College Competition - the Future Edition

Durham University Wins University Challenge for the Fourth Time

In an exciting turn of events, Durham University's team has triumphed in the prestigious BBC2 competition, University Challenge, securing their fourth victory in the show's illustrious 54-year history.

The team, consisting of Jake Roberts (Team Captain, a Physics student at St John's College in his 3rd year), Joe Ancell (History student at Hatfield College in his 2nd year), Emilia Brookfield-Pertusini (English Literature student at St John's College in her 2nd year), Luke Nash (Bio Sciences student at College of St Hild and St Bede in his 4th year), and James Gowers (Reserve), faced fierce competition but emerged victorious.

The journey to the finals began with a direct application to the production company. The team underwent a rigorous internal selection process and a general knowledge quiz during their audition, demonstrating their exceptional intellect and teamwork.

The team found the studio experience surreal and enjoyable, spending extended periods with their opposing teams, fostering a competitive yet friendly atmosphere. The current host of University Challenge, Amol Rajan, was kind and encouraging towards the Durham team, making the experience even more rewarding.

Bea Bennett, a member of the 2023 winning team, found the experience confidence-building. She appreciates the support she and the rest of the team received from their colleges and the wider University community. Bea believes that the experience has improved her personal confidence and faith in her abilities.

The team's mascot, a dun cow named Duncan, is inspired by the legend of the founding of the city. The episodes of University Challenge are filmed at Media City in Manchester, with the filming process including long breaks for technical issues, followed by quick-fire question rounds.

As the new champions, the 2024/25 Durham team is already gearing up for the next series. The team, with Jake Roberts at the helm, is ready to defend their title and continue Durham's tradition of academic excellence on the national stage.