Ilyin what where when. Experts "What? Where? When?": famous participants of the TV game
September 2017 marked 42 years since the release of the first episode of the program “What? Where? When?". All this time, a team of experts is looking for answers to viewers’ questions. We invite you to meet the brightest experts on “What? Where? When?"!
History of the game show
The first episode of this program was released in 1975. Then the bar of the television center in Ostankino was chosen as the location for filming. Seven years later, the unique intellectual game “moved” to Herzen Street, 47. Later, the game was broadcast from Bulgaria - three times. From 1988 to 1989 The experts gathered at Krasnaya Presnya, and then moved to the Hunting Lodge in Neskuchny Garden, where, by the way, they meet to this day.
The author of the television project is Vladimir Voroshilov. He was born in December 1930. His mother, Vera Borisovna Pellekh, was a seamstress and worked at home, and his father, Yakov Davidovich Kalmanovich, first held the position of head of the rationalization bureau, and later became the chief engineer of the People's Commissariat of Light Industry. After graduating from the Moscow Secondary Art School, Vladimir entered the Moscow Art Theater School and studied at the Higher Directing Courses.
In 1966, Voroshilov was invited to work on television. Initially, he was involved in filming television plays and documentaries. Vladimir Voroshilov released his first major television project called “Auction” in 1969. True, only six episodes saw the light of day, after which the program was taken off the air, and its author was transferred to the category of freelancers. Despite this, in September 1975, Voroshilov released the first game “What? Where? When?". By the way, for the first few years, the author’s last name was not indicated in the credits; the editor of the program, Natalia Stetsenko, marked on the folders that she submitted to the broadcast that there was no presenter.
At the end of 2000, Vladimir Yakovlevich played his last game. And in March 2001 he passed away. In the same year, Voroshilov posthumously received the TEFI award. In 2003, at the grave of the first president of the International Association of Clubs “What? Where? When?" a black granite cube was installed - a symbol of a black box. The author of the project is Nikita Shangin, a participant in the TV game.
Maxim Oskarovich Potashev
Muscovite Maxim Potashev was born in January 1969. He graduated from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. And his first game at the club took place in 1994.
It was this expert who in 2000 was recognized as the best player of the “What? Where? When?" for 25 years of existence of this project! Maxim Oskarovich has four “Crystal Owls”, and he received two of them in 2000 in the anniversary series of games. In addition, he is the owner of the diamond star of the Master of the ChGK. The secret of success is simple: according to Potashev, in order to win the game, you need the ability to play for the team, and not for yourself.
Maxim does not like to talk about himself; it is known that he is well versed in sports and science fiction. He prefers the poetry of Pasternak, Blok, Gumilyov. I even tried to write poetry. Maxim Potashev cannot stand boiled onions, bad poetry, cats and stupid women. Maxim is married and has two sons.
Andrey Anatolyevich Kozlov
Another Master of the Game is Andrey Kozlov. He was born in December 1960 right on the plane that was flying from Germany to the Soviet Union.
Andrei's childhood dream was to work on television. Therefore, after graduating from school, he went to Moscow to enroll in the Shchukin Theater School. The young man passed the entrance tests, but took the documents and, at the insistence of his parents, returned to Donetsk. Here Andrey entered Donetsk State University. Kozlov chose chemistry as his specialty. Andrei Anatolyevich wrote a letter to the editors of the club of experts. The qualifying round passed immediately. In 1989, he took part in an elite club game. It is worth noting that Andrei Kozlov plays exclusively as a team captain. Among the awards this connoisseur receives is a “Diamond Owl” and three “Crystal” ones. In addition, Andrei Anatolyevich is the owner of the honorary title “Best Captain”.
By the way, Kozlov’s childhood dream came true: since 1990 he has lived in Moscow and worked on television. It was he who became the director of such television programs as:
- "Brain Ring".
- "How to spend a million."
- "Life is Beautiful".
- "Program Guide".
- "Songs of the 20th century".
- "Cultural Revolution".
Alexander Abramovich Druz
It is difficult to find a person who has never heard the name of this expert “What? Where? When?". Alexander Abramovich is a master of the game, his list of awards includes six “Crystal” and one “Diamond Owl”, the Order of the “Diamond Star”.
