Ožbej MODRIJAN
University of Ljubljana
Regional Champion, Europe and Africa / Slovenia

“Ožbej Modrijan is a 23-year-old master’s student in Metallurgy and Materials at the University of Ljubljana. Born in Jesenice, Slovenia, he developed a passion for engineering early on, leading him to pursue a degree in Material Science and Engineering. He earned a scholarship at SIJ Acroni d.o.o., where he works in research and development during summers, and received the faculty’s Prešeren Award for his thesis.

Beyond academics, he has a strong passion for sports. He competed in ski jumping throughout school before transitioning to running, participating in road races, trail running, and ultramarathons.”

Daniel AQUER
Universidade Federal do Ceará
Regional Champion, Americas / Brazil

“Daniel Aquer de Miranda Almeida is a Metallurgical Engineering student and the American Steel Challenge Regional Champion. Born on January 20, 1998, in Ubajara-CE, Brazil, he grew up in Tianguá, a small mountain city, with his parents, both elementary school teachers, who instilled in him a strong belief in knowledge and effort. A dedicated student and a trained Quality Technician, he is now close to completing his degree and eager to enter the metallurgical industry.

Passionate about sports and competitions, he is a devoted São Paulo FC fan who admires athletes committed to self-improvement. In the Steel Challenge, he has long looked up to Brazilian champions. After multiple attempts, he placed second in the 18th edition and, in 2024, finally claimed the regional title. Grateful for the support of his family, friends, professors, and tutors, he is proud to represent the Federal University of Ceará.”

Vivek SOREN
Shavak Nanavati Technical Institute
Regional Champion, Asia-West / India

“Vivek Soren is a student at Shavak Nanavati Technical Institute, currently training in iron and steel making. He holds a diploma in Metallurgical Engineering from Government Polytechnic Adityapur.

Participating in steelChallenge has been a transformative experience for him, offering a hands-on approach that deepened his understanding of electric arc furnace operations and secondary steelmaking. The competition allowed him to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, strengthening his grasp of steel engineering principles and their technological applications. The insights gained will be invaluable as he advances academically and prepares for a future in the steel industry.”

Lu HEZHONG (贺忠 卢)
Tangshan Vocational College of Science and Technology
Regional Champion, Asia-North / China

“Lu HeZhong ((贺忠 卢) is a student in the Steel Intelligent Metallurgy Technology major at the Department of Materials Engineering, TangShan Vocational College of Science and Technology. Throughout his studies, he has demonstrated strong leadership as the Youth League Branch Secretary of his class and has been recognized with several accolades, including the title of “Outstanding Student,” first prize in a vocational skills competition, and third prize in the department’s recitation competition. Known for his diligence and precision, he consistently ranks among the top students in his class. Committed to continuous improvement, he strives for even greater achievements in the future.”

Junho LEE (이준호)
Jeonbuk National University
Regional Champion, Asia-East and Oceania / South Korea

“Junho Lee is a metallurgical engineering researcher from Jeonbuk National University, South Korea. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in materials science and engineering and is currently pursuing a PhD in metallurgical engineering.

steelChallenge-19 marks his third participation in the competition. Leveraging past experiences and steeluniversity’s training program, he developed an optimized process for this edition. He values SteelChallenge as a platform for enhancing steelmaking processes, recognizing the simulator’s sophistication and continuous improvements in its mathematical modeling of chemical reactions. His preparation involved an in-depth study of these reactions, further expanding his knowledge of the steelmaking process.”

Carlos ARROYO
Acerinox S.A.
Regional Champion, Europe & Africa / Spain

“Carlos Arroyo is a Materials Engineer who graduated from the Polytechnic University of Madrid just a year ago. He began his career in stainless steel engineering at Roldán Acerinox S.A. and is now continuing his professional growth at Acerinox.

Reaching the SteelChallenge World Championship has been both a dream and a significant achievement for him. Committed to continuous improvement, Carlos embraces challenges that drive both professional and personal growth. SteelChallenge has provided the perfect platform to compete, perform under pressure, and keep learning—an experience that aligns with his philosophy of working hard, enjoying the journey, and making things happen.”

Leandro RODRIGUES RIBEIRO
ArcelorMittal
Regional Champion, Americas / Brazil

“Leandro Rodrigues Ribeiro is a metallurgical engineer and the Americas champion of SteelChallenge-19. Born in Fortaleza, Brazil, in 1996, he grew up in a humble family that valued education. Excelling in mathematics, he stood out in the Brazilian Mathematics Olympiad and later pursued a technical course in Chemistry at the Federal Institute of Ceará, where his passion for science grew.

In 2017, he began studying Metallurgical Engineering at the Federal University of Ceará, where he engaged in student leadership and discovered his interest in steelmaking through the WorldSteel simulator. After graduating in 2022, he joined ArcelorMittal, working in primary refining before transitioning to metallurgy, focusing on quality control and process improvement.

Leandro first competed in SteelChallenge-18, finishing second in the Americas. In 2024, he claimed victory as the Americas champion.”

Amer ABDELKADER
EMSTEEL
Regional Champion, Asia-West / United Arab Emirates

“Amer Abdelkader Mohamed Amer is a steel-making expert with over 20 years of experience. Currently a Steel Making EAF/LRF/VOD Pulpit Operator at EMSTEEL in Abu Dhabi, he has also worked at EZZ Steel and ARCO Steel, specializing in EAF operations, process optimization, and quality control.

A Regional Champion (Asia – West) in steelChallenge-19, Amer has competed for six years and will now contend in the World Championship finals. He holds a Technical Electrical Diploma from Badr Technical School, Egypt, and multiple training certifications in EAF steelmaking, metallurgy, and safety. Fluent in Arabic and English, he is committed to continuous learning and advancing steel manufacturing.”

Xiao WU (潇吴)
HBIS
Regional Champion, Asia-North / China

“Wu Xiao is an undergraduate and maintenance specialist for auxiliary system automation equipment in the Power Department of HBIS Group Tangsteel Company. Since joining the company, he has demonstrated a strong work ethic, responsibility, and a proactive approach to learning.

His technical expertise was recognized in 2022, when he secured third place in HBIS Group Tangsteel’s Employee Technical Competition, excelling in a simulated steelmaking challenge. In 2023, he claimed the Technical Champion title, earning praise for his skills, adaptability, and teamwork.

Wu sees these achievements as motivation to further develop his expertise and contribute to the company’s success. He also hopes to inspire colleagues to participate in technical competitions, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.”

Boseong PARK (潇吴)
POSCO
Regional Champion, Asia-East & Oceania / South Korea