University Challenge S53E37 Final - Imperial vs. UCL

[@justinleecw]

For the final time, this is Imperial’s Justin Lee. I have a lot of people to thank - my family, my friends, that guy who runs the History of the Germans podcast… but most of all I would like to thank you viewers for tuning in!

[@kaitlinbilous4605]

Congratulations!

[@jenniferzhu8573]

congratulations!! as a canadian, i'm glad to see such excellent representation on uc :D

[@Iyimide]

Amazing quizzer 👏🏾

[@barrywoods9519]

Congratulations from Australia. Magnificent victory.

[@ubiergo1978]

Congrats from Chile. =)

[@nope2dat]

UCL Finlay here one last time. Thanks to everyone here who’s watched the series and said such kind things about us. I’m gonna remember all of this for the rest of my life. I hope everyone enjoyed the finale - sorry we couldn’t make it a bit more competitive (At least I’ll be able to say I had the last buzzer on Amol Rajans first season on the show) as you can see imperial very much deserved this - what a monster of a team! And even more annoyingly they’re also super gracious and have been so kind to us both immediately after this match and since. For anybody who wants to know everybody on university challenge is fantastic, Amol, Roger and the whole production team were so kind and helpful with every issue to give us the best chance possible and they all really know their stuff when it comes to questions and quizzing. As did my wonderful teammates. University Challenge celebrates the wonder of knowing things, not the pressure or embarrassment of not knowing them. If there’s anything to take away from the show to get it (or if you want to try and be on yourself) it’s not what you know that matters but how you can always find out more - curiosity is king. Goodnight That said this definitely won’t be the last time I find myself perusing this comments section as I watch back these episodes and indulge again…and again

[@annereidy7981]

Great job and thank you, it's people like you who give us University Challenge and your competitive brilliance.

[@ChrisBrown-px1oy]

Thank you Jacob - I will remember you as the contestant with whom I called out "Liberal England" on the very last question! Congratulations on an extraordinary run and I love your sentiment.

[@lailedcat]

You’ve been absolutely fantastic, really was enjoying your team and somehow it never felt like it was an uneven match, even if there was a gap in the scores. Fair play to you all!

[@Mynsinger]

it was the suits. Superstition says: never change a winning formula ;)

[@YourQueerGreatAuntie]

Very well done to you and your teammates! That was an extraordinary final, and I felt your teams were very evenly matched! To have come out with 120 against a winning team with over 200 is a feat in itself. Keep enjoying the extraordinary journey this has brought you on, and may it keep bringing you surprise and joy.

[@billbar8532]

I would just like to offer a very big thankyou, to Cosmic Pumpkin, For his sterling work, in getting this series out. Keep up the good work, friend. And I hope to catch you when the next series starts.

[@jh_4562]

UCL Hall again here for the last time! Wasn’t that all so much fun. I can’t put into words how fun this all was, and being in the final was more than enough to make us over the moon. First up, big congrats to Imperial. You have to surely be the greatest Uni Challenge team ever (not just saying that to feel better lol), what a team. Each player is incredible and genuinely so lovely. Big up the rest of the UCL team though, what incredible people. Ali, Tayana, and Jacob (and Callum, our reserve) are just all incredible and I couldn’t have quizzed with better people. One of the things I want to emphasise is that we really are layquizzers here - UCL has no quiz soc, and beyond a few pub quizzes this is the first proper quizzing three of us have done. We are so proud to have come from this and equalled UCL’s record! Thank you to all of you for all your support and intrigue this series, it means a lot. Hope you enjoy next year!!

[@annereidy7981]

Absolutely and thank you!

[@lailedcat]

Really impressive stuff, I’d love to see what you’re all like at a pub quiz! Ye’ve been a pleasure to watch. All in all one of the best UC competition seasons in recent years, I think.

[@YourQueerGreatAuntie]

You are each exceptional and have so much to be proud of. You are great advertisements for the richness of experience that a university can bring. May it continue to bring you to the most gloriously unexpected places!

[@Scruffi]

Cheers and thanks for posting - we very much appreciate the insights and interactions. Well played, all round o7

[@charlesclark3840]

Pardon me for repeating myself; Thank you and all the students who participated in making this series of the show.

[@meatbag1341]

Pretty sure imperial's justin lee just knows all of history

[@tejassuresh8221]

He should sit for the UPSC exams

[@alexwei2573]

Just like how Max Zeng knows all of geography lol

[@PhatInAHat]

@@tejassuresh8221 what the heck are they?!

[@tejassuresh8221]

@@PhatInAHat these are exams in India to choose civil servants one of the toughest in the world in terms of number of people who make it through

[@PhatInAHat]

@@tejassuresh8221 Why the heck would someone from Hong Kong and Canada, studying in the UK, apply to be a civil servant in India?!?!

[@estoforte388]

Congratulations to Amol Rajan on his first series as host. I wasn't sure at first, but his encouraging style really grew on me.

[@gm1527]

He was really good. Looking forward to see him in the next series

[@LonDanDoc]

I like how he recognises the teams urgency and speaks quick. No need to put the video on 2x speed , amol does it for us. Thoroughly pleased

[@castelodeossos3947]

If he wasn't so patronising towards the students, with his Politically Correct and absurdly effusive praises/apologies and total absence of humour, he'd be worthy of praise. The younger Paxman still my favourite.

[@Mikedr55]

He should drop the 'guys'.

[@jameshogan6142]

@@Mikedr55 Yeah it sounds too American. He probably can't use the more traditional terms such as mates, or blokes, or lads, but he needs to find a better form of address.