Alexander was born in May 1955, his homeland is the city of Leningrad. Here he graduated from the Institute of Railway Transport Engineers, and received a diploma with honors. The only “B” in the diploma was given by the teacher of the political economy of socialism. When asked what brought him to the elite club, Alexander Druz answers simply - curiosity. It was out of curiosity that he wrote a letter to the editor of the game, and from it he decided to play a couple of games. However, he could not stop - since 1981, Druz has been playing to this day. Other experts call the master nothing less than the “Great Combinator,” because he is able to calculate absolutely everything. Club members also note Alexander Abramovich’s special love for jokes: he can tell them on a certain topic, for a while, and even for an argument.
Alexander Druz is married, his other half does not play in the club, saying that there should be at least one normal person in the family. But Alexander’s daughters Inna and Marina (we’ll tell you more about them a little later) are passionate lovers of the game, each of them has an “Owl”.
By the way, Alexander has a secret for raising smart children. The expert is sure that intelligence can only be developed until the age of 18, and therefore during these years you need to have time to read as many books as possible to your child. It is also important to answer all the children’s questions. Alexander admits that if he doesn’t know something, he does not hesitate to look into dictionaries and reference books.
Alexander Andreevich Byalko
Alexander Byalko was born in the late summer of 1952. MEPhI is behind him. Alexander Andreevich - Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences. The main thing this expert understands is nuclear physics. My first game in the club “What? Where? When?" he played in 1979. It was Alexander who became the first owner of the “Sign of the Owl”. Alexander Byalko has a daughter and a son. Maria is a talented journalist, and Dmitry is good with computers.
Ales Vasilievich Mukhin
Ales's homeland is the city of Minsk. He was born in September 1976. It is worth saying that Ales is a history and English teacher; he graduated from the history department of the Belarusian State Pedagogical University.
Fans of the game "ChGK" first saw Ales (some are closer to another version of this name - Oles) Mukhin in 2001. This expert plays only as a captain. Ales has one gaming sign: if his wife is present in the hall, the game will be successful. This rule bears fruit - Ales has a “Crystal Owl”. Mukhin also has two children - son Anton, born in 1996, and daughter Dasha, who was born in 2004.
Now Ales lives in Minsk, works on television. Little is known about the expert. For example, he loves classical music and often attends organ concerts. He also likes the work of Boris Grebenshchikov.
Boris Oskarovich Burda
In 1990, a new player appeared at the club - Boris Burda. In what? Where? When?" he did not come of his own free will. In an interview, Burda admitted that he was blackmailed by the Komsomol authorities: if he had not headed the Odessa club “ChGK”, he was in danger of serious trouble.
Boris Oskarovich talks about many other things. For example, his hobbies include badminton and cooking. It is worth noting that in 1999, a book by this club connoisseur entitled “Boris Burda Treats” was published. Two years later, a sequel to the book appeared. Boris's favorite pastime is reading. By the way, he learned to read on his own. From the age of four, his parents left him alone with his ABC book. Boris Burda's hobbies include conversations with smart people, playing "Heroes-3", playing the six-string guitar and piano. The connoisseur writes songs and takes part in art song festivals. By the way, at the very beginning of the 70s of the last century, Boris took part in another famous game - KVN.
Among the achievements in the elite club are three “Crystal Owls” and one “Diamond” owl. The club calls him a “walking encyclopedia.”
Lyudmila Avgustovna Gerasimova
Speaking of experts, “What? Where? When?" It’s worth mentioning about Lyudmila Gerasimova. This Owl owner appeared on the game show in 1981. Then she was still studying at the Faculty of Chemistry of the Udmurt State University. The debut turned out to be successful - Lyudmila answered two questions correctly, and at the end of the game she became the best expert. Until 1995, Gerasimova played in the women's team, captained by Valentina Golubeva. Afterwards, Lyudmila began organizing a school movement of experts. On Yekaterinburg television she hosted the Erudite Club program.
Inna Alexandrovna Druz
The eldest daughter of the expert “What? Where? When?" Alexandra Druzya, owner of the “Crystal Owl” Inna was born in 1979 in Leningrad. Already at the age of 12 she took part in the game “What? Where? When?". Then she played in Vilnius. Inna joined the elite club when she turned 15 years old.
