The Secret to Hamza İncebay's Success: The LGS Champion Who Gave Up His Smartphone

In today's world, where technology and social media have become an inseparable part of teenagers' lives, hearing the success stories of those who chose a different path is always inspiring. Hamza İncebay, a student from Isparta province in Turkey, is one of these brilliant examples who recorded his name as the national first-place winner by scoring a perfect 500 points in the Turkish High School Entrance Exam (LGS) [1].

A Difficult Decision for a Great Goal The most important aspect of Hamza's success was not just long hours of study, but his stunning self-discipline in the face of digital temptations. In his interviews with media outlets such as Ekovitrin and Anadolu Agency, he revealed that to prevent distraction and focus fully on his lessons, he set aside his smartphone and used a simple button phone (Tuşlu Telefon) throughout the academic year [1][2]. He believes that smartphones and, consequently, social media are the biggest barriers to deep concentration for students.

Study Strategy and the Role of Family Hamza İncebay did not stop at just removing his phone. Through precise planning and continuous practice tests, he identified and focused on his weaknesses. Along this path, he benefited from the unwavering support of his family and teachers at Bahçeşehir College Isparta [3]. His parents played a key role in maintaining his psychological peace by providing a quiet environment and supporting his decision to stay away from virtual space. Hamza says: "I only focused on my goal and did not let the virtual world manage my time" [2].

A Message for Future Generations Hamza's experience shows that success in heavy academic competitions like LGS depends more on willpower management and the ability to say no to fleeting pleasures than on innate talent. While students in 2026 face newer challenges in the digital world, Hamza's "button phone" model remains recognized as a practical solution for returning focus to the study desk [1]. He proved that to reach the peaks of success, sometimes one must step back and use simpler tools to achieve greater goals.