Cracking the Case: Inside Kenan-Flagler’s Consulting Club’s 2025 1Y Case-Off
If there’s one thing that defines the Consulting Club at Kenan-Flagler, it’s the thrill of solving problems under pressure. Nothing embodies that spirit better than the annual 1Y Case-Off.
The competition kicked off on October 21 with preliminary rounds, setting the stage for an intense week of strategy, structure, and storytelling. Those who advanced moved on to the highly anticipated Finals held on Friday, October 24.
The day started early with a play-in round, where participants battled for the last few spots in the official bracket of 32. From there, it was game on: the Round of 32, Sweet 16, Elite 8, Final 4, and finally, the Main Event. Each round brought new, tight challenges judged by the best panelists, many of them Kenan-Flagler Alumni now working at top firms like McKinsey, Bain, and Deloitte.
Competitors were not just evaluated on the math; but also, on how well they communicated insights, handled pushback, and structured their solutions: a true simulation of the consulting case interview experience.
The Grand Finale: Vin Kesarwani vs. Pratima Tamang
By the time the last case was handed out, two names were left standing: Vin Kesarwani, known for his calm precision, structured storytelling and personable demeanor, and Pratima Tamang, praised for her creativity, out-of-the box thinking and personable composure under pressure. They went head-to-head in front of a packed audience (both virtual and in-person) and an impressive panel of judges, including Paige Smith, a KFBS alum and current McKinsey consultant, who served as the final-round interviewer.
Paige summed it up best when she said, “It’s amazing to see how much talent these finalists bring as 1st Year students,” adding that both finalists displayed strong analytical and interpersonal skills, along with creative problem-solving.
After an intense two-hour showdown, Vin Kesarwani won. He impressed the judges with his structured approach, precise estimations, and confident delivery. Pratima followed closely as the runner-up, earning major props for her creative recommendations and personable presentation style.
It’s all About Community
Beyond the competition, the Case-Off was a reminder of what makes the Consulting Club truly special: its community. The spirit of collaboration and mentorship shone through, from the alumni who returned to give back, to the second years and volunteers who supported the event from start to finish.
Many participants mentioned that the experience sharpened their casing skills and strengthened their readiness for mock interviews and the upcoming recruiting season. As one participant put it, “The Case-Off wasn’t just a competition; it built my confidence in casing. You walk away knowing you can handle anything a case or interviewer throws your way”.
The event’s success was also a tribute to the seamless execution by the Consulting Club’s leadership, liaisons, and alumni network. They managed everything from designing the bracket to coordinating rounds and providing feedback.
With this year’s Case-Off setting such a high bar, excitement for next year’s edition is already building. For now, the spotlight shines brightly on Vinayak, Pratima, and every first year who stepped up to challenge themselves.
Congratulations to all the participants, and a special thanks to our alumni partners for keeping the Kenan-Flagler consulting spirit alive!