Behind Inna Aleksandrovna's background is the Physics and Mathematics Lyceum of St. Petersburg, and the State University of Economics and Finance. She also graduated from Paris-Dauphine University. Inna Druz is fluent in German, English and French. In addition, her hobbies include photography and reading.
Marina Aleksandrovna Druz
In December 1982, a daughter, Marina, appeared in the family of Alexander Abramovich. She went to school a year earlier than her peers. Marina studied at the Physics and Mathematics Lyceum of St. Petersburg, and her certificate only had four “B’s.” It is also worth mentioning that she speaks Spanish, French and English. Marina Druz is the winner of the All-Russian Literature Olympiad.
Marina first took part in ChGK at the age of eight. Today she has "Crystal Owl". This connoisseur reads a lot and prefers Western classics. Her interests include hiking and various competitions.
Yulia Valerievna Lazareva
Yulia Lazareva has three “Owls” at once. She was born in 1983 in Moscow. And in 2001 she played her first game. When the girl was studying at the Moscow Law Academy, she was offered to take part in the selection for the game “What? Where? When?". The girl agreed without hesitation, because she had previously taken part in various intellectual games. By the way, Yulia recalls that to some extent the decision to play was influenced by the example of 16-year-old Inna Druz. By the way, it was Lazareva who was recognized five times as the best player and expert of the ChGK club.
Yulia Valerievna willingly communicates with journalists. He talks about how he loves to travel, attend various exhibitions and concerts. Among musical genres he prefers jazz. He cannot imagine his life without friends. After participating in the intellectual game “What? Where? When?" Yulia was also invited to other projects, such as “Children’s Pranks” and “The Smartest”.
Asya Ilyinichna Shavinskaya
Among the experts “What? Where? When?" and graduate of the State University of St. Petersburg Asya Shavinskaya. Among Asya's prizes are one crystal and one diamond “Owl”. She first appeared in the ChGK club at the end of 2003. Then she passed the telephone round of the game and became part of the MTS team. The second game in 2004 brought Asya the title of best player on the team.
This member of the connoisseurs' club loves active recreation. Her hobbies include horseback riding, billiards, ballroom dancing and gymnastics. Asya Shavinskaya willingly goes on hikes and takes part in tourist rallies.
Elizaveta Sergeevna Ovdeenko
Speaking of famous experts “What? Where? When?”, one cannot fail to mention Elizaveta Ovdeenko. She was born in Odessa in 1980. Elizaveta has two higher educations: she is a mathematician and a bank worker. The reason for moving to Moscow in 2010 was a successful personal life, and the girl was brought to ChGK by her love for reflection. In addition, Elizabeth simply loves games with words, for example, “Scrabble.” It is worth noting that Ovdeenko is the owner of two “Crystal Owls”.
Vladimir Grigorievich Belkin
It is worth noting Vladimir Belkin, an expert on the game, a member of the ChGK club and the board of the International Association. He was born in January 1955 in Moscow. Vladimir studied at the Nikolai Ernestovich Bauman Technical University. Graduated from the Faculty of Automation and Mechanization of Production. For fifteen years he worked at the Central Research Institute of Mechanical Engineering Technology.
In 1989, Vladimir Belkin defended his dissertation and became a candidate of technical sciences. The list of his works includes 15 certificates for a variety of inventions.
He first heard about the intellectual game in 1979. I watched several episodes and wrote a letter to the editor. There was no answer for a long time; Vladimir managed to forget that he had sent an application to participate in the game. However, a year later they called him and offered to come to Ostankino. The interview with the editor lasted three hours. After Vladimir Grigorievich was invited to the selection. The man did not pass the first qualifying stage, but Voroshilov remembered it. And so, after another year, he was invited back to the game. Belkin joined the club in 1982.
When on September 4, 1975, the debut episode of an intellectual television game called “Family Quiz “What? Where? When?" no one could have imagined how popular and durable it would become over time, what metamorphoses awaited it. But what is this show and what is the secret of its success?
Club members What? Where? When?
At the very beginning, the program talked about the intellectual confrontation between two families., but a year later its format changed. In 1976, it received the prefix “television youth club”.
In it, students from various faculties of Moscow State University competed in their erudition. There were no teams at that time; each expert played for himself.