[@billnormantablet5743]

As someone who has watched UC since the age of 10 in 1967 this has to rank as one of THE best ever series . The teams were magnificent and Amol is just brilliant: warm and welcoming like Bamber with just enough Paxo to keep it spicy but also with his own aware and funny style that has made it relevant again

[@lailedcat]

I think this has been my favourite season of university challenge in recent years. The energy’s been just great, and I’m repeating myself from previous comments but in every match since the semifinals I’ve been both saddened to see the losers go and delighted to see the winners advance. Great teams and a great host. It’s been especially delightful to get to hear from some of the players in the comments, and I hope we get to see more of that in future seasons too. Congrats to all!

[@ubiergo1978]

This is the second favourite season for me. =) The participants commenting the YT videos were rare years before but this time it was always in every single video there was at least one. =). (For the unasked record: My fav one is S45, mainly because of the Hannah Woods: "Do we know any german scientists, Oscar?". =P

[@lailedcat]

@@ubiergo1978 hahaha, great moment for the show honestly

[@johnahearn7964]

I thought the season started with great promise but rajan sucks & those early first games gave way to so-so games later on. Pretty disappointing.

[@lailedcat]

@@johnahearn7964 cannot disagree more. Have a nice day!

[@lailedcat]

@@johnahearn7964 couldn’t disagree more. Have a nice day!

[@sschaubal]

Wow! Debnath really performed quite well. He always came across as a Science, Maths and Computers guy. He only occasionally answered questions on other topics. But man, this time he had answers on a lot of varied topics.

[@Tom-xy9yy]

Kolkatay chele, what did you expect?

[@tejassuresh8221]

@@Tom-xy9yy some of the best quizzers i know are from Karnataka

[@JohnTheToaster]

35 straight points from 8:50

[@Invisible162]

We have our issues in the UK and things are far from perfect but I swear University Challenge is Britain at it's absolute best. The celebration of not just knowledge but the desire to learn, the demonstration of spectacular levels of class and humility, and the dedication to our long standing tradition of quizzing. Seeing contestants from loads of teams commenting along here as we go has been fantastic. Top work to all involved for an absolute stormer of a series.

[@tejassuresh8221]

You dont seem to know about the quizzing culture in India lol

[@Invisible162]

@@tejassuresh8221 India has fantastic quizzing culture, as does the UK, and quite a few countries. More than one country are allowed to 👍🏻

[@Tom-xy9yy]

@@tejassuresh8221 Do you know why they got rid of University Challenge in India a few years ago?

[@billnormantablet5743]

Spot on comment

[@tejassuresh8221]

@@Tom-xy9yy no idea i was recently seeing the older episodes from around 20 years ago many of them i now know were competing and students back then.Even mastermind india both were hosted by siddhartha basu and one of the mastermind india finallist is now a member of parliament candidate from here lol

[@gabsymalone6307]

UCL started well, but once Imperial found their groove it was like Concorde on afterburners for their joint-best score of the series. I think when this was filmed in 2023, Imperial at about the same time won the UK student quizzing championships with Lee, Jones, and Michael Mays from the 2022 winners, so they had a quizzing year for the ages 😉. Justin Lee with yet another virtuosic performance has overtaken Arthur Wotton for best buzzer of the series with 36, and we got to a 400+ aggregate score for the first time since the repechage playoffs which made me very happy. That was also the first final with a 400+ aggregate score since 2010 and Alex Guttenplan's exploits; I also enjoyed that both teams were nice and zippy with discussions at all stages regardless of what the lead was. UCL's 14/18 on the bonuses was actually better percentage-wise than Imperial's 28/45 but those four interruptions I think did critically stall momentum. That third loss equals them with St John's College, Oxford for most Runners-Up finishes without winning a title - the bridesmaids of this competition but will they ever be the bride? Great way to finish the series, and thank you Pumpkin for your consistent uploads👍.

[@lailedcat]

Thanks for the stats!

[@Invisible162]

I bloody love a good stat, top work!

[@andyb3712]

Best balanced team I've ever seen. Each bringing a different array of strengths, with great speed. Spectacular. Special thanks to new host Amol Rajan for providing a new and clearly personal vibe to the show. Well done to everyone involved.

[@beeeps]

I am Australian and frankly speaking I was not familiar with this show until I came across these clips on youtube in the past six months. I have absolutely loved watching this season of University Challenge and I thank you sincerely for uploading them for us. I particularly love the focus on the classics and science which seems to be lost from a lot of modern quizzes, that rather focus on pop trivia and similar.

[@TheChannelofaDisappointedMan]

Fair play to Rajan, he came in and breathed fresh life into this show and made this, in my view, one of the best years in a long time for UC.

[@HerAeolianHarp]

He is impressive and likable.

[@alexandraaulianta5741]

agreed!

[@JaneG58]

Thank you so much for uploading this amazing series. Mondays will not be the same … until the next series. Two really strong teams in the final but the winners were simply outstanding.

[@thegandolfos]

As an American who has never even heard of this show before this series, I’m hooked! The whole series has been amazing and this final was wonderful. Congrats to both of the teams and thank you for providing these videos for us non-UK viewers. Looking forward to the next series!

[@anthony1947]

That guy Lee might just squeeze into our pub quiz team

[@GorgyCL]

Lee was just incredible! Amazing guest to pamper the finalists! Thank You so much for the uploads CP!

[@sharanyaray2454]

Absolute demolition from Imperial College London. A very well rounded team! I could see Izzatdust trying to buzz in a few times but Imperial are so quick on that. Besides the quizzing can I just say Sourajit Debnath is the best dressed contestant in a match ever seen in UC? It's so good to see him pay tribute to his culture and wear the traditional Bengali "panjabi".

