I don't know if I'm a "best programmer", but I definitely enjoy "add a little feature to our fake app" tests.
A friend of mine's company usually sends out a little canvas-based browser paint app with a bunch of features, and asks them to implement a few things, like flood fill. It's really enjoyable.
Favorite interview I've done was something similar to this; they gave me a small, pre-made project with tools they knew I was familiar with, asked me to implement some specific functionality, and then told me to "have fun with it for a few hours". So I did, and the project blew them away.
Unfortunately, they then flew me out to their office, whiteboard hazed me, and sent me home. Called me a few weeks later to tell me I didn't get the job, but that they sent me a hoodie in the mail (felt like a consolation prize).
It's a pretty comfy hoodie. They spent that VC money well.
A friend of mine's company usually sends out a little canvas-based browser paint app with a bunch of features, and asks them to implement a few things, like flood fill. It's really enjoyable.