It is noteworthy that at this moment the program was hosted by the father of KVN Alexander Maslyakov (though he only had one broadcast), and Vladimir Voroshilov was the creator and original producer of the show! Natalia Stetsenko was a co-author and assistant in this case.
Only in the game dated December 24, 1977, the essence of the game acquired a form close to modern. The usual top appeared on the table, letters with questions from viewers were laid out, and the players were united into a team.
An interesting fact is that the first audience questions were written by Vladimir Voroshilov himself, but over time, tons of letters with a variety of riddles began to arrive at the address of the TV show.
In 1977, Voroshilov took over as presenter, but the entire program is behind the scenes.
In addition to him, the broadcast is carried out by employees of the youth editorial office of Central Television, geologist Zoya Arapov, as well as journalists Andrei Menshikov and Svetlana Berdnikova.
It was in this season that prizes for experts were introduced - these were books, as well as a nomination for the best question, a minute of discussion appeared and, most importantly, an eagle owl became the symbol of the program. The first bird to participate in the filming was called Fomka. One (!) game was held throughout the year.
1978 was marked by the fact that as many as 9 “What? Where? When?" and there is only one voice-over. The next season, participants receive the proud title of experts, the program is supplemented by a musical pause.
In 1981, a decision was made to recognize particularly distinguished players with a prize called the “Sign of the Owl.”, which in 1984 was replaced by the “Crystal Owl” figurine.
In principle, before this time, all the foundations of the program were laid, which is still broadcast on Channel One of Russian television and continues to interest the minds of millions of fans around the world.
It is worth mentioning separately, How did the venue of “What? Where? When?":
- 1976-1982 - bar of the Ostankino television center;
- 1983-1986 - an old mansion on Herzen Street;
- 1987 - three broadcasts in Bulgaria;
- 1988-1989 — International Trade Center on Krasnaya Presnya;
- And finally, since 1990, the program has moved to an architectural monument called the Hunting Lodge, which is located in Neskuchny Garden and represents the remains of the estate of Prince Nikita Yuryevich Trubetskoy.
At the moment, the intelligent casino is broadcast on Channel One 4 episodes and is even a way to earn money, because large cash prizes are always prepared for both players and TV viewers.
42 years ago, on September 4, 1975, the first broadcast of the television club of experts “What? Where? When?". True, there were no experts then. Initially, the favorite game was a family quiz.
Two teams took part in the program - the Ivanov family and the Kuznetsov family from Moscow. The program was filmed in parts - first visiting one family, and then visiting another. Each team was asked 11 questions. The two stories were combined into one using photographs from the family albums of the Ivanovs and Kuznetsovs. Only one program was aired. It was a year of searching for the form of the game.
(Total 25 photos)
1984 Recording of the television game “What? Where? When?" on Central Television. © RIA Novosti, M. Yurchenko But the very next year, 1976, the family quiz turned into the television youth club “What? Where? When?". The recording of the program was attended by students from several faculties of Moscow State University, who spoke loudly and smoked while discussing the issue. The first episode of the game was hosted not by Vladimir Voroshilov, but by... Alexander Maslyakov.
1984 TV presenter of the quiz “What? Where? When?" Vladimir Voroshilov is waiting for an answer to the question. © RIA Novosti, M. Yurchenko That's when the top appeared in the game. True, the arrow of the top chose the person who would answer the viewer’s question. Participants in the game answered questions immediately, without preparation. Each participant played for himself. There had not yet been a minute of discussion. Answer the question - get a prize: a book. Answer seven questions and get the main prize: a set of books. The players' answers were evaluated by members of the honorary jury - Academician of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences O.V. Baroyan, corresponding member of the USSR Academy of Sciences V.O. Goldansky, writer D.S. Danin.
1984 Member of the USSR Academy of Sciences Igor Petryanov-Sokolov takes part in the television quiz show “What? Where? When?". © RIA Novosti, M. Yurchenko The following year, 1977, the broadcast moved behind the scenes. The presenter in the frame was replaced by four voice-overs. Among the new voice-over presenters were Vladimir Voroshilov and members of the youth editorial staff of Central Television, journalists Andrei Menshikov and Svetlana Berdnikova, as well as geologist Zoya Arapova. Vladimir Voroshilov was the main presenter of the game, the other voices played a supporting role - they voiced letters from viewers.