[@empedocles200]

It looks amazing!

[@scienceevolves4417]

Well perhaps his talents can now serve to lift his native Calcutta out of poverty...

[@helenswan705]

It's very beautiful isn't it.

[@hyena8385]

Yes Haddad is extremely good at the discipline of nominating.

[@estoforte388]

Lee's an all-time UC great, Jones isn't far behind.

[@_o_-I-_o_]

I'd put him there too, breadth very impressive

[@loosekanen]

@@_o_-I-_o_ Agreed. Just an absolute silent assassin.

[@JanKosinski-x8h]

You guys were amazing - EACH & EVERY one of the 8 of you should be very proud of yourselves!

[@crunchipscrust]

In 2022 Imperial got me hooked on University challenge and this was absolutely phenomenal. 😍🥰

[@luqmanhakim6538]

me too!

[@adelynne]

For me it was 2020 Imperial. Brandon just blew me away.

[@sigma-freud]

Brandon, Zeng, and now Lee. Holy Imperial 😂😂😂

[@YourQueerGreatAuntie]

What an extraordinary finish to an extraordinary series!!!! All gorgeous contestants with exceptional skills - very well done to all participants! Really appreciate the kindness and humour Amol brings to the show. And thank you so much, Cosmic Pumpkin, for creating this nerd-tastic corner of internetland - so good, the participants can't help but to keep coming back for more! See y'all for the next series!

[@Tom-xy9yy]

Agree that Amol Raja did a fabulous job. The best host by far since the legend of Bamber. He's been an excellent choice.

[@muziek988]

Just an incredible final, many congratulations to both teams! I also really loved the final section with Lee swapping his lucky(?) hoodie for a suit. Thanks again for all the uploads CP, hope to see you next season!

[@stokebailey]

I wanted you both to win. So fun to watch. I love that UCL dressed for the occasion. Two great teams!

[@johniscariot5582]

Tiresome hearing about how Haddad didn't answer any questions - facilitation and leadership are just as important when driving a car filled with brains-on-a-stick... You don't need one more Lee, Debnath or Jones [with all due respect to those worthies], you need balance, Hadda brought that in spades. The other thing to consider is that she [other than studying medicine] clearly has a functional intellect worthy of respect otherwise the rest of her team wouldn't defer to her leadership like they clearly did. To echo others, Imperial is possibly the best balanced team on UC I've seen in the years I have ben following it - you don't want to call the result a foregone conclusion, but... yeah... Thanks to the Maestro Pumpkin for the uploads.

[@blipblop5757]

She is a great captain, encouraged her teammates, warm smile and a balanced head on shoulders. When she has two outright superstars in Lee and Jones and a very capable role player in Debnath, she does not need to contribute much.

[@ubiergo1978]

To be honest, I spend the last 15 minutes reading all the comments about her and I missed all of them saying she didn't answer... O.O. And I think she was one of the best captains ever in this show. O.O, VERY supportive, endearing behavior, good knowledge... So... who the hell is criticicing her up to that point? @.@... Maybe that person deleted the comment, I hope... but I didn't get to read it. =)

[@rajeshshankaran4808]

I said right after the first round that Haddad was the best captain among all the teams. She really is.

[@enlisty]

One can be a good captain and still be a good quizzer. The two are not mutually exclusive.

[@johniscariot5582]

@@enlisty true - but no one has said that's not the case. Negative commentary has been made about Hadad not answering questions, I've simply pointed out that that is clearly not her defining role within the team.

[@Farid-ko6yn]

As this series ends, let's reflect on the magnificent job Amol has done here. It was a big ask, but he fit in perfectly and instantly made the show his own.

[@muhammadgianabila]

What a great coincidence. Imperial scored 285 in their first match and also in their final...

[@darkmoney7762]

Am I the only one who noticed that Debnath never had a single mistake on the buzzer questions? That's spectacular. Are there any similar record holders in the past though?

[@gabsymalone6307]

No so true; 13/13 is very impressive. I can remember it happening once before; Caleb Rich the Imperial Captain in 2019-20 got 19/19 when buzzing in which was also really impressive

[@vortexx555]

@@gabsymalone6307 Where did you get these stats, if you don't mind me asking?

[@manewhairstyle]

​@@vortexx555just me but it could simply have just been by watching the video and counting back

[@philhayhoe1]

I've been riveted from the first game to the last, best series for a couple of years (sorry Jezza!) and Amol is a fantastic quizmaster, bringing his own strong knowledge into the mix at times. Thanks Cosmic Pumpkin, from me in Papamoa Beach, New Zealand.

[@annereidy7981]

Imperial living up to their Title, thank you both, a wonderful contest and a well deserved win.

[@Heather-876]

Also great haircut Jones!

[@gcupton]

almost didn't recognize him!

[@lindorsibande]

MATCH STATS BELOW *Imperial : 285* *UCL : 120* *Starter Questions Stats* IMPERIAL: 145 Lee = 8/10 {80 minus 5} Jones = 4/5 {40} Haddad = 0 Debnath = 3/3 {30} Starter Success Rate: 83.33% UCL: 50 Hall = 1/3 {10 minus 5} Izzatdust = 4/6 {40 minus 5} Sawh = 0/2 {-5} Finlay = 2/3 {20 minus 5} Starter Success Rate: 50.00% *Bonus Questions Stats* IMPERIAL: 140 Bonus Success Rate: 62.22 (28/45) UCL: 70 Bonus Success Rate: 77.78% (14/18) _Until the next!_ ------------------------------------ See _Season Stats_ for the top 4 teams in another comment.

