Eric Monkman comes out top in University Challenge after epic showdown with Bobby Seagull
University Challenge favourite Eric Monkman is through to the final of the competition after an epic showdown with fellow Cambridge student Bobby Seagull.
On Monday night, the semi-final heralded as the “battle of the century” sent social media into a frenzy, as Monkman and his Wolfston College teammates took on Seagull’s team – from Emmanuel College.
Since first appearing on screens in September, Monkman, who is studying Economics, has become something of a sensation.
He has been lauded for his intense facial expressions and impressive levels of enthusiasm, sparking the hashtag #Monkmania with his memorable performances.
His team was up against fan favourite Seagull – a man who is described as having ‘the best name on TV’.
Many people took to Twitter to express their anticipation at the battle.
Next week, two good friends... pic.twitter.com/BJN1qQn5ch
— Eric Monkman (@e_monkman) March 20, 2017
One Twitter user said: “I've been waiting a lifetime for this. It's Monkman vs Seagull.”
I've been waiting a lifetime for this.
It's Monkman vs Seagull.#UniversityChallenge— Malissa (@malissamistry) March 27, 2017
@CasualBantam added: “The big guns are out now. It's Monkman vs. Seagull.”
The big guns are out now. It's Monkman vs. Seagull #UniversityChallenge
— Rich (@CasualBantam) March 27, 2017
Monkman v Seagull - live on pay-per-view. #UniversityChallenge pic.twitter.com/7rPm0z2UFQ
— JP (@pamesjerry) February 13, 2017
@DavidBlenkinsop said: "Batman v Superman, Cowboys v Aliens, Borg v McEnroe. They are nothing compared to this. I shiver. Seagull v Monkman."
Batman v Superman, Cowboys v Aliens, Borg v McEnroe. They are nothing compared to this. I shiver. Seagull v Monkman. #UniversityChallenge
— DaveB (@DavidBlenkinsop) March 27, 2017
Seagull v Monkman. This is Ali v Foreman, but with jumpers on #UniversityChallenge
— Adam Bowyer (@archios_III) March 27, 2017
Throughout the Titanic semi-final - the closest in 12 years - people were on the edge of their seats.
Monkman even knows his north west England stained glass windows. If that doesn't define 'legend' I don't know what does #UniversityChallenge
— Miles Evans (@milominder) March 27, 2017
Watching #UniversityChallenge - Monkman nailing it again. Incredible knowledge. I'm still writing 2016 on forms instead of 2017, lads
— Mat Davies (@matgower) March 27, 2017
Hill from the Emmanuel team appears to have died midway through the game and nobody's doing a thing. #UniversityChallenge pic.twitter.com/Vo99NBT9uc
— Andy (@alreadytaken74) March 27, 2017
And despite a late rally from the Emmanuel team, Monkman finished victorious.
#Monkman delivers the killer blow. A true captains performance tonight from the great #Monkman. #UniversityChallenge https://t.co/2KuVtc700n
— Phil Catchpole (@bluntphil) March 27, 2017
Even Jeremy Paxman looked disappointed to have to bring the epic semi-final to an end.
He said to both teams: “I will say only that you guys - all of you, of whatever gender - are very, very clever.”
Monkman and his team of Justin Yang, Ben Chaudhri and Paul Cosgrove ended up with 170 points, while Seagull and teammates Bruno Barton-Singer, Tom Hill and Leah Ward finished on 140.
One person said: “All hail to the victorious @e_monkman who defeated @Bobby_Seagull.
“The seagull nation did its best.”
All hail to the victorious @e_monkman who defeated @Bobby_Seagull
The seagull nation did its best pic.twitter.com/6bzwhBWeuV— Holyhead Seagull (@HolyheadSeagull) March 28, 2017
Bobby Seagull tweeted: "Well done my friends @WolfsonCam on getting through to the grand final of #UniversityChallenge! Shame #TeamEmma couldn’t join you."
Well done my friends @WolfsonCam on getting through to the grand final of #UniversityChallenge! Shame #TeamEmma couldn’t join you ;) pic.twitter.com/P9JaLMO8bm
— Bobby Seagull (@Bobby_Seagull) March 27, 2017
While Eric Monkman added: "After the match, we got up to shake hands, but spontaneously did this. Hoped it would be shown in the credits. Recreated it for you instead."
After the match, we got up to shake hands, but spontaneously did this. Hoped it would be shown in the credits. Recreated it for you instead. pic.twitter.com/WVZXHHOU4j
— Eric Monkman (@e_monkman) March 27, 2017
The second round of the University Challenge semi-finals will be on BBC Two at 8pm on April 3.