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Do Mastermind and University Challenge select by weight?

“Neither Mastermind nor University Challenge intentionally choose thick people. (That could be because there's no monetary reward for winning.)”
True
Confidence: High Checked on August 29, 2026

Summary

Both Mastermind and University Challenge select contestants based on knowledge and subject expertise, not on physical appearance or perceived intelligence. There is no cash prize for winning, so there is no incentive to target any particular body type. The shows’ selection processes are open and focus on quiz ability, not on choosing “thick” individuals.

Sources 60 searched

theguardian.com
en.wikipedia.org
  • Master Minds (game show) - Wikipedia

    Master Minds is an American game show that finished airing on the Game Show Network. The show debuted on June 10, 2019, under their previous title Best Ever Trivia Show, hosted by Sherri Shepherd and regularly featuring Ken Jennings, Muffy Marracco, Jonathan Corbblah, Arianna Haut, and Ryan Chaffee.

  • University Challenge - Wikipedia

    University Challenge is a British television quiz programme which first aired in 1962. University Challenge aired for 913 episodes on ITV from 21 September 1962 to 31 December 1987, presented by quizmaster Bamber Gascoigne. The BBC revived the programme on 21 September 1994, the programme's ...

  • Mastermind (British game show) - Wikipedia

    Mastermind is a British television quiz show for the BBC, first broadcast in 1972. Its creator, Bill Wright, drew inspiration from his experiences of being interrogated by the Gestapo during World War II. The show features an intimidating setting and challenging questions. Four (and in later contests ...

tvtropes.org
  • Master Minds (Series) - TV Tropes

    Master Minds is a Game Show on GSN in which three contestants face off against a set of three resident trivia experts for a chance at $10,000 and, eventually, a spot on the show as a Master Mind themselves. The series debuted on June 10, 2019, as …

  • Mastermind (Series) - TV Tropes

    At the end of that, you had one pass; if you pass in this game, the host reads out the correct answers to any passed questions at the end of the round rather than during it which is what happens if you give the wrong answer, and in the event of a tie the contestant with the lowest number of passes wins. You have eleven points! All or Nothing: Only the champion of a series wins a prize. Bragging Rights Reward: The only prize for winning is a large glass bowl. Of course, Mastermind champions practically become minor celebrities in their own right, particularly in the quiz circuit, because it proves that you're really that damn smart.

getreading.co.uk

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