Roman Dubowski has become only the seventh person in the history of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? to win the top prize of £1 million. The retired IT analyst from Stockport remained remarkably calm throughout his journey, even celebrating with a cup of tea after his victory.
A Rocky Start
Dubowski’s path to the million-pound prize began with a moment of uncertainty. He needed to ask the audience for help on the £1,000 question about mayonnaise. However, after phoning his sister to secure £4,000, the quiz enthusiast stormed through the remaining questions.
Reflecting on his win, Dubowski told the Mirror: “It doesn’t feel real at the moment. It hasn’t quite sunk in. It is one of those slow motion things that will sink in later today.”
The Final Question
The £1 million question asked which trademark logo, used since 1876, appears in James Joyce’s novel Ulysses and in paintings by Picasso and Manet. Dubowski recalled seeing a Manet painting at the Courtauld Gallery, which featured the red triangle of Bass Ale. He used his 50:50 lifeline to confirm his hunch and answered correctly.
Host Jeremy Clarkson was visibly thrilled, exclaiming: “That is fantastic! Yes! It happened so quickly. I don’t even know what to say and you did it without my help! That is just extraordinary. A million pounds. Enjoy it.”
Plans for the Prize Money
Dubowski, who is in his sixties, plans to use most of the winnings to buy a new house, as he has lived in his current home for over 30 years. He also intends to travel, having recently visited New Zealand and hoping to explore South America, particularly Brazil and Peru. “I’m more an ‘experiences person’ rather than ‘a buying stuff’ sort of person,” he said.
He also plans to treat his niece and nephew, whose mother helped him during the game, and will buy drinks for his pub quiz team.
Advice for Future Contestants
Dubowski advised future contestants to choose friends or family who know things they don’t, and to revise weak subjects. He noted that even if you don’t win the top prize, there’s a good chance of winning something.
History of Winners
Dubowski joins an exclusive club of six previous winners: Judith Keppel (2000), David Edwards (2001), Robert Brydges (2001), Pat Gibson (2004), Ingram Wilcox (2006), and Donald Fear (2020). The show has been running for 28 years.
Full List of Questions
- £100: The planet Saturn famously has seven what? Rings
- £200: At which of these locations is ice hockey traditionally played? Rink
- £300: If you respond to an opponent's attack with the same method, you are said to 'fight.....' what? Fire with fire
- £500: What is the name of the famous mansion in Memphis that was Elvis Presley's home from 1957 to 1977? Graceland
- £1,000: What is mixed with vinegar, mustard and oil to make a basic mayonnaise? Egg yolk
- £2,000: In the Harry Potter books, which term is used to describe a non-magic person? Muggle
- £4,000: Which of these fashion retailers was founded in Japan? Uniqlo
- £8,000: Which of these major historic events took place in the middle of the 14th century? Black Death
- £16,000: Which of these sea creatures is NOT classed as cartilaginous? Dolphin
- £32,000: Which word refers to a metal that can be stretched out into a thin wire without breaking? Ductile
- £64,000: Which of these plays is part of the 20th-century theatrical movement known as the Theatre of the Absurd? Waiting for Godot
- £125,000: The Rhone river begins its journey in which mountain range? Alps
- £250,000: Which of these figures from Greek mythology is NOT known for slaying a monster? Adonis
- £500,000: Presented in 1901, the first Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded for the discovery of what? X-rays
- £1,000,000: Used since 1876, which trademarked logo is described in the James Joyce novel 'Ulysses' and depicted in works by Manet and Picasso? Bass Ale
