there is a lot to be learned. Also I like competitions in general, as way to stay motivated and always try to improve our skills.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
We have two small kids (ages 2 and 4), and although raising kids is much harder than solving TC problems, me and my wife are very proud of them.

Innovation.
Future

Inspiration.
My parents

Hope.
My kids

Challenging.
Fuel

Create.
Inovate

Favorite Food?
Shrimp

Favorite Color?
Blue

Favorite Music?
Classic Rock

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Beach

Favorite Movie?
A.I. Artificial Intelligence

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
New York, Las Vegas or Orlando

Interview with Artevisual

What is your Topcoder story?
I knew about Topcoder from a group of friends that have been part of the community for a long time. I decided to try and the experience was extraordinary, I really like the dynamics of the community and the diversity of projects and clients for whom I have the opportunity to design.

Why Topcoder?
What I love more about Topcoder is that allows me to keep growing, challenging myself and experimenting with new graphic styles and trends. And of course, the great community.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I love walking and being in the park.

Innovation.
Creativity

Inspiration.
Tranquility

Hope.
Life

Challenging.
Mind

Create.
Freedom

Favorite Food?
Chocolate

Favorite Color?
All

Favorite Music?
I like a bit of everything.

Favorite Vacation Spot?
The beach

Favorite Movie?
Across the Universe

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Hmmm!

Interview with cendhika

What is your Topcoder story?
My first Topcoder experience was in 2015 when I attend TCO15 Design Final in Yogyakarta, Indonesia as a spectator. I was very impressed by the competition model and the challenge. I was more excited because as spectator we had chance to win cash by participating live Rapid UX Challenge. It was my first experience pushing my design skill to understand the brief and complete a screen in just one hour. I won almost all the Rapid UX Challenges and that day was a blast! I was dreaming someday I will be participating as finalist in the real challenge, the TCO Design Final.

In TCO16 Indonesia Regional Design Event, suprisingly, Topcoder give 2 tickets for TCO16 Design Final in Washington DC. I was super excited and now still can’t belive my dream last year, with the ticket to the final already in my hand.

Why Topcoder?
First, I love the competition atmosphere.It pushes me harder and helps train me to be better. Second, Topcoder was different. It offer designer chance to put them self in solving complex design problem. Putting ourself into another design level. The price was much rewarding. It so much motivating. The satisfaction was more than just winning a contest. Apart from being a winner or not, every single challenge creates a nice story.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I love everything about visuals. Besides design, I also love to draw, photograph and filming anything! Photography brings myself to explore new places and meet new people. Having pair of eyes to see, hand to create and heart to feel are things I most proud of.

Innovation.
Future

Inspiration.
Heart

Hope.
Love

Challenging.
Struggle

Create.
Innovation

Favorite Food?
Sate Ayam

Favorite Color?
Purple

Favorite Music?
Progressive Rock

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Mountain

Favorite Movie?
Captain America : Civil War

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Paris

Is there something in particular you’d love your TCO16 finalist profile to share that I’ve not asked you? Feel free to write what you’d like it to say here.
I am new in this community. And I feel so excited but also bit nervous about the competition. By the time I joining the group I feel this community was more than I was thinking. Everyone was so supporting and nice! I was much inspired by other finalist. And I really glad to be here! Thanks Topcoder.

Interview with DaraK

What is your Topcoder story?
I was introduced to Topcoder in 2010 by a friend. I compete on Design and Information Arhitecture track lately. While I was just a beginner in design when I joined, I grew up a lot all these years and made some great friends along the way.

Why Topcoder?
Because of the freedom to work while travelling, the ability to chose the projects to work on from many interesting ones, big clients and prizes.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I am proud of my ambition to learn and my analytical skills: after entering an university I didn’t like, I ended up finishing on top of the year and getting a scholarship in Germany.

