Balliol triumphed in a thrilling final to snatch the crown as series’ champions of University Challenge 2017-18.
The team were presented with the winners’ trophy by the world renowned physicist Professor Stephen Hawking, after beating Wolfson College Cambridge by 190 points to 140.
Presenting the trophy to the Balliol team, Hawking said: “Congratulations to both teams and especially to Balliol College Oxford for becoming champions of University Challenge, a programme I have long enjoyed.”
The final had been highly anticipated, after the Wolfson captain, Eric Monkman, gained a cult following online as a result of his distinctive style of answering. The series’ finale had billed as the “heavyweight final” between Monkman and the impressive Balliol captain, Joey Goldman.
But on the night, Monkman answered several questions incorrectly, and Balliol went on to triumph in a tense match.
Wolfson took the early lead, taking points from questions on Mozart’s ‘The Magic Flute’, Medieval Earls of Orkney and European Peace Accords.
Balliol fought back, snatching starter-for-tens on the Greek letter Sigma and the mathematician Pointcarré. After a comeback from Wolfson, the Oxford team were able to clinch victory with answers on the philosophy of Plato and the Chinese Ming dynasty.
Following the victory, both teams travelled to Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where Stephen Hawking — who is a Professorial Fellow at the college — addressed the teams and awarded Balliol with the winners’ trophy.
Hawking told the two teams: “I have said in the past that it is not clear whether intelligence has any long-term survival value. Bacteria multiply and flourish without it.
“But it is one of the most admirable qualities, especially when displayed by such young minds.”
The Balliol team — which also encompasses second-year Historian Freddy Potts, DPhil English student Jacob Lloyd, and Australian Benjamin Pope, who is reading for a DPhil in Astrophysics – won the series for the first time and ended three years of Cambridge domination.
Following their victory, Benjamin Pope told Cherwell: “We’re absolutely delighted. It’s the first ever Balliol victory and the first for Oxford in a few years after some tough finals.
“Wolfson were an incredibly good team, beating us in the quarters, and we were extremely anxious going in but trained to try and beat their fast buzzing style.
“What is a very nice coda is that they are all also lovely people, and we have met up with them in Cambridge for drinks at the Eagle. University Challenge has been a great experience and one of the best things, for me at least, has been getting to know people so full of joy in knowledge.”
Students filled the Balliol MCR to watch the match on TV…
Balliol watching #UniversityChallenge pic.twitter.com/L7dH9l8Cdk
— Benjamin Pope (@fringetracker) April 10, 2017
…including the Balliol team themselves.
The @BalliolOxford #UniversityChallenge team are so grateful for all your support! pic.twitter.com/Tqz4aYza7j
— Benjamin Pope (@fringetracker) April 10, 2017
Monkman added some hand actions to his typically entertaining facial expression routine.
Monkman keeps getting better #UniversityChallenge pic.twitter.com/SGXfHm3W0C
— camiña (@camcamina) April 10, 2017
Although, some viewers’ ‘Monkmania’ obsessions may have gone a little too far.
It's all over. Thanks for the memories Monkman – you brilliant, brilliant, BRILLIANT man #universitychallenge #monkman pic.twitter.com/JmH9NTClpP
— Annie Morris (@DesperateAnnie) April 10, 2017
Just in case there is any doubt where my loyalties lie tonight… #universitychallenge #monkmania pic.twitter.com/x68MkCCJUc
— gemma henson (@gemmaprimrose) April 10, 2017
Thankfully, Goldman had some unique facial expressions of his own.
https://twitter.com/UniversityChal/status/851517503352303617
Potts’ shirt choice proved another major point of controversy.
https://twitter.com/HPYoungVoices/status/851511204870836228
https://twitter.com/JoLiptrott/status/851512114124640257
Congratulations have poured in for the champions.
Huge congratulations to Balliol College, Oxford! Series champions of #UniversityChallenge and very worthy winners! pic.twitter.com/yig1mBxDkS
— BBC Two (@BBCTwo) April 10, 2017
My #sons
So proud of all of them
Wow#UniversityChallenge pic.twitter.com/FaQKPl9AYW— Universp?ky Challenge Faces (@UnichallengeF) April 10, 2017
