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40 Questions for Hosting the Ultimate Online Quiz Night

Dearmond Teresa

In this unique period where extra time abounds, individuals are creatively staying connected with loved ones. Pub quizzes, a cherished tradition typically held in the cozy corner of a neighborhood pub, have now found a new home on the internet. No matter where you’re located, joining the quiz phenomenon is just a click away – and it promises to be an exciting affair! Gear up to expand your trivia trove, refine your geographic intel, and acquire the know-how to orchestrate an unforgettable digital pub quiz.

How to Run an Online Pub Quiz

  • What you’ll need is simple: a platform like Zoom, eager participants armed with pen and paper, and an enthusiastic grin;
  • For an engaging quiz, divide it into categories such as world geography, history, fashion, pop culture, or music. Start with a brief to set the stage for your quizzers;
  • Announce each question unhurriedly and with clarity, instructing players to note their answers alongside the corresponding question number. Keep the thrill alive by revealing answers after each category, allowing everyone to tally their points as you progress;
  • To dial up the tension, add a playful touch with a cool countdown timer from YouTube, giving contestants 20 seconds to finalize their responses.

40 Questions to Elevate Your Debut Quiz Event

An illustration of a person pondering beside a large question mark

Ready to transform your quiz into an unforgettable experience? Elevate your hosting game with these dynamic questions designed to captivate and entertain your participants. From mind-bending trivia to unexpected twists, these carefully curated queries will take your quiz to the next level, ensuring it’s a standout success.

General Knowledge Questions

  • Can you name the national flower of Japan? (Cherry blossom);
  • Count the stripes on the US flag. How many are there? (13);
  • Identify the national animal of Australia. (Red Kangaroo);
  • In how many days does the Earth complete its orbit around the Sun? (365);
  • Among the Incan, Aztec, Egyptian, and Roman empires, which one did not have a written language? (Incan);
  • Prior to 1923, what was the former name of the Turkish city now known as Istanbul? (Constantinople);
  • How many time zones does Russia span across? (11).

World Geography

  • Which nation boasts the largest number of islands globally? (Sweden, with over 220,000!);
  • Identify the tiniest sovereign state on Earth? (The Vatican);
  • What serves as the capital of Canada? (Ottawa);
  • What is the most extensive mountain range by length (not height)? (The Andes – spanning 7000km long; reaching 6962m high);
  • Where can we find the deepest natural depression on our planet? (The Mariana Trench, plunging to 11,034m);
  • Identify the longest river globally? (The Nile, stretching across 6650km).

Language, Literature, and Art Trivia

  • What’s the nickname for New York City often used by locals? (Gotham);
  • Can you name the best-selling book series of the 21st century? (It’s Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling);
  • Which language boasts the highest number of words according to dictionary entries? (English leads with approximately 200,000 words);
  • From which city does the renowned graffiti artist Banksy hail? (Bristol);
  • Identify the iconic piece painted by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. (It’s “The Scream”);
  • Who is the artist behind the breathtaking ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome? (It’s Michelangelo).

Historical Events and Fashion Icons

  • When did the London Underground first open its doors for commuters? (1863);
  • Who is credited with inventing the World Wide Web, and in which year? (Tim Berners-Lee, 1990);
  • Who is the visionary behind the timeless Little Black Dress? (Coco Chanel, 1920s);
  • What significant event took place on July 20th, 1969? (Apollo 11 landed on the Moon);
  • In which year was the first issue of Vogue magazine published? (1892).
A group interacting with large question mark symbols

Pop Culture and Musical Milestones

Dive into the vibrant world of pop culture and music with these captivating insights:

  • Where does the talented Billie Eilish hail from? (Los Angeles);
  • From which iconic city did The Beatles emerge? (Liverpool);
  • What song holds the title of the all-time most-streamed on Spotify? (Ed Sheeran’s “The Shape of You”);
  • Which album topped Spotify’s charts as the most-streamed? (Billie Eilish’s “When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?”);
  • How many keys does a classic piano typically possess? (88);
  • Which renowned American pop band was initially known as ‘Kara’s Flowers’? (Maroon 5).

Sports

  • Where did the inaugural modern Olympic Games take place? (Athens, 1896);
  • Which soccer team bears the nickname ‘The Red Devils’? (Manchester United);
  • Who holds the record for the most Formula 1 championships? (Michael Schumacher);
  • Who ranks third on the all-time list of female tennis Grand Slam champions? (Serena Williams);
  • What was the original name of the apparel brand Nike? (Blue Ribbon Sports).

Movies & Television

  • In which year was Netflix established: 1997, 2001, 2009, or 2015? (1997);
  • Which series topped the viewership charts on Netflix in 2019? (Stranger Things);
  • Identify the debut feature film from Pixar? (Toy Story, 1995);
  • What is the name of the café featured in the sitcom Friends? (Central Perk);
  • Name Disney’s inaugural animated film? (Snow White, 1937).

Conclusion

In conclusion, a well-organized and curated trivia night can turn an ordinary gathering into an exciting and engaging event. These sessions can not only entertain but also stimulate the brain and broaden knowledge across various fields. By carefully choosing a wide array of questions from different categories, hosts can ensure the participation of all players, regardless of their interests. Whether held in a traditional pub or virtually, trivia nights are an excellent reminder of the joy of learning new facts and the thrill of competition.