[@lindorsibande]

Regarding the stats for last week's match up, I apologize for not being able to put them. I was met with a lot to deal with last week. They will be up in a moment.

[@Hahtalekinn]

@@lindorsibande Thank you. 😊

[@chrishobbs58]

Thanks again for your hard work! You really added to the enjoyment of this series! Much appreciated!

[@zaphbrox8239]

In addition to Cosmic Pumpkin for uploading the videos, a big thank you to you too for painstakingly keeping stats and posting them. Your stats always provide a nice summary of the quiz, which is interesting to read after watching.

[@BlueSoulTiger]

I agree with all the comments made so far. No need to apologise. Wonderful work. You're a diamond.

[@havingalook2]

That was brilliant, I had goose pimples. The score was outstanding and I am so very impressed. Well done.

[@korisnik56]

My dude Lee has a time machine

[@MrTandtrollet]

After folowing this season for so long I like both teams! The combined score over 400 is just nuts! The fact that show has been runnign for over 50 years shows the humans' endless facination with knowledge. =)

[@natecooper01]

First jungle and now Disco Elysium. Two fantastic things I never imagined to see in this program.

[@lucylou5766]

Isn’t it great to *finally* see two female team captains here? Maybe UC historians can tell us if this is a first. I think it is worth celebrating their equally stellar performances, along with simply outstanding contributions from quizzing beasts on both teams. Congratulations to all and thank you so much to Cosmic for allowing me to view these contests in Australia. Well done to the winning team 🏆

[@Tom-xy9yy]

Does it really matter what sex they are?

[@lucylou5766]

@@Tom-xy9yy Yes, Tom. Yes it does. I’ve watched this competition for years and so many times it’s been a total bro show. It’s rare enough to see women at all on the teams, much less as team captains. I feel certain this cannot be due to any numerical imbalance in the student body at large. So other forces have led to the under representation of women on UC teams. Hmmm, 🧐 I wonder what they could be?

[@castelodeossos3947]

@@lucylou5766 Nothing like a feminist fighting a battle that has long since been won.

[@jameshogan6142]

@@lucylou5766 One of my favourite teams to win was Peterhouse Cambridge in 2016 captained by none other than the ebullient Hannah Woods. I think at that time she made reference to the lower number of women on teams being because of the unwelcome attention it brought to participants such as unflattering comments on social media concerning their dress or appearance. Woods also revealed that she was sent gifts by unknown admirers and even received an offer of marriage from someone she had never met.

[@lucylou5766]

@@castelodeossos3947 Yet another dumb bro who thinks he knows everything and yet demonstrates the opposite.

[@mattycarpaccio]

Imperial have probably been the most complete team I can remember. Debnath and Lee were particularly ferocious on the flanks. Hard luck UCL….those 3 early penalties took some of the wind out of your sails.

[@karthikkamathp]

If this comment was not under this video, I'd have thought Imperial v UCL was a 5-a-side game by your description 😅

[@AttilatheNun-xv6kc]

And Adam Jones sure seems to know a lot of obscure stuff.

[@Karen-ul9hd]

Thank you from New Zealand! Fantastic to be able to follow this - on Tuesdays here:) I've seen all episodes. Congratulations to both amazing teams!

[@Gwydda]

This has definitely been the best season I have seen in my 10 years of watching the UC. Amol has given new vigour to the shoe, but also the teams this year were fantastic, so if any participant of this year's UC reads this, thank you! You were all amazing. Thanks for making this a delightful show and competition. The comments all the team members have left in these videos have really been a joy to read. And of course a very special thank you to Cosmic Pumpkin for giving all of us the opportunity to watch the shoe and see the comments of the participants.

[@chrishobbs58]

Thanks again, CosmicPumpkin! What an amazing performance by the winning team! I've been on their bandwagon all year long, and I have to say that this match was their most impressive performance yet. To win by the margin they did over another outstanding team...as Rajan noted...that would have won this in any other year. What a stellar end to a stellar series. My best to both teams, and to each individual. My best to all of you who followed the series, wherever you reside. Until next series!

[@blipblop5757]

Really good to see a fellow countryman in Sourajit Debnath winning the UC while being a really good role player. There was an article today in India Today about him which I thought I will share. Debnath is apparently 31 which I absolutely would'nt have guessed, I thought he would be in his 20s. Moreover he was involved in India's Lunar Mission - Chandrayaan 2 (unfortunately wasn't a complete success). Also, it was good to see the traditional representation of Kurta at UC Finals. Even though, there have been Indian contestants in past, I think he has been the best candidate ever from our country to play in the UC, the European questions are always so difficult for me to get, he did really well, I am proud of him. I think Lee is overall the best contestant I have ever seen on UC, remind me of Hutchinson from the Imperial Zeng Finals. His overall knowledge is breathtaking. I cannot understand some of the buzzes. His memory makes me wonder how am I so stupid. Congrats to Imperial and also congrats to UCL. This Imperial team was very strong, otherwise the finals would have been close.

[@enlisty]

He’s amazing

[@SundaraRamanR]

I would have also put Debnath in his early 20s, that's surprising. I've been impressed by individual answers previously, but Lee's consistent quick buzzering and getting the right answers with very little information felt simply superhuman. Truly made this feel like the Finals game it is. Regarding Chandrayaan 2, I think it's inaccurate and unfair to say it failed. It would be the same to simply say it was a success, too - it's a complex mission with multiple objectives. The takeoff and guidance successfully taking it to the lunar orbit was itself an achievement that a lot of space missions don't pass. Then, the lander crashed, but the rover successfully entered orbit and continues to perform its experiments as expected. My quibble is only with the phrasing "did fail", which in terms of the average space mission failure denotes something a lot worse. "unfortunately wasn't a complete success" would be more accurate.

