Yahoo News University Challenge contestant's name is a mouthful
We already know that X Factor announcer Peter Jackson lists Rachel Adedeji as one of his favourite names to say during the live shows, but University Challenge announcer Roger Tilling may have just found the name to rival it.
Yes, tonight's (September 25) University Challenge saw students from Imperial College and the University of Strathclyde go head-to-head for a place in the next round, but it was Imperial student Rubio Gorrochategui who scored the most attention tonight – mainly because of his incredible name.
Even Roger Tilling, the guy who shouts the names when the students buzz in, took to Twitter to share just how much of a mouthful it was.
Oh my giddy aunt. I'm doomed...#UniversityChallenge pic.twitter.com/cMQuANK3O1
- Roger Tilling (@rogertilling) September 25, 2017
"Oh my giddy aunt. I'm doomed..." he captioned a photo of the student's name.
And the Twitter reactions just kept coming from there when the show started and viewers saw the name (and Tilling) in action for themselves.
#universitychallenge Bet the announcer is dreading Rubio Gorrochategui answering a question.
- fiona enright (@posiesmum) September 25, 2017
Longest surname to ever appear on #UniversityChallenge#RubioGorrochategui pic.twitter.com/CZhcx5fhSP
- Warren Wilson (@MrWJWilson) September 25, 2017
Without doubt @rogertilling earning his money tonight #UniversityChallenge
- Mark Shaw (@markshaw) September 25, 2017
Rubio Gorrochategui is possibly the most exotic, and arguably the longest, ever name ever on #UniversityChallenge pic.twitter.com/F8VusPHZ8K
- Phil Nash (@philnashuk) September 25, 2017
Watching University Challenge. @rogertilling rising to the challenge of the names.
- Ken Bruce (@RealKenBruce) September 25, 2017
Is this the best name ever on #UniversityChallenge? Rubio Gorrochategui... good luck, Roger Tilling.
- Karyn M. Cooke (@KarynCooke) September 25, 2017
Really wanted Rubio Gorrochategui to buzz for a tie-breaking question at end & bong to go before his name is finished #UniversityChallenge
- Joel Gleicher (@JoelG_88) September 25, 2017
Paxo: 'Hi, Roger. Tonight, we have a contestant named Rubio Gorrochategui.' Roger Tilling: 'Okay. Will I get a bonus?' #UniversityChallenge pic.twitter.com/qt4zJiFmE2
- Clagsborough College (@Julaybib) September 25, 2017
Major props to the announcer on #UniversityChallenge for reading Rubio Gorrochategui's name out without a hitch.
- Mark S (@jacobs_ladder71) September 25, 2017
So was Rubio Gorrochategui entered for #UniversityChallenge on merit or did Imperial just want to make a bit of mischief with Roger Tilling?
- Nick Reeves (@NGReeves) September 25, 2017
Roger Tilling must be delighted that 'Imperial - Rubio Gorrochategui' hasn't answered many starter questions. #UniversityChallenge
- James Scholey (@JamesFromLeeds) September 25, 2017
Of course, Tilling more than delivered on the pronunciation every time and even said on Twitter later that he was hoping Imperial make it to the next round so he could get another go at it.
"That really woke me up!" he joked.
So do I actually, Bobby - that really woke me up! #UniversityChallenge
- Roger Tilling (@rogertilling) September 25, 2017
And it seemed to get the approval of Rubio Gorrochategui himself too, as the student also replied to Tilling's Twitter post to thank him for pronouncing it right – as well as confirming that he was told it really was the longest name the show has seen yet.
