Story highlights U.S. hands surprise defeat to China at 2015 International Mathematical Olympiad

Yet some Chinese Internet users have reacted with excitement

Beijing (CNN) For the first time in 20 years, China has lost a world math championship to the United States -- and many in the world's most populous nation seem happy about it.

The unexpected defeat came at the prestigious annual International Mathematical Olympiad, a championship Chinese high school students have won 18 times since 1990.

But to some, losing the Olympiad offers hope that painful, nightmarish years spent studying for the contest could finally be over.

"This is just wonderful that China finally lost the contest," one Chinese Internet user exclaimed on social network Weibo. "Hopefully the Math Olympiad won't scourge our children anymore! It has shattered so many kids' dreams!"

Parents chimed in as well.

Read More