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305 WPM: Inside the World of Competitive Typing
From 19th-century typewriter contests to MythicalRocket's 305 WPM record — the history, the champions, and the training behind the world's fastest typists.
From Typewriter Fairs to Online Leaderboards
Competitive typing is nearly as old as the typewriter itself. In 1906, Rose Luisa Fritz established the first recognized typing speed title. By the 1920s, Albert Tangora averaged 141 WPM on manual typewriters. In 1946, Stella Pajunas-Garnand achieved 216 WPM on an IBM electric typewriter.
The internet changed everything. Platforms like TypeRacer (2008) and Monkeytype (2020) turned typing into a global spectator sport.
The Modern Record Holders
Sean Wrona shocked the typing world in 2010 with 256 WPM on TypeRacer. Anthony 'Chak' Ermolin defeated Wrona in the 2020 Ultimate Typing Championship. Joshu won Keymasters 2023 and defended at tggc '26 with a 223 WPM average.
The most remarkable record belongs to MythicalRocket: 305 WPM on a 15-second Monkeytype test in 2024, on a standard Apple Magic Keyboard. He progressed from 140 to 305 WPM in three years with 15–30 minutes of daily practice.
Training Regimens of the Elite
Competitive typists train 2 to 4 hours daily. They target specific weaknesses: problem finger pairs, difficult word lists, and sprints followed by endurance tests. Many emphasize accuracy over speed during practice — 99% accuracy, with speed following naturally.
Key Takeaway
The best in the world got there through consistent, structured daily practice — not special gear or talent. The same principles that got MythicalRocket to 305 WPM will move you from 40 to 80.