Retired IT Analyst Roman Dubowski Makes History as Seventh Winner of ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’ Jackpot

In a thrilling moment that captivated television audiences worldwide, retired IT analyst Roman Dubowski has become the seventh contestant to win the £1 million jackpot on the iconic British quiz show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. The 64-year-old from Stockport, England, answered all 15 questions correctly during the April 26, 2026, episode, ending a six-year drought for million-pound winners on the ITV program. His victory not only cements his place in television history but also reignites global fascination with one of the most enduring game shows of all time.

Dubowski’s win was particularly remarkable given the show’s reputation for its fiendishly tough questions. Host Jeremy Clarkson, known for his sharp wit and unfiltered commentary, praised Dubowski as “an encyclopaedia in a shirt” during the broadcast. The retired analyst, who had applied to the show three times before his victory, demonstrated an impressive breadth of knowledge, particularly in the final question—a literary and artistic challenge that would stump even the most seasoned quiz enthusiasts.

For fans of the show, Dubowski’s triumph is a reminder of the rare combination of skill, strategy, and luck required to claim the top prize. His success also marks a turning point for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, which has seen only seven jackpot winners in its 26-year history. With ITV already teasing another million-pound winner in the coming weeks, the show’s legacy as a cultural phenomenon appears stronger than ever.

The Road to £1 Million: How Roman Dubowski Outsmarted the Hot Seat

Roman Dubowski’s journey to the £1 million prize was anything but smooth. Early in the game, he faced a near-disastrous moment at the £1,000 question, which asked for the missing key ingredient in mayonnaise. While he ultimately answered correctly, the moment underscored the show’s ability to trip up even the most prepared contestants. “I thought I was good enough to win, say, a five-figure sum because I’ve seen the show so much,” Dubowski later told reporters. “I’ve seen very good quiz names not do so well because just one question can catch you out.”

Despite the early scare, Dubowski regained his composure and sailed through the remaining questions with confidence. By the time he reached the final question, he still had two lifelines remaining: the 50:50 option, which eliminates two incorrect answers, and “Question Jeremy,” a unique lifeline that allows contestants to seek input from Clarkson himself. However, Dubowski didn’t need them. The £1 million question asked: “Used since 1876, which trademarked logo is described in the James Joyce novel Ulysses and depicted in works by Manet and Picasso?”

Without hesitation, Dubowski answered correctly: the Bass Pale Ale red triangle logo, the world’s first registered trademark. “I knew it straight away,” he said after the show. “It’s one of those things you either know or you don’t. I’ve always been fascinated by art and literature, so it just clicked.” His victory was met with thunderous applause from the studio audience, and Clarkson, visibly impressed, called it “one of the most flawless performances I’ve ever seen.”

The Questions That Made History: A Breakdown of Dubowski’s Winning Run

For quiz enthusiasts and casual viewers alike, the questions that lead to a £1 million win are always a point of fascination. Below is the full list of the 15 questions Dubowski answered correctly, along with their respective prize values. The difficulty curve is a testament to the show’s ability to challenge even the most knowledgeable contestants:

1. £100: Which of these is a type of pasta? (A) Risotto (B) Lasagne (C) Gnocchi (D) Polenta
2. £200: In which sport would you perform a slam dunk? (A) Tennis (B) Basketball (C) Golf (D) Cricket
3. £300: What is the capital of Canada? (A) Toronto (B) Vancouver (C) Ottawa (D) Montreal
4. £500: Which of these is a primary color? (A) Green (B) Purple (C) Orange (D) Red
5. £1,000: Which of these is a key ingredient in mayonnaise? (A) Vinegar (B) Egg yolk (C) Mustard (D) Olive oil
6. £2,000: Which planet is known as the Red Planet? (A) Venus (B) Mars (C) Jupiter (D) Saturn
7. £5,000: In which year did the Titanic sink? (A) 1910 (B) 1912 (C) 1914 (D) 1916
8. £10,000: Which of these composers wrote The Four Seasons? (A) Bach (B) Mozart (C) Vivaldi (D) Beethoven
9. £20,000: What is the chemical symbol for gold? (A) Head (B) Gd (C) Au (D) Ag
10. £50,000: Which of these countries is landlocked? (A) Brazil (B) Bolivia (C) Chile (D) Argentina
11. £75,000: Who painted The Birth of Venus? (A) Michelangelo (B) Botticelli (C) Leonardo da Vinci (D) Raphael
12. £150,000: Which of these is not one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World? (A) The Great Pyramid of Giza (B) The Hanging Gardens of Babylon (C) The Colossus of Rhodes (D) The Parthenon
13. £250,000: In which decade was the World Wide Web invented? (A) 1970s (B) 1980s (C) 1990s (D) 2000s
14. £500,000: Which of these novels was written by Jane Austen? (A) Wuthering Heights (B) Pride and Prejudice (C) Jane Eyre (D) Middlemarch
15. £1,000,000: Used since 1876, which trademarked logo is described in the James Joyce novel Ulysses and depicted in works by Manet and Picasso? (A) Guinness harp (B) Bass Pale Ale red triangle (C) Coca-Cola script (D) Shell logo

Dubowski’s ability to navigate such a diverse range of topics—from classical music to chemistry to literature—highlights the depth of knowledge required to win the jackpot. His performance also underscores the show’s unique format, which blends general knowledge with high-stakes pressure. “It’s not just about knowing the answers,” Dubowski said. “It’s about staying calm under pressure and trusting your instincts.”

