What is Algicosathlon?
The term "Algicosathlon" blends three key components: 'Algi' referring to Algodoo, a physics sandbox software; 'ico,' the numerical prefix for twenty; and 'sathlon,' which is derived from the Greek word 'athlon,' meaning contest or event. Put together, Algicosathlon is a competition featuring 20 events, all of which are simulated using the Algodoo software.
How it Started
Carykh (Cary Huang) created the first "Algicosathlon" video. Carykh is also known for co-creating the "Battle for Dream Island" series with his twin brother Michael Huang.
A few years later, the chanell LucidSigma made a very popular Algicosathlon video which really jump-started the craze. You can watch it below:
The Original Format
The original Algicosathlon video presented a sports competition involving 16 athletes, each represented by a unique color. These athletes competed in a series of 20 different events, ranging from racing and obstacle courses to complex physical challenges that truly tested the boundaries of Algodoo's physics engine.
The scoring system was simple yet effective. Athletes earned points based on their performance in each event. Following the conclusion of each event, the athlete with the lowest cumulative point total would be eliminated from the competition. To add an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability, points were then multiplied by 1.5 (e.g., 100 points became 150), and rounded if necessary, before moving on to the next event.
Variations: Algodecathlon
While Algicosathlon involves 16 athletes and 20 events, the format has given birth to variations like the " Algodecathlon." In this iteration, 12 athletes of distinct colors take part in a decathlon, which comprises 10 unique events. Although the core principles remain the same, the reduced number of events and athletes offers a different pace and strategy, adding to the diversity and richness of the genre.
Why is it so successful?
For one, the unpredictable nature of the Algodoo physics engine ensures that no two competitions are exactly alike. It's also a great blend of education and entertainment, as it makes complex physics principles accessible and engaging to viewers of all ages. Lastly, it’s community-driven. The simplicity of the Algodoo platform allows enthusiasts to create their own events and variations, further fueling the popularity and diversification of the Algicosathlon world.
Since the original video, a plethora of series, spin-offs, and fan-created content has flooded YouTube and other social media platforms. The community has also used the format for educational purposes, employing it as a unique tool for teaching principles of physics, mathematics, and even teamwork.
Creating your own bar chart race
Creating your own real-time bar chart race is not as hard as you think. Simply follow these steps:
- Hit the above button 👆, and fill in some basic info.
- Enter the names of your colors.
- Click on "CREATE" and you will see your newly created bar chart leaderboard.
- Now you can click on each participant and give them their correct color. You can read more about what you can customize in the customization guide.
- There are also a bunch of other things you can configure. Just click on SETTINGS and explore a little.
And voila, your online leaderboard for own Algicosathlon is ready to go!
