 From 1959–60 the Greek championship changed to its modern form and the first division became known as Alpha Ethniki (usually noted as "A' Ethniki").Since 1959–60 Ethnikos is tied for the 8th-most first division participations with 36, along with OFI and Apollon.Ahead of Ethnikos are traditional powers Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, AEK and PAOK (all of whom have competed in the first division every season except AEK for two seasons recently) as well as Iraklis, Aris and Panionios.