Innovation.
TopCoder

Inspiration.
Nature

Hope.
Work

Challenging.
Life

Create.
Solve

Favorite Food?
Creamy Mushroom Soup

Favorite Color?
Red

Favorite Music?
Psytrance

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Austrian Alps

Favorite Movie?
The Terminal

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Japan

Interview with iamtong

What is your Topcoder story?
This is my 7th year at Topcoder, I randomly found Studio banner while browsing the internet, and It brought me here. My 1st month was incredible, I won a couple challenges and won Studio cup of that month, My biggest success would be winning TCO12 on studio/ design track.

What challenge(s) or project(s) put you on top for winning in a TCO stage?
I would say Interlochen Media – iOS Screen Design Challenge played the part, at first this challenge was cancelled by the client, but the admin fought for us to get client picked winners since we delivered what they asked for. By winning this one it took me to be #1 of period 3

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I’m a father of 2 girls, they are amazing, and I am pretty amazed at myself and my wife as parents. It’s not an easy job but I think we’ve been doing great on raising them.

Innovation.
Mobile

Inspiration.
Pinterest

Hope.
Tomorrow

Challenging.
Fun

Create.
New

Favorite Food?
Thai Dishes

Favorite Color?
Blue

Favorite Music?
90’s

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Beach

Favorite Movie?
Big Fish

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Hawaii

Interview with kharm

What is your Topcoder story?
I started Topcoder in the Algorithm track as High school student. Thankfully, I tried to compete in the Studio and it worked for me. My best accomplishments in TC are winning Studio Cup in late 2014 and becoming a third place winner in TCO Studio 2015.

Why Topcoder?
I like the freedom, experience, community, competitive environment and the rewards of course.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
Well, I think I haven’t really make a big impact in someone’s life today. Maybe just a little help to people near me. Hopefully, I could make a better life for a lot of people one day :)

Innovation.
Topcoder

Inspiration.
Jesus

Hope.
Love

Challenging.
Topcoder Studio

Create.
Start up

Favorite Food?
Spagethi

Favorite Color?
Client Request

Favorite Music?
In Christ Alone - Lou Fellingham

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Bed

Favorite Movie?
LOTR

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Venezia

Interview with Nicokontes

What is your Topcoder story?
I accidentally found Topcoder while reading an a Quora answer. The first time I joined Topcoder, I knew nothing about UI/UX Design. With a fixed mindset to believe “fake it till you make it”, has had a large effect on my performance & results.

With some help & guidance from folks like (Copilots) Dedy, Fajar and Master Yoki (designer), now I’m really having fun at Topcoder.

Why Topcoder?
It’s fun & addictive. It’s not like any other crowdsourcing contest. At Topcoder, I don’t really feel like I compete with other designers. It feels more like we play together, communicate, and collaborate working on client’s projects.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
Two times I dropped out of college and I resigned from my last job to chase my passion in UI/UX design at Topcoder.

Innovation.
breakthroughs

Inspiration.
Ideas

Hope.
belief

Challenging.
Fascinating

Create.
play

Favorite Food?
Indonesian Noodles

Favorite Color?
Red

Favorite Music?
Yiruma

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Singapore

Favorite Movie?
Hello Ghost (2010 - korean movie)

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Seoul, South Korea

Interview with Ravijune

What is your Topcoder story?
I heard about Topcoder from one of my good friends and I tried to participate in most of the challenges from then on. I still love reading the specs even when I don’t participate in a challenge.

Why Topcoder?
Because Topcoder’s fun and challenging at the same time . Thanks to the LUX challenges which helped me learn from the winning designs and other cool designers.

Innovation.
Idea

Inspiration.
Behance

Hope.
Green

Challenging.
Design

Create.
Design

Favorite Food?
South Indian

Favorite Color?
Black

Favorite Music?
Old

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Beach or any place with lush green

Favorite Movie?
PK

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Norway

Is there something in particular you’d love your TCO16 finalist profile to share that I’ve not asked you? Feel free to write what you’d like it to say here.
Topcoder’s the best thing that has ever happened in my life. It sure has played a major role in fulfilling my personal goals. <3

Interview with tewibowo

What is your Topcoder story?
I was introduced to topcoder by my good friend kharm. He told me how Topcoder works, how to get the payment, etc.
At first, I thought this is a good chance to learn more about UI/UX design.