[@alani3992]

He seems to be the best candidate to have all-round knowledge on non-mainstream topics.

[@MrLalitknaidu]

Lee is fantastic but I have never seen anybody as good as Imperial Brandon. Felt like he could have won the whole series alone that year. As to Indian competitors, it sure was nice to see Debnath dominate after a whole series of watching Jesudoss do nothing a couple years ago.

[@emmaacquah878]

Very true. Imperial Brandon from 2019 UC gave a sterling performance and displayed unparalleled brilliance which was difficult to fathom. I can see Zeng and Lee equally have such flair for quizzing success.

[@lindorsibande]

*SEASON'S STATS (for the top 4 teams)* *1. IMPERIAL : 1460* 6 Matches Played Average : 243.33 Starter Points: 735 Bonus Points: 725 *Lee* = 36/44 {360 minus 20} *Jones* = 25/36 {250 minus 10} *Haddad* = 4/10 {40 minus 15} *Debnath* = 13/13 {130} Ave. Starter Success Rate: 75.73% (78/103) Ave. Bonus Success Rate: 62.50% (145/232) ----------------------------------------- *2. UCL : 1110* 6 Matches Played Average : 185 Starter Points: 540 Bonus Points: 570 *Hall* = 19/28 {190 minus 20} *Izzatdust* = 29/38 {290 minus 25} *Sawh* = 3/8 {30 minus 10} *Finlay* = 11/22 {110 minus 25} Ave. Starter Success Rate: 64.58% (62/96) Ave. Bonus Success Rate: 63.89% (114/179) ---------------------------------------- *3. TRINITY COLLEGE - CAMBRIDGE : 1240* 7 Matches Played Average : 177.14 Starter Points: 690 Bonus Points: 550 *Henderson* = 11/16 {110} *Banerjee* = 29/34 {290 minus 15} *Kang* = 12/17 {120 minus 5} *Jaksina* = 20/25 {200 minus 10} Ave. Starter Success Rate: 78.26% (72/92) Ave. Bonus Success Rate: 53.66% (110/205) ------------------------------------------ *4. MANCHESTER : 990* 6 Matches Played Average : 165 Starter Points: 575 Bonus Points: 415 *De Los Reyes White* = 9/16 {90} *Kullmann* = 10/18 {100 minus 5} *Senehedheera* = 23/29 {230 minus 15} *Grady* = 18/23 [180 minus 5} Ave. Starter Success Rate: 69.77% (60/86) Ave. Bonus Success Rate: 48.82% (83/170) ---------------------------------------------- _Until the next!_

[@zaphbrox8239]

Ooh nice. This is a first! and gives a nice breakup of the teams' performace. Clearly Imperial were a cut above the rest.

[@blipblop5757]

My parents would be proud of Debnath

[@BlueSoulTiger]

Awesome!

[@SoBeIt9033]

Do you or anyone have S49 stats of Imperial Brandon & S51 for Imperial Zeng & Reading Hutchinson (no. of correct answers + no. of buzzes + no. of incorrect interruptions), since both final videos have been deleted, along with the stats comments?

[@JacobHermant]

Spoilers I guess Genuinely stunned they got Tom Stoppard, must be the most famous 'celebrity guest' they've had to deliver the trophy, certainly since I started watching UC. Really awesome!

[@gooscarguitar]

The 2016-17 series had Stephen Hawking at the end, although I can't imagine there could have been much casual chatting after the filming

[@helenswan705]

thanks for the warning.

[@tonywilde1709]

Absolutely fantastic final, with extraordinary high standards all round. Imperial were imperious, and worthy champions; a fabulous team performance. Congrats also to UCL, worthy finalists and 120 is a brilliant score at this stage. Picked up maybe 10 answers myself, which is probably a personal best for a final, but would definitely see me relegated from either team 😂😂😂 Thanks immensely Pumpkin for all the uploads. Best wishes and good health to you all, and see you soon for the new series

[@jamesmakey2792]

MATCH STATISTICS AND COMMENTS BELOW S53/E37 FINAL Note: individual team member stats are towards the bottom. 22 rounds (21 rounds completed; the game ended immediately after the starter question was answered correctly in the 22nd round) 25 starter questions (22 answered correctly + 3 additional starter questions as neither side got 'Venice' in round 2, 'Pierre Bourdieu' in round 11, or 'Thiamin/Vitamin B1' in round 19) 63 bonus questions (21 rounds x 3) 88 questions in total (25 starter + 63 bonus) 565 points available in total (25 x10, plus 63 x 5) 71.7% of the 565 points available were scored ((285 + 120)/565) Imperial 50.4% of the total points available (285/565); Starters 15/25; Bonuses 28/45 (62.2%); Penalties x1 UCL 21.2% of the total points available (120/565); Starters 7/25; Bonuses 14/18 (77.8%); Penalties x4 IMPERIAL 285 POINTS (starters 145 points + bonuses 140 points) STARTERS 145 points Haddad (Capt.) 0/0 = 0 points Lee 8/10 less penalties x1 = 75 points Jones 4/5 = 40 points Debnath 3/3 = 30 points UCL 120 POINTS (starters 50 points + bonuses 70 points) STARTERS 50 points Sawh (Capt.) 0/3 less penalties x1 = Minus 5 points Hall 1/3 less penalties x1 = 5 points Izzatdust 4/5 less penalties x1 = 35 points Finlay 2/3 less penalties x1 = 15 points The best team in the series won. No doubt. Imperial has now won 3 of the last 5 series, with wins in 2020 (Brandon Blackwell, Caleb Rich & co.), 2022 (Max Zeng, Michael Mays & co.) and 2024 (Justin Lee looks set to become the team member from this series that is remembered). Imperial is also now THE most successful team in the history of the show with 5 series wins, ahead of Magdalen College Oxford and Manchester, who have 4 series wins each. Which begs the question: is there any particular reason why is Imperial doing so well? Well. Maybe. It is worth reading a New York Times article about Brandon Blackwell and Imperial, which is easy to find online. In the article, Imperial's present captain - Suraiya Haddad - describes Brandon Blackwell as 'the father of this dynasty', and explains that Imperial has become more strategic in the selection of its team members due to Brandon's influence. Rather touchingly, Brandon was recently presented with a coffee mug by various Imperial team members, inscribed with the words 'Imperial Dad'.