1984 Participants in the TV quiz show “What? Where? When?" discussing the issue. © RIA Novosti, M. Yurchenko Who was broadcasting on the other side of the screen remained a mystery to TV viewers for a long time (until 1980). And for Vladimir Voroshilov the nickname “incognito from Ostankino” was firmly established. The name of the game host will be heard for the first time on April 23, 1980, when the broadcast ends with the words: “The broadcast was hosted by Vladimir Voroshilov.”
1985 Director and host of the television club “What? Where? When?" Vladimir Voroshilov is preparing another game. © RIA Novosti, G. Kazarinov On December 24, 1977, the game finally took its final form: a spinning top pointing at the question rather than at the player, a one-minute time limit for discussing a question, and a prize for the viewer for the best question.
An employee of the animal center of the Russian film studio "Tsentrnauchfilm" with the eagle owl Fomka, the constant symbol of the TV show "What? Where? When?". © RIA Novosti, Ettinger At the same time, its first symbol appeared in the game - Fomka the eagle owl.
Then, according to the rules of the game, each correct answer brought a prize-book to the general fund of the game participants. If the club members lost the question, the entire six players changed.
1985 Experts and the scriptwriter, director and host of the program, Vladimir Voroshilov, discuss the results of the game. © RIA Novosti, G. Kazarinov In 1979, the program participants were called “experts” for the first time. Up to this point, all the players were “members of the What? Where? When?” or simply “participants” of the program. Also this year, the club teams have coaches: candidates of psychological sciences Boris Bratus and Alexander Asmanov, teacher of the department of social psychology Adolf Kharash. Coaches can call a timeout, make substitutions for individual players or the entire six.
1985 Player of the television club “What? Where? When?" Alexander Vengertsev, a builder from the city of Dmitrovograd, Ulyanovsk region. © RIA Novosti, G. Kazarinov January 24, 1979 in the game “What? Where? When?" The first musical pause sounded.
1988 Musical break in the program “What? Where? When?". © RIA Novosti, Oleg Lastochkin For several years, the game “What? Where? When?" was one of the few programs on Soviet television where you could see popular foreign performers.
1989 Participant in the musical break is Greek singer Demis Roussos. © RIA Novosti, Oleg Lastochkin In 1980, a new rule was introduced - in a critical situation, the losing team was given a special chance: the final round could be played by the entire club.
1986 Broadcast of the program “What? Where? When?". © ITAR-TASS, Igor Zotin In 1982, the form of the game was finally determined. A new rule has been introduced: the game continues until six points. Until this moment, the score of the game was always different - as many questions were asked as the timing allowed. The presenter’s signature phrase appears: “The score is 0:0. TV viewers versus experts. First round."
1985 The captain of one of the teams of the club “What? Where? When?" Marina Letavina. © RIA Novosti, G. Kazarinov The entire game is played by one team of experts; experts continue to participate in the games of the season if they win; experts give up their place in the club to newcomers if they lose.
1985 Participants in the TV quiz show “What? Where? When?" are thinking about the answer. © RIA Novosti, G. Kazarinov In 1983, the Club of Connoisseurs settled into a new premises - a mansion on the street. Herzen, 47. This season they are playing in threes. Two troikas play, one troika is in the “spare” chairs. It is possible to replace the entire trio or one or two players. The composition of the team changes at the discretion of the captain. Some of the experts announced for the game remain “spare” and do not participate in the game. A new rule has been introduced - experts can refuse a minute of discussion and use the saved minute in any other round.
1989 Experts at the gaming table. © ITAR-TASS, Boris Dembitsky 1984 During a minute of discussion, players are allowed to use reference books: the Great Soviet Encyclopedia, the dictionaries of Ushakov, Ozhegov and Dahl, the Philosophical Encyclopedic Dictionary, the Geographical Encyclopedic Dictionary, the Physical Encyclopedic Dictionary, the Chemical Encyclopedic Dictionary, the Soviet Encyclopedic Dictionary.
