In September 2025, during the ICPC World Finals in Baku, Azerbaijan, the spotlight turned to one of the Arab and African region’s best-known programming mentors: Dr. Mohamed Mahmoud AbdElWahab Mohamed AbdElMoneim Mahmoud. To his students, he is simply known as “The Coach.”

For more than twenty years, Coach AbdElWahab has been a guide, a teacher, and a leader in competitive programming. He has helped thousands of students in Egypt, the Arab world, and Africa. His story began as a contestant in 2000, and later grew into a coaching career that shaped the region’s success in ICPC.

A Journey of Dedication

Coach AbdElWahab’s story is built on passion and effort. From the start, he has taken on every role in ICPC. He has been a contestant, coach, contest manager, judge, problem setter, and head of the scientific committee.

Over time, his leadership at the Africa and Arab Collegiate Programming Championship (ACPC) helped it grow into one of the most respected contests in the region. In addition, his teams made it to the ICPC World Finals 20 times across five continents. Because of this, he holds a unique record in Africa and the Arab world.

Awards & Recognition

The ICPC Foundation has honored him many times.

• 2012 – Coach Award (Warsaw, Poland): Recognized his early success in bringing teams to the World Finals.
• 2021 – Senior Coach Award (Moscow, Russia): Celebrated 15 years of ongoing Finals participation.
• 2024 – Master Coach Award (Luxor, Egypt): Marked with more than 18 teams at the Finals.
• 2025 – Lifetime Coach Award (Baku, Azerbaijan): The highest honor, given only to a few coaches worldwide.

As a result, the Lifetime Coach Award strengthens his place as one of the most important figures in ICPC history.

Training Generations of Problem Solvers

Beyond medals and awards, Coach AbdElWahab’s greatest success is his students. He has trained thousands of young programmers, and many of them are now leaders in technology, teaching, and business.

His teaching style is simple but powerful. He mixes coding skills with teamwork, focus, and discipline. For example, he shows students that solving problems is not only about writing code but also about patience and clear thinking. So, they learn lessons that stay with them for life.

Through his initiative, Coach Academy, he also expands access to training. Today, school students, university teams, and professionals all use his methods to improve their skills.

A Legacy That Inspires

The Lifetime Coach Award is more than recognition. It shows a legacy that is alive and still growing. On the other hand,it also inspires future coaches and students to continue building on this path.

Finally, for Africa and the Arab region, Coach AbdElWahab is not only a coach. He is a pioneer, a mentor, and a clear example of how hard work can change lives.

Congratulations, Coach AbdElWahab, on this historic achievement. Your journey continues to inspire the world.