[@KaiserTota]

Thank you for your uploads! I had a great time watching these. If any of the contestants read this, many congratulations to you as well! Can't wait for the next season.

[@MagicGreenSquid]

Fantastic series. Thank you so, so much for all of the uploads.

[@annabee4497]

Congratulations, Imperial, on trouncing UCL so convincingly! Your mental speed and agility, accuracy, and very well-balanced team won us over. Thank you so much for uploading these unique and fascinating series! Made my day!

[@TheAllRounderMemes]

feels wrong that I go to the same school as these geniuses, like jesus. very proud of UCL

[@tejassuresh8221]

They are not geniuses lol

[@socialistquickfix]

Same :)

[@sfumato8884]

Wow! I must say, I have SO much enjoyed Imperial’s teams over the years but this one might be my favorite. Maybe I’m still partial to Imperial Brandon’s team from a few years ago… but then again, that team with Zeng was amazing too 😅 congratulations to the winners and commiserations to UCL. Great run, but clearly Izzatdust just couldn’t overcome Lee - he just got beat on a number of those starters.

[@arthurgershon477]

thank you so much cp for taking up the mantle and recording the whole incredible series, especially for those of us outside the uk; thanks also to the brilliant and talented contestants, and to amol for a great first season as host

[@salla2222]

I have to give it to Amol Rajan, Now watching the previous years of University Challenge, they feel a bit cold, he is a delightful new host!

[@HerAeolianHarp]

I completely agree. He will also, no doubt, boost the breadth of viewers. He is simply brilliant, and my family enjoy watching him lead the show.

[@helenswan705]

I never liked Paxo. I grew up on Bamber Gascoigne! You can still catch one or two ancient episodes with him, if you hunt. and yes, Amol is doing great!

[@thomasmclain6888]

Debnath and his shirt were brilliant.

[@tejassuresh8221]

Its not a shirt lol

[@jadeai989]

omg what an exciting final!!! esp since Imperial and UCL were one of my fav teams (women in med you are my heroes!!) it's always so inspiring seeing college students participating on this show as a HS student, thank you cosmicpumpkin for the continuous uploads! now my Mondays will return to being boring :,(

[@mrgato945]

That's my night sorted, thanks Pumpkin

[@wtade]

Congrats Imperial. Proud of the two Hongkongers Lee and Jones. Great to see them shine on BBC😊

[@phucvan3583]

Max Zeng, Brendon, Justin Lee, Adam Jones: 4 beasts of Imperial

[@martinmason5008]

Thank You, Cosmic. This is a staple of so many people's week. In the US, I can watch it at the same time of night here, because of you, as it would have been shown in the UK, Have a safe and happy year to the next series. Cheers.

[@Heather-876]

What an epic performance! Well done to both teams though, both were brilliant to watch all season

[@flare2000x]

Fantastic season. Can't wait for the next one. What a performance by the winners and thanks for uploading these every week!

[@genevievedolan1288]

I wish it had been a closer finish that reflected the strength of both teams more truly. Izzatdust just didn’t get his opportunity to shine this time! Debnath came into his own ! Congratulations to both teams, and thank you all for an exciting season that brightened up Monday evenings in Seattle !

[@agnesw.mwangombe5680]

Congratulations IC. It is fantastic to watch this. You have lived our long history of simply winning and be a giant leader. It is fantastic and this brings back nostalgic memories 💖. Seeing royal Albert Hall which was over our laboratory window that is Department of Biology before the current relocation within the campus. Best wishes . Agnes

[@Littlestar-wy8hq]

Congratulations🎉🎉🎉 Imperial is great. LEE is knowledgeable and fast. JONES is wise and confident. Debnath is intelligent and calm. Love you guys. All teams which are defeated by Imperial are strong too actually.

[@luckysongara5351]

It's such a delight to watch this team play. They have great chemistry almost feels like a team in some YA fiction series

[@geoffpollock6892]

They were both winners IMO. Outstanding knowledge and incidentally, seemingly, just splendid people. Congratulations to all four and lastly a big thank you to Amol Rajan

[@tejassuresh8221]

Debnath congratulations you are amazing big fan of yours from India

[@johncartwright8154]

Great outfit for the final too!