But after I won first place on my first project ‘SunShot - RE-volv - Responsive Website Design Challenge’ I join the challenges regularly when it’s possible.

Why Topcoder?
In topcoder I learned alot of new things, how the community works also what international client’s wants in the UI/UX design industry. I compete to enhance my design skills and to be more competitive but also for the prize that is still worth it for now.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I usually spend my Tuesday nights as a class facilitator in the community of leaders class. I do it because I love to meet new people with many different backgrounds, and we share stories with each other while also supporting each other.

Innovation.
Light

Inspiration.
A Leader

Hope.
Jesus!

Challenging.
Quiting

Create.
Design

Favorite Food?
Hamburger

Favorite Color?
Black

Favorite Music?
Cold Play, Maroon 5

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Bali!

Favorite Movie?
All Good Movies

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
New Zealand

Interview with universo

What is your Topcoder story?
The first time I knew about Topcoder Design Studio is from my brother. By joining and becoming a Topcoder member, he told me that it would become one of the greatest opportunities for me to improve my UI/UX design skill and also earn a lot of money. I can’t remember exactly what my first project was in Topcoder, but I just remember when I got my first winning placement in IBM challenge — 1st place in IBM Catalyst web design challenge. It motivated me a lot until now!

Why Topcoder?
I totally enjoy every challenge in Topcoder, especially Website & Widget/mobile screen challenges. It’s become my pleasure to try something different in every challange and every design category to improve my skill, plus a lot of prizes are waiting.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I am a person who has a big dream to travel around the world. The first place that I want to visit if i have a chance to travel outside my country is New York!

Innovation.
Something new

Inspiration.
Role model

Hope.
Dream

Challenging.
Fight

Create.
Do the best

Favorite Food?
Sushi

Favorite Color?
Orange

Favorite Music?
Pop

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Bali

Favorite Movie?
Maleficent

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
USA

Interview with yiming

Why Topcoder?
There are a lot of great clients and interesting projects in Topcoder. And I have passion and desire to compete.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I love reading, music, and gardening. I have a small garden and have planted many fruit trees and roses.

Innovation.
Tesla

Inspiration.
Bulb

Hope.
Sprout

Challenging.
Arena

Create.
Plant

Favorite Food?
Roasted Goose

Favorite Color?
#2196F3

Favorite Music?
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 in F Major

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Rome, Italy

Favorite Movie?
The Terminal (2004)

If you were in charge of Topcoder for the day, what rule would you institute?
Fix all system bugs

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Hallstatt, Austria

Interview with yoki

What is your Topcoder story?
I learned about TC Studio in 2008 from my friends. Money was the main reason why I started to join studio challenges in the end of 2011. I knew totally “zero” about designs, but my friends Basuki & Ajie teach me. I found my passion more in designs since I started to choose TC as my full job.

TCO16 will be my 5th TCO. My highest achievement was 2nd place in TCO12, my first TCO.

Why Topcoder?
Professionalism, Prizes, & Family.
Working on projects from big companies are exciting, I can learn and push my limits to get better result.
TC is one big family, as we compete with other competitors we also make new friends around the world.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
Being a husband & a father

Innovation.
Freedom

Inspiration.
Creative

Hope.
Win

Challenging.
Winning

Create.
Unique

Favorite Food?
Kupang Lontong

Favorite Color?
Blue Sky

Favorite Music?
Foo Fighters

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Beach

Favorite Movie?
The Simpsons

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Japan

Interview with dileepa

Why Topcoder?
I have the passion to compete and Topcoder gives higher value to that. Also I win most of the them.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I’m a non IT Engineer and national level volleyball player.

