The festive season brings a beloved tradition for readers of The Guardian: the annual Christmas cartoon challenge by acclaimed illustrator Stephen Collins. This year's intricate drawing presents a bustling pub scene where a host of famous faces from a memorable 2025 are hidden in plain sight. Your mission is to identify 20 people who dominated the headlines over the past twelve months.
A Pub Quiz Packed with Personalities
Central to the cartoon's scene is a pub quiz team, seemingly led by none other than Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The challenge invites you to scour the detailed illustration, from the bar to the tables, to find the celebrities, politicians, and cultural icons who made their mark. The puzzle is a witty visual summary of the year's most talked-about events, from sporting triumphs to interstellar adventures.
Who Made the Cut in 2025?
The cartoon features a diverse cast reflecting a busy news cycle. Sydney Sweeney is depicted at the bar, while rock brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher make an appearance following their live comeback. Television personality Claudia Winkleman is noted for her role on The Traitors, and Superman is spotted with his dog, Krypto.
Politics and pop culture collide, with Keir Starmer remembered for a viral dance moment with schoolchildren. The arts are well-represented by Timothée Chalamet for his portrayal of Bob Dylan, and music stars Olivia Rodrigo and Kendrick Lamar for dominating Glastonbury and the Super Bowl respectively. The year's power couple, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, feature for launching a podcast alongside a new album.
Other notable inclusions are Katy Perry for her space voyage and subsequent link to Justin Trudeau, and darts prodigy Luke Littler for passing his driving test after a historic world championship win. The cartoon also nods to environmental news with the return of beavers to England, and sporting glory with England's Lionesses winning the Euros, represented by Lauren James.
Completing the Picture
The final clues reference the appointment of a new Pope and a cheeky mention of Nigel Farage, with the cartoonist playfully noting the difficulty of remembering every detail of a long year. The full solution provides a humorous and insightful recap of 2025's defining moments.
For those who enjoy such challenges, The Guardian encourages readers to explore more puzzles, including crosswords, sudoku, and new digital games like On The Ball and Film Reveal, available via the Guardian app.