[@jeff__w]

To start at the end: Imperial team captain *Suraiya Haddad,* along with her teammates, were unfailingly-and, perhaps, as UCL’s *Jacob Finlay* put it here in the comments, annoyingly-super-gracious to UCL. It’s hard to hold a grudge when your opposing team is so magnanimous. Not that UCL _would._ As, again, Finlay said, Imperial very much deserved this outcome. Part of the story-but only a part-is conveyed in the statistics, helpfully compiled by fellow commenter Lindokuhle Sibande: Imperial got 15 starter questions right as compared to the seven of UCL. Now it _is_ possible to win only on the basis of starter questions alone, getting _none_ of the bonuses right, but Imperial hardly relied on that: the team racked up an additional 140 points in the bonus questions, twice the number of UCL, assuring the resounding result. UCL, in fact, did exactly 25% _better_ on the bonus questions than Imperial but, with only half the actual points, having answered slightly less than half the starter questions correctly, it was a bit of a runaway victory for the winning team. The other part-perhaps the more impressive part-were the questions and the manner in which Imperial got them right. Imperial’s *Justin Lee* and *Adam Jones* gave their usual sure-footed responses: Lee nailed the starter having to do with a 13th-century city of “the Low Countries,” after a rare flub by UCL’s *Ali Izzatdust* 10:50, and then managed to run away with the bonus questions regarding the 18th-century wars of succession. Lee knew “the daughter of King Sancho VI” 16:56 (I had never even _heard_ of the monarch so knowing the name of his daughter would have presented something of a challenge for me) and the compositional form ABACA 23:15. (Maybe Lee’s answer was just the standard University Challenge response-I really don’t know-just as “villanelle” is always a good go-to answer for forms in poetry.) I rather enjoyed Lee’s take-charge “Just say” 24:30 for a 17th-century author, which _really_ works best when the answer turns out to be correct, as it did here. Meanwhile, Imperial’s *Adam Jones* came up with the “industrial significant mineral with a single mine in Greenland”-again, impressive to me as I know probably _less,_ if that’s possible, about Greenlandic minerals than I do about late 12th-century Spanish monarchs-after another miss, this time by UCL’s Tayana Sawh; a four-word title of a 1936 George Orwell novel, which, even if I _did_ know (and I didn’t), I wouldn’t have been able to pronounce-and he then scored a hat trick with bonus questions regarding mythological paintings by Angelica Kauffman 17:05. (The educational system in Hong Kong seems to be doing _something_ right.) Imperial’s *Sourajit Debnath* rose to the challenge early on, getting both the starter question dealing with a film director 8:43 and then, again, sweeping all three bonus questions dealing with video games winning the BAFTA award for “Best Debut Game” plus another question having to do with, in part, a ridge on a mechanical part 9:35. If you’re keeping track, that’s three different team members of Imperial getting the answers to both the starter and all three bonus questions right. (And, speaking of awards, Debnath wins my award for fashion, no doubt coveted, for his striking red and black kinta with its off-center placket, even if Justin Lee’s hoodie, mentioned by Amol Rajan 2:36, conveyed Lee’s own inimitable insouciance.) UCL’s Izzatdust was as confident as, if not more so than, anyone on the Imperial team, answering questions-such as his preemptive answer regarding Punta del Garda 20:53-with aplomb and his ever-present disarmingly charming smile but UCL simply could not overcome Imperial’s stronger performance on both the starter and bonus questions. It couldn’t have helped matters that Amol Rajan bestowed, with a studied nonchalance, his guaranteed kiss of death on the team, assuring UCL that it had “plenty of time” 15:01. Kudos to both teams for their performances throughout the series! It was immensely enjoyable to watch each. And, while making it to the final carries with it, I’m sure, its own immense satisfaction, I can’t help but imagine that it’s the friends one makes along the way (e.g., UCL and its relationship with Manchester) that is its own rich reward.

[@santoshjs]

I haven't been watching University Challenge for very long, but purely for his buzzer skills, Lee seems like a good bet for a hypothetical GOAT team, along with Max Zeng and Brandon Blackwell. The height of recency bias, I know, but those are the players that stick out to me.

[@timothywalker1388]

What a great final, despite the margin of victory, this was old school university challenge, no thinking time, no delay and not too many wrong answers! Brilliant.

[@gunnarcolleen2400]

UCL all looking dapper

[@vincentadj44]

What a match!! All brilliant contestants. Who else was clapping along at the award ceremony?

[@castelodeossos3947]

Didn't notice any award ceremony. The host merely handed it over. No guest doing it either.

[@jessicaellina3878]

Exciting finale, as predicted! Congratulations to lmperial on a stellar win , also to the very worthy runners up, UCL, and all the teams who participated.Wonderful to see both teams on the roof tops being congratulated by the legendary Sir Tom. Amol did a fantastic job in his first series as host. Thanks to CP for bringing this wonderful quiz to our screens. Roll on next season! Best wishes to all U.C fans.

[@lazystalker1]

Imperial were unbeatable, well done. ... Big thanks for posting this series CosmicPumkin, Cheers!

[@igorpopovski8197]

Thank you for uploading this year's season!

[@shelleykent5392]

Wow! I’m speechless. Congratulations all!

[@adirong]

Great series and Bravo Amol! More than met the considerable challenge!

[@zaphbrox8239]

Fantastic match, fantastic series and fantastic winners. This series was fast paced, energetic and competitive. Kudos to Amol Rajan for holding it together and showing that he is a worthy replacement for the Paxperson. I'm sure lots of people were unsure whether he was the right fit, but he proved that he can run a tight ship on this show. The average number of questions per episode that he managed to put in, kept the interest going. Imperial were unstoppable this season. I don't think they ever went below 210 in any of their matches, which is an amazing feat. They had a well-balanced team and they were well prepared, going by the sheer number of obscure topics they cracked. Congratulations Imperial and UCL, for selecting worthy captains who made great decisions throughout, and congratulations again to both teams for showing how enjoyable competitive quizzing can be. Sadly one team had to come second. And a big THANK YOU to @cosmicpumpkin for the prompt uploads. The first thing I looked forward to on Tuesday mornings.

