"Breaking: Irish Student Oscar Despard Captains Christ’s College, Cambridge to Thrilling University Challenge Victory; Trophy Presented by Sir Ian McKellen"
aving Irish Brains on University Challenge: Dublin’s Oscar Despard Takes Champion Title
In a thrilling finale to the prestigious BBC University Challenge, the team from Christ’s College, Cambridge, captained by Dublin’s own Oscar Despard, emerged victorious on Monday night. The Irish contingent celebrated as Despard led his team to glory against the University of Warwick, with a winning trophy presentation by none other than actor Sir Ian McKellen himself.
Road to Victory
The match was already recorded before the broadcast, adding to the nail-biting suspense. Despard, a 22-year-old PhD student in molecular biology, and his teammates – Linus Luu (maths), Brendan Bethlehem (linguistics), and Anniko Firman (classics) – watched the tense showdown unfold on a big screen in their college lecture theatre. Back in Despard’s native Dublin, his former sailing club in Dún Laoghaire hosted a special screening for the hometown hero.
Unlikely Fans and Support
Despard has been delighted by the outpouring of support from people he didn’t expect to take an interest in the quiz show. “Lots of people who I didn’t think would be interested have been very enthusiastic and have been wishing us well,” he told The Irish Times. He joked about discovering the show’s dedicated fanbase, “You then find out who all the people are, all the other weird people who decide the best thing they can do with their Monday evenings is watch eight university students answer questions.”
Irish Powerhouses on University Challenge
University Challenge might air on the BBC, but this year was a golden age for Irish participants. Not only did Despard captain the winning team, but Dublin’s Kevin Flanagan from Dundrum led the University of Bristol to the competition. The pair faced off in the semi-finals but remain firm friends. Queen’s University Belfast also made a strong showing, reaching the quarter-finals. It seems the Irish are giving the Brits a run for their money in the quiz show circuit!
The Love for Quizzes
Despard’s love for quizzes is no recent development. Growing up, he watched The Chase with his grandmother, and he and his mother, Prof. Niamh Moran of the Royal College of Surgeons, were avid viewers of University Challenge and Only Connect. His passion for academics led him to Cambridge, where he achieved a stellar Leaving Certificate with nine H1 grades in 2021 and won the Individual Award at the BT Young Scientist competition in 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oscar Despard’s academic background?
Despard is currently studying for a PhD in molecular biology at Christ’s College, Cambridge.
Who are Despard’s teammates, and what subjects do they study?
Despard’s teammates are Linus Luu (maths), Brendan Bethlehem (linguistics), and Anniko Firman (classics).
Which other Irish universities made it far in University Challenge this year?
Kevin Flanagan from Dublin captained the University of Bristol to the semi-finals, while Queen’s University Belfast reached the quarter-finals.
Ready for the next big challenge, Oscar?
With his brains, wit, and newfound celebrity status, we’re eager to see what’s next for this remarkable young Irishman. Stay tuned, sports fans!