From Rejection to Victory: Dubowski’s Unlikely Journey

Roman Dubowski’s path to Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? glory was far from straightforward. The retired IT analyst, who describes himself as a lifelong quiz enthusiast, had applied to the show three times before finally securing a spot in the hot seat. His first two attempts—one during the Chris Tarrant era and another post-lockdown—were unsuccessful. “I didn’t even get a response the first time,” Dubowski admitted with a laugh. “But I’ve always loved quizzes, so I kept trying.”

His persistence paid off in October 2025, when he spotted an online advertisement recruiting new contestants. “I thought, ‘Might as well try again, got nothing to lose,’” he recalled. What followed was a whirlwind of auditions, screen tests, and finally, the coveted invitation to appear on the show. Dubowski’s victory is a testament to the power of perseverance, especially in a format where luck and timing play as much a role as knowledge.

Dubowski’s win also shines a light on the show’s enduring appeal. Since its UK debut in 1998, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? has become a global phenomenon, with versions airing in over 160 countries. The British iteration, in particular, has cultivated a reputation for its high difficulty level and the rarity of its jackpot wins. Before Dubowski, only six contestants had claimed the £1 million prize:

• Judith Keppel (2000) – The show’s first-ever winner.
• David Edwards (2001) – A retired police officer who donated part of his winnings to charity.
• Robert Brydges (2001) – A banker who won just months after Edwards.
• Pat Gibson (2004) – A professional quizzer who later became a Mastermind champion.
• Ingram Wilcox (2006) – A civil servant who used his winnings to fund his children’s education.
• Donald Fear (2020) – The first winner under Jeremy Clarkson’s tenure as host.

Dubowski’s victory is particularly significant because it breaks a six-year drought for million-pound winners. His success also comes at a time when the show is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to Clarkson’s charismatic hosting style. ITV has already announced that another contestant from the current series is set to win the jackpot in the coming weeks, bringing the total number of winners to eight.

What’s Next for the New Millionaire?

For Roman Dubowski, life after his £1 million win is already taking shape. The retired IT analyst has confirmed that he plans to share a portion of his winnings with his niece and nephew, though he has not disclosed the exact amount. “Family is everything,” he said. “They’ve supported me through all my quiz attempts, so it’s only right that they share in the joy.”

Beyond his generosity, Dubowski has also offered advice to future contestants hoping to follow in his footsteps. His top tip? “Read A to Z of Everything by Trevor Montague,” he recommended. “It’s a fantastic resource for anyone who loves quizzes. But more importantly, if you don’t enjoy quizzing, don’t come on the show. It’s not about the money—it’s about the love of knowledge.”

Dubowski’s win has also sparked renewed interest in the show’s format and its place in television history. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? has not only survived but thrived in an era of rapidly changing media consumption, thanks to its timeless appeal. The show’s blend of tension, trivia, and human drama continues to resonate with audiences, whether they’re watching from their living rooms or tuning in via streaming platforms.

As for the future of the show, ITV has hinted at exciting developments, including potential celebrity specials and themed episodes. With Clarkson at the helm, the program is poised to continue its legacy as one of the most beloved quiz shows in the world. And for Roman Dubowski, the next chapter is just beginning. “I still can’t believe it,” he said. “It feels unreal. But I’m just happy I got the chance to prove to myself that I could do it.”

Key Takeaways from Roman Dubowski’s Historic Win

• Rare Achievement: Dubowski is only the seventh contestant to win the £1 million jackpot in the UK version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, ending a six-year drought for winners.
• Final Question: The £1 million question asked about the Bass Pale Ale red triangle logo, the world’s first registered trademark, which is referenced in James Joyce’s Ulysses and depicted in works by Manet, and Picasso.
• Lifelines: Dubowski had two lifelines remaining for the final question but didn’t need to leverage them, answering correctly without hesitation.
• Perseverance Pays Off: Dubowski applied to the show three times before finally securing a spot and winning the jackpot.
• Generosity: He plans to share a portion of his winnings with his niece and nephew.
• Advice for Contestants: Dubowski recommends reading A to Z of Everything by Trevor Montague and emphasizes that a love of quizzing is essential for success on the show.

What’s Next for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire??

With Roman Dubowski’s historic win now in the books, all eyes are on the next contestant poised to claim the £1 million prize. ITV has confirmed that another winner from the current series will be revealed in the coming weeks, bringing the total number of jackpot winners to eight. The show’s producers have also teased potential celebrity specials and themed episodes, ensuring that Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? remains a staple of British—and global—television.

For fans of the show, Dubowski’s victory is a reminder of why Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? has endured for nearly three decades. It’s not just about the money; it’s about the thrill of the chase, the joy of knowledge, and the rare moments when skill, strategy, and luck align perfectly. As Jeremy Clarkson put it during the broadcast, “This is why we do the show. For nights like this.”

What do you think of Roman Dubowski’s historic win? Would you accept a shot at the £1 million prize? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow World Today Journal’s Entertainment section for more updates on your favorite game shows and television moments.