1985 The game is on. Television club “What? Where? When?". © RIA Novosti, G. Kazarinov Three stages appeared in the playing hall. On the small stage there is a bookcase with encyclopedias. On the second stage there is a penalty box. On the largest one there is an installation for music and sound accompaniment. The player who gave the wrong answer is sent to the penalty box. Penalties return to the gaming table after the first point won by the experts.
1988 Broadcast of the program “What? Where? When?". © RIA Novosti, Oleg Lastochkin In 1985, a new change - not just one six, but the entire club - six six experts - takes part in each game. Teams change according to the principle: if you win, continue the game; if you lose, give way to the other team. Teams change by lot: in the sectors on the gaming table there are inverted game tickets of the captains. If the experts lose the round, the game ticket is turned over and it becomes clear which six will come to replace it. Decisive round of the game: if the team wins, they get the right to start the game next time and receive all the prizes. The team that loses in the last round of the game leaves the club. Newcomers take the place of these six.
1989 Broadcast of the program “What? Where? When?". © ITAR-TASS, Boris Dembitsky In 1986, once again, one six experts compete in each game. The first “blitz tournaments” were introduced. Musical pause symbols disappear from game sectors. Treble clefs are now held by team captains. Teams take musical breaks at their own discretion. A moment of help from television fans appears. This was the last gaming year in the mansion at 47 Herzen Street.
In 1987, a series of international games “What? Where? When?". At the games in Bulgaria, for the first time, it was decided to change the traditional prize system. Book prizes at international games have replaced handicrafts, arts and crafts of the two countries, and consumer goods.
1987 Host of the TV show “What? Where? When?" V. Voroshilov (right). Photo by Igor Zotin (TASS Photo Chronicle) In 1988, a series of games took place in the international club “What? Where? When?". Teams from the USSR, USA, Bulgaria, Poland, and France are playing.
It’s not just one six experts playing against the TV viewers, but the entire club - 13 six experts. Any team of experts can answer for the entire club, and the entire club is responsible for that answer. Any six can protest the answer of the previous team. The answer that was given last is accepted as the final version of the club.
Starting from the second qualifying game, a new rule was introduced: the six who gave the wrong answer and lost the round ceased to participate in the games of the season. Only a game won by the club can save the team players.
1988 Center for International Trade and Scientific and Technical Relations. Live broadcast of the program of the Main Editorial Board of Programs for Youth of Central Television “What? Where? When?”, which was attended by experts from Bulgaria, Poland, the USSR and the USA. Photo by Oleg Ivanov /TASS Photo Chronicle/ In 1989, the International Games “What? Where? When?". Venue: Moscow, International Trade Center on Krasnaya Presnya (Sovintsentr). One main six experts and nine teams of experts play. Teams of experts determine the difficulty of each question in the game. Depending on the difficulty of the question, you can get from 1 to 10 points in each round.
If all nine expert teams give the correct answer, the question is worth one point. Eight teams gave the correct answer - the question is worth two points, etc. If none of the expert teams gave the correct answer, the question receives the highest score - 10 points. If the top six experts win the round, those ten points go to the experts. If the playing team cannot solve the problem, then the TV viewers get 10 points.
The team of experts that receives the highest intellectual rating as a result of the game receives the right to continue the next game at the central gaming table. The team with the lowest rating must leave the club. A new six players will take its place.
Due to the fact that the main rule of the game has been temporarily canceled (the game goes to six points), a new limit of the game has been established - midnight. The game ends at the third rooster crow on the Sovintsentr tower.
In the winter of 1991, money appeared on the gaming table for the first time. An intellectual club becomes an intelligent casino. The presenter began to be called the croupier. For the first time, the phrase “Intellectual casino is the only place where you can make money with your own mind” appears.
The basic rules of the game have not changed: one six experts play, the game goes to six points, the losing team loses its place in the club.
2005 year. Broadcast of the program “What? Where? When?". © ITAR-TASS, Natalya Nechaeva Vladimir Yakovlevich Voroshilov was the permanent host of the program for 25 years. On December 30, 2000, he played his last game - the final of the anniversary series of games, which decided the fate of the elite club “What? Where? When?". The experts won with a score of 6:5. The victory of the experts meant that the games in the elite club “What? Where? When?" must continue.
