Warwick’s University Challenge team has won the 2021 University Challenge Grand Final.

The Warwick team, comprising Richard Pollard, George Braid, Owain Burrell, and captained by Andrew Rout defeated Magdalene College, Cambridge in what was their second time meeting this series, with Warwick the victor in both.

Commenting on the team's victory Andrew Rout said:

It's great to have won the show, even if somewhat unexpected. It was surprising to get to the final let alone win the tournament. Hopefully we will inspire other people try out for the Warwick University Challenge team in future years or to get involved with the Warwick Quiz Society, who were an important part of our success.

Warwick's road to being crowned series champions saw them achieve both the highest average score of any time and the distinction of not losing a single match.

Commenting on the success of the team Professor Stuart Croft, Warwick's Vice-Chancellor, said:

“After a thrilling series and an edge of the seat final, I am absolutely delighted to congratulate Warwick’s University Challenge team on their superb victory. To have won the series without losing a single match is an incredible achievement, especially against such excellent competition. I’m sure the whole of the Warwick community will join me in sending our congratulations and best wishes to Richard, George, Andrew and Owain – our University Challenge champions!”

Commenting on his time as a member of the Warwick team, and the process of being selected, Richard Pollard said:

“Taking part in University Challenge has been a fun and challenging experience. When I arrived at university, I hadn’t done any competitive quizzing, and being called back and selected for the team after the trials was a big surprise. Getting as far as we have on top of that was even more so, but it wouldn’t have been possible without the teamwork that was built up over much practice.

"Even in the circumstances, limiting as they have been, the whole process has been very rewarding. You do feel the pressure at times, but being part of a confident team keeps you focused.

"Anyone who might be considering applying for a team should absolutely go for it. You never know how it will go until you try.”

Speaking ahead of the final about his experience as part of the Warwick team and recording the series during the COVID19 pandemic, George Braid said:

“I have always enjoyed quizzes. University Challenge is my favourite simply because it’s the one that asks most about things I’m interested in.

“I wanted to take part when I first started at university, but I didn’t think I’d actually get on a team, let alone one day play in a final. The whole experience was just very good fun, even though I may have felt the pressure at times. It’s a shame that the pandemic stopped us seeing much of the other teams, or indeed each other, outside of the games, but the studios ran everything very smoothly under the circumstances.

“Anyone thinking of trying out for their team should definitely give it a go.”