'My 17-year journey to University Challenge victory'

The captain of the University Challenge 2026 final's winning team has said they started watching the television quiz aged just seven - armed with a science book and the periodic table.

For Kai Madgwick, 24, from Fowey in Cornwall, those early years of practice came to bear as they led the University of Manchester team to a 145-105 victory over formidable opponents from Edinburgh on Monday night.

"It was unbelievable, the whole experience," said the PHD student, who was praised by comedian and former contestant Miriam Margoyles as a "genius" at the award ceremony.

"I think seven-year-old me would be pretty amazed about the whole thing," they said.

"I had a little kids' science book and I used to bring out the periodic table whenever there was an episode on just so I could maybe get a question right," added Madgwick, who is studying for a PHD in AI and astrophysics.

Speaking to the BBC from a galaxy morphology conference, Madgwick added: "We definitely would not have made the final without the rest of the team.

"There were so many things the rest of the team know that I have absolutely no clue on. I'd really like to thank them."

The team forged through six gruelling rounds to get to the final, in which Madgwick gave all nine correct answers to starter questions: "I can't be too mad at that."

For the final and to accept the trophy alongside team mates, Madgwick wore a hat they had knitted themselves - a hobby which came in handy during the "nail-biting" lead-up to the final.

"It's now my lucky hat," they said. "I should wear it to more tournaments."

Other preparation included watching 11 series, with Madgwick adding: "That's 407 episodes to get familiar with the types of questions."

Luck played its part too. Madgwick's speedy answer to a question about the time zone difference between Afghanistan and China came from a YouTube show they happened to have watched.

"I just kind of acquire random knowledge now and then," they said.

The team also received lots of training and support from staff and former teams at the university, they added.

Growing up in Fowey, with parents Debbie, a teacher and Ian, a pilot, and alongside brothers Jack and Tom, Madgwick's teachers at Fowey Primary School and Fowey River Academy kickstarted a love of learning.

They said: "I wouldn't be going into astronomy if it weren't for Mr Baker who set up an astronomy club at secondary school.

"All the teachers I had for A-level were really passionate and great.

"Thanks to everyone in Fowey who's been watching and for all the support."

Quizzes at the Safe Harbour Inn also kept Madgwick on their game, they said, with supportive staff having aired the final for customers on the night.

"I've been doing quizzes on the buzzer for quite a while and that's a massive help.

"It's just about being confident... even if you know all these things, it's important to have the actual recall," they added.

Madgwick, who lives in Hulme, said their distinctive buzzer style - featuring a high right elbow - was inspired by Thomas Hart, a member of the Warwick team from last year.

But Madgwick insists their initial and lasting inspiration came, aged seven, when they first sat down to watch University Challenge.

"I definitely didn't think I'd be able to make it all the way to the end," they said. "It's just the coolest thing ever."

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