Innovation.
UI framworks

Inspiration.
money

Hope.
Leave computer. :)

Challenging.
competitors

Create.
challenging UIs

Favorite Food?
fruits

Favorite Color?
green

Favorite Music?
classic

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Nuwaraeliya

Favorite Movie?
Fast and furious

If you were in charge of Topcoder for the day, what rule would you institute?
add 1 day for every project :D

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
USA

Interview with hi4sandy

What is your Topcoder story?
While competing in a college contest I came to know about Topcoder & after that I started competing on Topcoder.
Mostly I compete in the UI track.

I won the online rounds & became the TCO finalist in 2014 & 2015. This year also got a change to compete in TCO UI track onsite finals.

Why Topcoder?
To win the TCO onsite finals and also to learn & earn.

Competing in Topcoder challenges gives the freedom to work from anywhere, anytime & provide lot of opportunities to learn new things in a professional way. Also the reviewers feedback provides essential details need to focus on.

Innovation.
Simplicity

Inspiration.
Mother

Hope.
Only thing that keeps me going.

Challenging.
Transending

Create.
Folder name I use to store TC development work.

Favorite Food?
Panner Butter Masala

Favorite Color?
Sky Blue

Favorite Music?
Tujhse Naraaz Nahin Zindagi…

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Leh, India

Favorite Movie?
Interstellar

If you were in charge of Topcoder for the day, what rule would you institute?
Will change the rewarding system & will automate some of the scorecard sections.

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Hawaii

Interview with leo.ananth

What is your Topcoder story?
I heard about topcoder from my brother selvaa89 . I compete in UI prototype track. Got qualified for TCO15.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I am working in Singapore for a bank and I am the youngest in the team.

Innovation.
Topcoder

Inspiration.
Money

Hope.
Knowledge

Challenging.
TCO

Create.
happiness

Favorite Food?
Chicken Biriyani

Favorite Color?
Yellow

Favorite Music?
A.R.Rahman

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Cricket

Favorite Movie?
Batman begins

If you were in charge of Topcoder for the day, what rule would you institute?
I would double the prize money.

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
London

Interview with moulyg

Innovation.
Apple

Inspiration.
Idea

Hope.
Tomorrow

Challenging.
Winning

Create.
Life

Favorite Food?
Cashew nuts

Favorite Color?
Green

Favorite Music?
Classical

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Nuwara eliya

Favorite Movie?
Jurassic World

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
New York

Interview with nghi85

Why Topcoder?
I am a freelancer so I have the income from participating in Topcoder challenge. Moreover, I can also improve my programming skill by learning from code of other highly skilled competitors.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
Outside Topcoder, I like to play sports and listen to music.

Innovation.
Innovation

Inspiration.
I

Hope.
Believe

Challenging.
Hard

Create.
Make

Favorite Food?
Pizza

Favorite Color?
Blue

Favorite Music?
EDM

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Phu Quoc beach

Favorite Movie?
Iron Man

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Vietnam

Is there something in particular you’d love your TCO16 finalist profile to share that I’ve not asked you? Feel free to write what you’d like it to say here.
This will be my first time in USA for really interesting TCO16 event. I’m eager to compete in UI Prototype Onsite Final.

Interview with nomo_kazza

What is your Topcoder story?
I got Topcoder while I was in search of a programming practicing site in 2009.
When I joined TC, I started to participate in java Component Development track to improve my experience, but unfortunately I could not win any challenges since the competition is very tough.

Then after six year since joining TC, I started to participate in the UI prototype track and then I won my first project. Now I’m full time TC member.

Why Topcoder?
Two things, experience and money.

Innovation.
new

Inspiration.
enjoy

Hope.
living

Challenging.
hard

Create.
new

Favorite Food?
traditional food(doro wet)

Favorite Color?
orange

Favorite Music?
slow

Favorite Vacation Spot?
no

Favorite Movie?
breaking bad

If you were in charge of Topcoder for the day, what rule would you institute?
I’d increase the timeline of the project.

