VUB Journalism wins Campus Cup 2026

"We would already have been delighted just to make it through the first round," says Laura. "As we progressed further in the competition, of course, we started to believe we might go all the way. But even in the final, we never really thought: we're going to win this."

That grounded confidence characterised the team throughout the competition. The four students had only known each other since the start of the academic year, so much of their preparation focused on getting to know one another. Visits to local cafés armed with notebooks proved every bit as important as practising quiz questions.

"We really had to get to know each other," says Igor. "Names, hobbies, brothers and sisters, secondary schools – that was actually our most important preparation. We hardly studied for the quiz itself. Of course, you need knowledge, but luck plays a part too: knowing just the right thing at the right moment, reacting quickly enough and sometimes taking advantage of how your opponents play."

Most of the preparation took place individually. Merle, for example, took part in several quizzes and memorised, among other things, all the countries in the world as well as the members of the Flemish and federal governments.

According to programme coordinator Martina Temmerman, that was precisely where the team's strength lay. "They complemented each other perfectly thanks to their different backgrounds and interests. They were also exceptionally sporting. Even in the most tense moments, they remained respectful towards their opponents. That made me at least as proud as the victory itself."

The students themselves also see their diversity as a key asset. Igor previously studied Law, Laura has a strong interest in sport, Florian possesses an impressive breadth of general knowledge, and Merle brings a background in the arts. Together, they formed a team in which almost every topic found an expert.

For Temmerman, the victory carried additional significance. The Journalism programme is celebrating its 25th anniversary this academic year. "When it became clear that we had won, I was incredibly proud," she says. "For the final round, I was sitting in the control room alongside the professor from the opposing team. I tried to stay calm, but my heart was racing. Every victory came so unexpectedly that it took a moment each time before I realised: they've done it again."

Beyond the quiz questions and the tension of competition, it is the people who left the greatest impression. During filming, strong friendships developed both within the team and with students from other universities. "That's what I'll remember most," says Laura. "You spend long days together backstage and go through so much. We've grown closer as a team, but we've also made friends with students from other teams. I never expected that."

For Igor, too, that was one of the biggest surprises. "I'm normally someone who thinks things through and analyses everything. During Campus Cup, I learned that sometimes you simply have to go with the flow. Don't overplan, just embrace the adventure. And suddenly, we'd won."

The trophy will soon be given a permanent place within the programme. The students hope it will find a home in the Journalism newsroom on the Etterbeek campus. "That would be a wonderful symbol," says Laura. "Our programme is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and Professor Temmerman helped build it from the very beginning. It would be a fitting way to give something back to the programme that gave us this opportunity."

For Temmerman, the victory perfectly reflects what university education is all about. "I always encourage students to seize opportunities beyond the classroom. These four did exactly that. They have had a unique experience, grown as a team and achieved something that no one can ever take away from them."