[@castelodeossos3947]

The pace is good, indeed, but the host is dull: patronising, Politically Correct and dull.

[@christophermaitlandwalker8331]

Well done Imperial, what a fantastic team achievement, everyone did so well on a range of subjects, and such gracious winners true Champions!

[@thomasmclain6888]

Love the camera work that shows teammates appreciating each other.

[@Elcio_Leal]

Amazing episode. Congratulations to both teams. Izzatdust you are the best, brilliant and intelligent E (Rapaz tues muy safo e culto). Thanks, CP for bringing us all these episodes. Hope you can upload the next season of UC .

[@Paulos143]

Justin Lee & Adam Jones were monolithic during this series. My hand trembles as I type their names. They rank among the greats of UC, alongside Trimble, Loveday, Mays and Zeng. Izzatdust was the bow and the arrow, the cocoon and the butterfly, for UCL, and without him this series would never have felt as complete. When I think about AI in the future, I will not think about computers that simulate human intelligence, no dear reader, I will remember Ali Izzatdust. What will we all do now without UC on a Monday evening? i. Bleed the radiators; ii. go about our days as if nothing has happened; iii. hungry hippos; iv. withhold sunlight from inferiors.

[@jameshogan6142]

I won't prescribe to any man who should be included in his short list but I thought Alex Guttenplan from 2010 could hold his own in any company.

[@sigma-freud]

Brandon is also a legend

[@johncartwright8154]

I thought Izzadust, poor man, was going to implode with frustration at being beaten to the buzzer by a split second by a fearsome opposing team, notably Lee!

[@Paraninja]

Izzadust was amazing throughout the series and clenched a few starters for his team in the final. Surprised people aren’t singing his praises in the comments more.

[@helenswan705]

He was pretty darn good when he got a look-in. Particularly brilliant on names.

[@russ486]

Imperial has had some crazy good teams in the last few years. Definitely gonna miss my weekly match while I make dinner. Only Connect and Mastermind just don't scratch the same itch.

[@coolspace2786]

indeed, 2020s is imperial decade, is that so far 3 wins and 1 semi.. at the halfway point of the decade

[@martinkerrmusic]

How many connect is great fun but mastermind is dreadfully slow and the specialist subjects make it mostly irrelevant to most people.

[@kunalrakshit2812]

22:44 I heard Krugman by Haddad. What did Amol hear?

[@enlisty]

Me too. I was puzzled.

[@johnahearn7964]

Sounds like “Krubin” to me. She was giggling at all 3 questions.

[@ofnothing]

I think Kruvman or Krubman?

[@wesleyhopmans]

Such an impressive round from both teams.

[@enlisty]

Lee and Jones could not be more different in their vibes and tone.

[@naeeanvideos]

imperial are truly unstoppable...i could watch them non-stop. each member seems to have a role in the team. brilliant from start to finish.

[@dendroleon]

fantastic performances throughout the series!

[@Andy2kk]

Thank You so much Pumpkin, you're the best. See you next season.

[@bookworm5452]

"Cosmic Pumpkin, you're simply the best!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!"

[@nasywaaky]

OMG IS THIS ALREADY HAPPENED??? I LOVE UCL DRESS CODE IN THIS EPISODE🤩 it is beautiful to see Sawh and Haddad smile I feel relieved when izzat-dust breaks the tension and Happy Eid al-Fitr everyone🌟

[@alexandraaulianta5741]

Thank you so much Cosmic Pumpkin! You really brighten up our days!

[@sinusoidalthoughts]

disco elysium mentioned 🔥🔥

[@bazl1]

peak game

[@thelegoplumbers62]

kinda wish Debnath let Amol finish the question just so we could get more airtime for the best video game ever created

[@instinctrix]

​@@thelegoplumbers62exactly. Wanted to hear what all aspects of the game were included in the question.

[@MichaelIretonEsq]

Writing this before I watch. My two favorite teams of the season. I guess that means I can't lose either way. It's just too bad that one team has to lose. Congratulations to all 8 players for making it to the final. As a Canadian who can't (legitimately/easily) see the show any other way, huge thanks to C. Pumpkin for the effort. Now to watch and enjoy!

[@Andy2kk]

UCL has to be the most dapper looking team going into the final, look at those suits

[@castelodeossos3947]

When men dress up, they put more on. When women dress up, they take more off.

[@jameshogan6142]

@@castelodeossos3947 Yeah I am amazed at how they complain about the cold at work in the winter and still go out on the town later that night wearing a skimpy black dress.

[@gauravbansal148]

These guys are just on another level. Haven't even heard of most of the answers they said,let alone knowing them. Just incredible.

[@lancelot848]

What an outstanding team. As someone who follows cricket, this performance by Imperial is very reminiscent of what the great Aussie teams would do in Cricket World Cups in the early 2000s. Just absolute destruction of the opponents.

[@amiopuaa]

You clearly hadn't seen then what the West Indian teams did in the 1970s and 80s

[@Ali-lm7uw]

yeah, Australia was unbeatable since late 90's till 2008 or so

[@amiopuaa]

@@Ali-lm7uw agreed. And certainly not as detructive nor as fearsome.

[@mel24681]

Very impressed with Amol Rajan too. He keeps the pace and flow going really well. Bravo Amol! Great presenting.

[@donnagray9579]

A very satisfying conclusion to an excellent series. I can now give my family a rest from wondering why I am shouting random words at my computer. Well done both teams and Amol. Thanks to CosmicPumpkin. See you all in autumn.