Interview with soso0574

What is your Topcoder story?
I heard about Topcoder from ACM competitions. I work on UI Prototype challenges.
I have learned much from Topcoder about coding and also English.

Why Topcoder?
I like the way of coding on Topcoder and can learn a lot from Techies.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I have worked on Topcoder last for about 7 years and I am happy to work on TC. I have a twin sisters and they are very naughty. I am enjoying my life.

Innovation.
AngularJS

Inspiration.
Art

Hope.
Furture

Challenging.
Life

Create.
Life

Favorite Food?
French fries

Favorite Color?
Black

Favorite Music?
Hotel California

Favorite Vacation Spot?
West Lake

Favorite Movie?
2012

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Seattle

Interview with thomaskranitsas

What is your Topcoder story?
About 11 months ago I was competing in algorithmic competitions on various web platforms but I was looking for something more than that. Then I found Topcoder and I was immediatelly thrilled with the way TC challenges work. I stoped competing in algorithms and started working on challenges in various tracks, mainly CODE, F2F, UI PROTOTYPE. After persistent work I achieved to became a reviewer.

Why Topcoder?
Because Topoder gives the freedom to choose when I will compete and in what technologies I will compete.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
In my free time I play the guitar, I do paragliding and I do workouts in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

Innovation.
Google

Inspiration.
Future

Hope.
My family

Challenging.
Challenge Accepted!

Create.
Code

Favorite Food?
Souvlaki & Greek salad

Favorite Color?
Blue

Favorite Music?
Classic Rock

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Any Greek island

Favorite Movie?
Any action movies

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
San Francisco

Interview with f0rc0d3r

What is your Topcoder story?
I first heard about Tocoder from a NASA request about a project to search for asteroids. Since then I’ve been growing with this platform and I’ve seen how this has changed, I’ve participated in some very interesting projects and I’ve met interesting people :)

Why Topcoder?
I compete because I focus better and I’m a better worker under pressure… in common jobs I feel a little bored and only one job makes me feel the same so having the chance to work for different projects makes me feel interested in what I’m doing having to schedule time as better as possible and having to think in different things at the same time.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I love to live next to the sea and I enjoy playing music very much. I’ve been singing for several years in a chorus and I’ve been playing a couple of years with a metal band. I also love to have spent some months working in a space center participating in launching missions because I love everything related with space (who has never dreamed of being an astronaut?..)

Innovation.
progress

Inspiration.
White

Hope.
space

Challenging.
strength

Create.
empty

Favorite Food?
Spaguetti

Favorite Color?
Black

Favorite Music?
Metal, Classical, Oldies…

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Caribean islands (or any island)

Favorite Movie?
The Hunt for Red October

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Hawai (or some place next to the sea… California for example)

Interview with FireIce

What is your Topcoder story?
I heard about Topcoder far way back when Google used Topcoder Algorithm Platform to hold Google Code Jam for recruiting talented people. So I have been on Topcoder more than 10 years. I’ve been competing in different tracks for many years (see my profile). And for recent years, I have been a copilot for managing projects and make it success both for clients and competitors.

Why Topcoder?
Self-Improvement, Freedom, Community

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I prefer simple life in peace. besides working, I like watching NBA and playing basketball, watching Movies and TV shows.

Innovation.
Google

Inspiration.
Nature

Hope.
Don’t Giveup

Challenging.
Data

Create.
Personality

Favorite Food?
Chinese Food

Favorite Color?
Blue

Favorite Music?
N/A

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Beach

Favorite Movie?
Indendency Day

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Las Vagas, Orlando

Interview with Ghostar

Why Topcoder?
I’ve been doing Topcoder competitions, reviewing, and copiloting projects for more than 10 years now. At this point I don’t think I could do much else without a lot of effort, so inertia definitely plays a big part of why I’m still with Topcoder. I rarely “compete” anymore, but being a copilot allows me to work how I like to work, and on projects that are interesting and challenging.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I once set a record in a Tasmanian bakery for eating a cupcake in 13 seconds without using my hands.

