As contestants buzz in answers, speed and knowledge take center stage in Quizbowl, a Jeopardy-style academic club starting this year.

Quizbowl is a team-based competition where students answer questions from a wide range of subjects. Topics include history, science, literature, geography, and pop culture, requiring players to rely on both knowledge and quick thinking. Teams compete by buzzing in to answer questions, with correct answers earning bonus questions for more points. 

“There are two teams of four people, with toss-up questions that you answer using a buzzer,” said Quizbowl president Maitreyi Kumar ‘29. “Whichever team buzzes first gets to answer. If your team answers correctly, you get three bonus questions that only your team can answer.” She added that there are 20 toss-up questions in each round, each paired with three bonus questions. 

The club was founded by Kumar, who previously competed in Quizbowl throughout her time at Emerson School and wanted to continue doing so in high school. She worked with other students to bring Quizbowl to the school.

“I did Quizbowl all of middle school and got better,” said Kumar. “In eighth grade at Nationals, I ranked top in the state. I wanted to continue it, and a lot of schools have it, so it’d be fun for our school to have it.” She said several students from her middle school also shared an interest in continuing Quizbowl, which helped motivate the club’s creation.

Team members prepare for competitions by focusing on different subjects to strengthen the team overall. By splitting up subject areas, members are able to focus on their strengths. This approach helps teams answer a wider range of questions during matches.

“It’s mostly choosing a different field to study,” said vice president Fayfay Sheng ‘29. “You can choose something like geography, and another person could study history. It’s a divide and conquer situation.” 

Team members have many different strengths, which is the key to success, because more versatility means more questions are answered.

“A lot of players focus on one topic, and having teammates with different specialties is important,” Kumar said.

During practices, members review questions together, quiz each other, and simulate real competition rounds using buzzers. These practices help students become familiar with common question styles and improve their reaction time, which is an important part of Quizbowl competitions. Practices are held every Friday during C and C, giving students time to prepare.

“Usually we set up buzzers,” said Sheng. “Maitreyi or I will ask questions. Whoever can answer will use their buzzer, and usually someone keeps score.” She said participation can vary. “Sometimes people come, and sometimes they don’t. They kind of just sit there. But there will be other people who will answer the questions, and it’s nice when people are engaged to it.”

The team has already competed once this year, giving members a sense of where they stand. 

“We’ve been to one competition,” said Kumar. “We placed fourth as a team, and I placed first individually. We qualified for state championships.” The competition included ten teams, and the team’s next event will be held at Michigan State University in February.

The teacher helping out with Quizbowl is science teacher Alvaro Salcedo, who said the club provides a supportive environment for students who enjoy trivia. As the club’s advisor, Salcedo helps coordinate practices and competitions while encouraging students. Quizbowl is a space for students to challenge themselves and gain more knowledge while working together as a team.

“They are super committed, Maitreyi in particular,” said Salcedo. “She found a way. She’s been doing it. And she’s really good nationally.” He added that the club currently has a low level of required commitment, as the school has mainly provided space and buzzers.

As Quizbowl continues its first year, leaders hope to grow the club and attract more students. Leaders also plan to attend additional competitions and continue improving as a team. Salcedo said that as the team begins competing more frequently, the level of commitment and school involvement may increase.

“In my personal opinion, it’s a safe space to be a complete nerd,” said Salcedo. “The fact that there’s a place where you’re comfortable displaying your skills is important.”