Michigan State University, in partnership with Choose Lansing, will host the 2025 Odyssey of the Mind World Finals May 19-25. 

Odyssey of the Mind is a program that helps students solve problems creatively, gain self-confidence, learn life skills and make friends while having fun. This year represents the eighth time MSU has hosted the world finals, with plans to host again in 2027.

More than 600 teams from around the world will arrive in East Lansing, and it’s estimated around 6,000 guests will stay in the university’s residence halls, while close to 3,500 guests, judges and officials will stay in hotels throughout the Greater Lansing area. 

Participants arrive between May 19-21, with the opening ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, at the Breslin Student Events Center. Competitions will be held on campus May 22-24.

“The collaboration between Odyssey and MSU continues to thrive,” said Chris Stone-Sewalish, associate director for business operations in Residence Education and Housing Services, who oversees University Conference Services. “We are excited to welcome Odyssey of the Mind World Finals back to our campus this year. Hosting this event allows us to once again showcase Michigan State University as a top global institution and a vibrant community of dedicated students, scholars, scientists and leaders. We value our longstanding partnership and look forward to many more years of collaboration.” 

The partnership also extends to the Greater Lansing community.

“With thousands of enthusiastic World Finals participants plus their coaches and families in town for up to a week, our community will experience a big lift for the local economy as the visitors enjoy our variety of dining options as well as unique attractions such as the Lansing Lugnuts, Impression 5 Science Center and performances of “Hamilton” at Wharton Center for Performing Arts,” said Julie Pingston, president and CEO for Choose Lansing. “We are thrilled to roll out the red carpet once again to Odyssey of the Mind. We wish the best of luck to all the participants and look forward to welcoming everyone to the community.”   

Participants range in age from elementary through college, and MSU and Choose Lansing hope Odyssey will help introduce potential future Spartans to MSU, its campus and programs.

Numerous campus buildings and facilities will be used during the world finals, including the Brody, East, River Trail, and South neighborhoods; Breslin Student Events Center; Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center; STEM Teaching and Learning Facility; Wells Hall; IM West; and Munn Field. 

A couple of fun Odyssey program tidbits:  

• OMER is the Odyssey of the Mind raccoon mascot. Raccoons are known to be curious and resourceful. They explore cans and containers to see what might be useful to them inside. Odyssey of the Mind encourages young people to re-purpose, recycle and reuse materials. OMER appears at tournaments all over the world. His curiosity and creativity are contagious. 
• Odyssey of the Mind associations offer teams pins to trade while at World Finals. Pin trading is a terrific way for participants to meet new friends from all over the world and to create a collection to help them remember their World Finals experience. MSU has a special pin featuring OMER and The Spartan statute. 

For more information is available at the Odyssey of the Mind website.