Meet the two-time world champion in memory

Summary

Yonis von Essen, a student at Chalmers University of Technology and two-time world memory champion, showcases his extraordinary ability to memorize 26 decks of cards in an hour and recite over 50,000 digits of Pi. Using advanced number-to-image techniques, he transforms sequences of numbers into vivid, memorable images, creating intricate mental stories to retain information. Yonis has demonstrated his skills on international TV shows, including Sweden's Got Talent, and continues to push his limits by aiming to break the world record for memorizing Pi. His innovative approach highlights the power of visualization and memory techniques in achieving seemingly impossible feats.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Yoni von Essen is a student at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden and a two-time world memory champion.
• 🃏 He can memorize 26 decks of cards in an hour and recite pi to over 50,000 decimal places.
• π (pi) is approximately 3.14159265, but Yoni can recall far beyond the common 3.14.
• 💡 He uses specialized number techniques that convert numbers into memorable images to aid memory.
• 🎨 The technique relies on creating visual associations, which the brain retains more effectively than raw numbers.
• 🔢 Yoni converts every three-digit number into an image using a system similar to an alphabet but with numbers mapped to sounds.
• 📚 Numbers are transformed into words and then visualized as scenes or objects to create memorable sequences.
• 👻 For example, the first digits of pi (3.141) become an image of a cake, followed by a ghost (592) and a helmet (6553) in a vivid mental scene.
• 🌍 He has showcased his memory skills on international TV shows and was a finalist on Sweden's Got Talent.
• 🎯 His current focus is on memorizing pi decimals with the aim of possibly breaking the world record, aiming near 100,000 digits in the future.
• 📈 Yoni continually adds more decimals to his memorization practice, showing dedication to expanding his mental capacity.

Q & A

Who is Yoni von Essen and what are his notable achievements?

Yoni von Essen is a student at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden and a two-time world champion in memory. He can memorize 26 decks of cards in an hour and recite pi to over 50,000 decimal places.

What is the main memory technique Yoni uses to memorize large amounts of information?

Yoni converts everything he wants to memorize into images because images are easier for the brain to retain. He uses specific techniques to combine and associate these images with each other.

How does Yoni convert numbers into images?

He converts every three-digit number into an image using a system similar to an alphabet for numbers, where each number between 0 and 9 has a corresponding sound. He then forms words from the numbers and visualizes these words as images.

Can you give an example of how Yoni memorizes the digits of pi?

Yes. The first digits of pi, 3.141, are converted into the word 'torta' (Swedish for cake), which he visualizes as a giant cake outside his door. The next digits, 5.92, become a ghost emerging from the cake, and 6.553 becomes a helmet that the ghost wears, forming a memorable scene of 9 digits.

How does Yoni structure the visualization of pi digits?

He places 9 digits in each scene and creates new images for each set of 3 digits, moving sequentially to new locations for the next images. This method organizes large numbers into manageable visual chunks.

Has Yoni demonstrated his memory skills publicly?

Yes. Yoni has appeared on TV shows worldwide and was a finalist on Sweden's Got Talent, showcasing his memory abilities.

What motivates Yoni to memorize pi to more digits?

He finds memorizing pi fun and challenging. His current focus is on continually adding more decimals, aiming to break the world record in the future.

What is the current world record for reciting digits of pi, and what is Yoni's goal?

The current world record is 70,030 digits. Yoni aims to eventually reach close to 100,000 digits.

Why does Yoni consider images effective for memory?

Images are more memorable to the human brain than abstract numbers or words. By associating numbers with vivid images and stories, recall becomes easier and faster.

What principle underlies Yoni's memory technique?

The principle is transforming abstract information, like numbers, into concrete, visual forms that the brain can process more naturally, enhancing retention and recall.

How does Yoni combine his number-based images into sequences?

He combines images by creating mini-scenes that link several images together, using location-based sequences to organize and navigate through large numbers effectively.