RONNY SWIGGERS - 2023 WORLD QUIZ CHAMPION

Summary

In this interview, world champion quizzer Ronnie Swiggers reflects on his quizzing journey, sharing insights into his training methods, strategies, and mindset. He reveals how his approach has evolved, from focusing solely on individual questions to incorporating thematic revision for niche subjects. Despite being at the top of his game, he emphasizes the importance of balance, noting that quizzing remains a fun challenge, but mental and physical well-being take priority. Ronnie also discusses the growing international competition and the changing landscape of quiz subjects, including gaming and popular culture, highlighting the need to adapt to stay competitive.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ronnie Swiggers won the World Quiz Championship in 2023, marking his second title, and is only the fourth person to have won it twice.
• 📊 Ronnie prefers more difficult quizzes, stating that international competitions often feature a mix of tough and less difficult questions.
• 🧠 He uses a comprehensive database for training, but has evolved his approach to include thematic learning—exploring subjects in depth rather than just isolated facts.
• 💡 During COVID-19 lockdowns, he developed a new training method, focusing on specific subjects (e.g., Robert De Niro, Saint Kitts and Nevis), integrating them into his quiz preparation.
• 🏆 Ronnie's success isn't just about raw memorization but also the strategic use of his memory, using thematic knowledge to recall facts when needed.
• 🤔 He emphasizes the importance of mental relaxation before competitions, intentionally reducing his revision in the week leading up to big quizzes to avoid stress and overloading his mind.
• 📉 Ronnie’s philosophy is that missing questions is part of the process—he focuses on the questions he should have gotten right, rather than dwelling on the ones he misses.
• 🎮 Despite having little personal experience with modern topics like video games and manga, Ronnie stays competitive by studying all types of subjects and adapting to the changing quiz landscape.
• 🌍 The global quiz scene has evolved, with new generations of quizzers incorporating modern pop culture (e.g., video games, manga) into their preparations, challenging older champions.
• 🏅 For Ronnie, success isn't just about winning but about answering the questions he should know correctly—he values accuracy and focus over ranking.
• 📅 Even after winning multiple world championships, Ronnie remains motivated to continue competing, always striving for self-improvement while balancing his personal life.

Q & A

How did winning the World Quizzing Championships feel this time compared to the first time?

Winning the World Quizzing Championships felt a little different this time. The first time was a complete surprise, and I didn’t expect to win after nearly losing it over 10 years ago. This time, while still exciting, it was a bit more familiar, and I felt I had to work harder for it.

Was the competition tougher this year compared to previous years?

Yes, it was definitely tougher. In fact, I found the competition harder this time around. I prefer more challenging quizzes, and although the world championships are generally tough, some quizzes in international cases are slightly easier than others.

What changes have you made to your training routine over the years?

During the coronavirus pandemic, I adjusted my training routine. I started focusing on thematic areas, like reviewing everything I know about specific topics such as Robert De Niro or Saint Kitts and Nevis, rather than just memorizing individual questions. This approach helps me look at the 'forest' rather than just the 'trees.'

How does your database training help during competitions?

My database is crucial for training, and about two-thirds of the questions in the World Championship were covered by it. However, some questions don’t always match the exact information I have, so there are moments where I miss certain questions. But it’s still very helpful for recalling information.

What strategies do you use when you don’t immediately know the answer to a question?

When I don’t immediately know an answer, I skip it and come back later. I don’t waste time on questions I have no clue about. Sometimes, I just put a random guess, like ‘Smith’ for a surname, and sometimes, surprisingly, it works!

Do you ever get nervous before competitions, and how do you handle it?

I try not to think about the competition too much before it starts. I avoid discussing quiz-related topics with others and try to stay relaxed. The week before a competition, I intentionally ease up on training to avoid stressing my brain.

How important is relaxation during the final preparations before a quiz?

Relaxation is crucial. I don’t do intense revision the week before a competition. I focus on recent topics but don’t push myself too hard. The key is to stay calm and not overthink it, which allows my brain to work more effectively during the quiz.

How do you balance quizzing with other important aspects of life?

Quizzing is a luxury, and while it’s a big part of my life, there are certainly more important things. My health, family, and friends always come first. Quizzing should never overshadow these things.

Do you think there’s a generational shift in the world of competitive quizzing?

It’s more of an evolution than a shift. New players are coming through, and different nations, like the United States and Austria, are producing top players. The competition has become fiercer, which is healthy for the sport.

How do you handle subjects that you’re not personally interested in, like manga or video games?

I don’t have personal experience with video games or manga, but I still perform well in these areas. I accept that I can’t afford to ignore any subject, even if it's not of personal interest. Being knowledgeable in all areas, even those outside my comfort zone, is necessary to succeed in world championships.