Brandon Blackwell, a 22-year-old competitive quizzer from Queens, is determined to excel in the world of quizzing and turn it into his full-time job. Despite earning $400,000 from various quiz shows, he struggles to compete against top quizzers online. To improve quickly, he decides to move to London where he can compete against the top quizzers in the world. To secure a British visa, he enrolls in a British university and sets his sights on getting on a televised quiz show.
After discovering the BBC’s “University Challenge,” a prestigious quiz show where college teams compete, Blackwell applies to Imperial College in London and successfully makes the school’s “University Challenge” team. Going against the traditional British elite approach to quizzing, Blackwell develops the Brandon Imperial System for Quiz Efficiency (BISQUE) and trains intensively with his team to prepare for the competition. With his unique approach and motivation to win, the team advances through the rounds and dominates the tournament in 2020, with Blackwell becoming a national figure in Britain.
Imperial and Blackwell’s success on “University Challenge” leads to a change in the school’s quizzing tactics, with Blackwell credited as the “father of the dynasty.” By focusing on team diversity and specialization, Imperial continues to win multiple championships, with Blackwell’s methods being adopted and modified by subsequent teams. The attention and success on the show allow Blackwell to achieve his dream of making quizzing his full-time profession, appearing as a Chaser on both the U.S. and Australian versions of “The Chase” and swiping significant amounts of cash from contestants.
Blackwell’s journey from Queens to London and eventual success in the world of competitive quizzing showcases his relentless determination and unconventional strategies. Despite facing challenges and criticism, including racist comments and doubts about his expressive nature, Blackwell’s approach to quizzing and his dedication to improvement have led to significant achievements. His impact on Imperial College’s quiz team and the British quizzing community demonstrates the transformative power of hard work, innovation, and dedication to one’s goals.
As Blackwell continues to thrive as a professional quizzer, his success on “University Challenge” and subsequent quiz shows serves as a testament to his commitment to excellence and the importance of embracing one’s unique strengths and strategies in pursuit of success. His story inspires aspiring quizzers and individuals pursuing unconventional career paths to stay focused, work hard, and push boundaries to achieve their dreams, even in the face of challenges and skepticism. With his passion for quizzing and his remarkable journey, Brandon Blackwell has solidified his place as one of the top quizzers in the English-speaking world, leaving a lasting impact on the quiz show community and beyond.