Innovation.
Tesla

Inspiration.
Artistic

Hope.
Peace

Challenging.
This word association game.

Create.
Studio

Favorite Food?
Donuts

Favorite Color?
Blue

Favorite Music?
Indie

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Hawaii

Favorite Movie?
Grosse Pointe Blank

If you were in charge of Topcoder for the day, what rule would you institute?
TCO coordinator gets a $1,000,000 bonus and a live-in nanny

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
New York

Interview with N1k1tung

What is your Topcoder story?
Joined back in HS for the data science track. Two years ago decided to try the development track after receiving email about the Swift program and I saw a lot of iOS challenges. I’ve been actively participating since then.

Why Topcoder?
Mainly an income source, but there’s more to it: competition is way more entertaining then regular approach, though might be frustrating at times

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I try to contain my pride =)

Innovation.
Revolution

Inspiration.
Observation

Hope.
Believe

Challenging.
Interesting

Create.
Make

Favorite Food?
Cheese

Favorite Color?
Red

Favorite Music?
Vocaloid

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Don’t like staying at one place on vacation

Favorite Movie?
Code Geass

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
My home city

Interview with picachui

What is your Topcoder story?
I first learned about Topcoder from my brother in law in 2009. I got to learn about Wireframing and continue to compete in the IA track.

Why Topcoder?
Topcoder gives you a chance to compete with people from all over the world. When you win, you get the feeling that you are the best in the world. TCO is also a big part of why I compete in Topcoder. I just love the chance to travel and meet everyone and watch the finals.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I guess my cooking. I like to recreate dishes that I have tasted in restaurants.

Innovation.
something new

Inspiration.
ideas

Hope.
never lose it

Challenging.
topcoder

Create.
pride

Favorite Food?
Biriyani

Favorite Color?
Red

Favorite Music?
Light Music

Favorite Vacation Spot?
New York

Favorite Movie?
LOTR

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
New York

Interview with selvia_ettine

What is your Topcoder story?
I just realized that I’ve been competing at Topcoder for about 7 years now! It’s amazing how time flies when you’re having fun. I have been (and still am) competing in the Information Architecture track.

Why Topcoder?
I really enjoy the competition aspect of Topcoder challenges. It motivates me to keep honing my skills and deliver the best results that I can produce.

Innovation.
Future

Inspiration.
Art

Hope.
Light

Challenging.
Space

Create.
Life

Favorite Food?
Pasta

Favorite Color?
White

Favorite Music?
Alternative Rock

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Home :D

Favorite Movie?
Cloud Atlas

If you were in charge of Topcoder for the day, what rule would you institute?
Bonus T-shirts for everyone!

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
On board the ISS (International Space Station)

Interview with Wendell

What is your Topcoder story?
Having worked on topcoder for over 10 years, I’ve tried several different tracks. I started with component development and component design, tried some SRM challenges, then did some contract work for topcoder (much like the assembly competitions). In the past few years I competed in architecture track and now I’m a full time copilot.

Why Topcoder?
I like the freedom, I can choose what to work on and I get to learn new things and meet new coders all the time.

Tell us about something in your life, outside of Topcoder, that you are most proud of.
I’m finally my daughter’s favorite! :-)

Innovation.
Google

Inspiration.
Reading

Hope.
Kids

Challenging.
Success

Create.
Universe

Favorite Food?
Hot food!

Favorite Color?
Light green

Favorite Music?
Pop

Favorite Vacation Spot?
Maldives

Favorite Movie?
I don’t have one.

If you could have the TCO finals anywhere, where would you have them?
Las Vegas, Zurich, Maldives