π is not a very big number. It is only a little greater than three (about 3.14). However, π is a very long number, a very long number indeed. In fact, π is so long that it never ends, and it never repeats itself.

With the help of modern computers, we have been able to compute the first 62.8 trillion digits of π [1] . If you were to say one digit per second, it would take you about 2 000 000 years to recite all these digits.

Remembering and reciting all these digits would be impossible. However, remembering as many digits of π as possible has become a fierce contest. The Pi World Ranking List lists over 2 300 official records. According to it, the current record is held by Suresh Kumar Sharma, who recited an incredible 70 030 digits of π in 17 hours and 14 minutes. That is an average of just over 1 digit per second.

There are other unofficial record holders like Akira Haraguchi from Japan, who claims to have memorized 111 700 digits[2]. Whoever is the real record holder, these are very impressive feats.