Cardiff University triumphs over St Andrews in memorable University Challenge showdown

Cardiff University took the win over St Andrews in the first round of the University Challenge, securing a spot in round two with a score of 200.

Cardiff University’s quiz society announced in August that they would be taking part in the 54th series of University Challenge for the first time, and on October 21st they faced St Andrews for the first round.

University Challenge is one of Britain’s longest-running quiz shows, challenging university teams across the UK with rigorous academic questions. Amol Rajan, former BBC journalist and Independent editor, took over as host in 2023 following Jeremy Paxman’s nearly 30 year tenure.

The lively episode saw both teams battling it out, but it was St Andrews’ missteps in the music round that stole the show, giving Cardiff a clear path to victory.

Host, Amol, was said to have been “stunned” as St Andrews struggled to identify classic soul tracks, with moments that left viewers and the host himself visibly amused.

The music round proved challenging for St Andrews as the team was quizzed on the music from the legendary Memphis label, Stax Records and aided Cardiff in scoring the winning 200 points.

St Andrews’s team of academics confused the artists of “Hold On, I’m Comin” by Sam & Dave with Ike and Tina Turner and then mistook music legend Marvin Gaye for Wilson Pickett.

At one point, the team’s whispers were picked up by their mics and they were heard referring to Stevie Wonder as “the blind guy” and confusing him with Otis Redding and Ray Charles.

The host was seen shaking his head in disbelief, saying: “What are you guys listening to? My goodness.”

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The Scottish Sun reported that Rajan was left despairing as he “slumped over and put his down on the desk in front of him in sheer disbelief.”

Cardiff University then went on to beat St Andrews by 200 to 145.

Fans of the University Challenge took to social media following the episode, with one viewer saying: “Amol Rajan acts for us all… a staggering lack of knowledge.”

Another said: “That’s the most embarrassing music round I’ve ever seen.”

The humorous Cardiff – St Andrews matchup has set a lively tone for this season of University Challenge, one that now sees Cardiff advancing to the next round.

Feature image credit: YouTube