Remembering the game loved by millions of TV viewers
On March 10, 2001, Vladimir Voroshilov, the founding father and host of the program “What? Where? When?”, passed away. Perhaps one of the most intellectual games on domestic television.
People sat in front of the screens in families. Some were rooting for the TV viewers, but the majority, for some reason, were rooting for the experts. And everyone had their favorites.
Some were impressed by Alexander Sedin and Vladimir Molchanov, while others liked Leonid Timofeev and Sergey Vivatenko. Some were crazy about the two-time winner of the Crystal Owl, the captain of the first women's team in the history of the club, Valentina Golubeva, while others admired the play of Mikhail Smirnov, the captain of the team that for the first time became the full owners of red jackets and the title of “Immortals”.
Let's remember the players who left a bright mark in the history of "What? Where? When?"
Vladimir Voroshilov
Legend No. 1, of course, is Vladimir Voroshilov himself.
He was born on December 18, 1930 in Simferopol. At the age of 13, he moved to Moscow with his parents. He studied at an art school for gifted children, at the State Art Institute of the Estonian SSR, at the Moscow Art Theater School (production department) and at the Higher Directing Courses.
In 1955-1965, Voroshilov was a production designer at leading Moscow theaters: the Moscow Art Theater, the Maly Theater, the Operetta Theater, the Theater named after. Ermolova and others. He worked as a director at the Stavropol Drama Theater, the Sovremennik Theater and the Taganka Theater. It is even known that he was once fired from the Lenin Komsomol Theater with a scandal.
The first release of the game “What? Where? When?" aired on September 4, 1975, and at first Voroshilov’s last name was not indicated in the credits.
In 2001, Vladimir Voroshilov was posthumously awarded the TEFI prize in the nomination “For personal contribution to the development of Russian television,” and in 2003, a monument was erected on his grave at the Vagankovskoye cemetery in Moscow - a cube of black polished granite, symbolizing a black box in game “What? Where? When?". The monument was built according to the design of architect Nikita Shangin, a participant in the game since 1981.
Alexander Druz
The most famous player of the club is perhaps Alexander Druz.
Master of the game “What? Where? When?" (ChGK), winner of the Diamond Owl prize, as well as a six-time winner of the Crystal Owl prize, the only three-time world champion in the sports version of the ChGK.
For the first time in the TV game “What? Where? When?" Alexander Druz appeared in 1981. In 1982, he became the first expert to be disqualified for giving tips to players. He also holds records for the number of games played - 75 (as of March 31, 2014) and victories - 46. In addition, it is known that he was kicked out of the club four times.
In May 2013, on the air of the “Evening Urgant” program, Alexander Druz said that he would stop playing “What? Where? When?" after playing his 100th game.
Maxim Potashev
Maxim Potashev played his first game in the TV club “What? Where? When?" played in 1994. Received the title of club master in the final of the anniversary games in 2000, in the last game with the participation of Vladimir Voroshilov. In the final of the 2001 summer games dedicated to the memory of Voroshilov, Potashev won the "Zero" round, which was played for the last time. To remember this, Maxim was given a card with a question written in the hand of Vladimir Voroshilov.
According to the results of a general audience vote in 2000, Maxim Potashev was recognized as the best player in the entire 25 years of the existence of the elite club “What? Where? When?” Maxim received the “Big Crystal Owl” and the main prize of the anniversary games - the “Diamond Star” from the master of the game “What? Where? When?".
Another master of the game “What? Where? When?" - Viktor Vladimirovich Sidnev, who celebrated his sixtieth birthday on March 2. Plays at the club “What? Where? When?" since 1979. Since 2001 - owner of the “Crystal Owl” and the title of “Best Club Captain”. He spent most of the games as team captain. Since 2005 - master of the club. What’s interesting is that from 2003 to 2011, Viktor Sidnev served as mayor of the city of Troitsk, Moscow region.
In 1990, at the club "What? Where? When?" Fyodor Dvinyatin appeared. He played 47 games, of which his team won 33. The first world champion in sports “What? Where? When?". The only winner of four “Crystal Owls” (1991, 1994, 2000 and 2002), to this day second only to Alexander Druz in the medal list. Winner of the red jacket of immortality (summer series 1991 and summer series 1994). The best player of 2000 and one of Voroshilov’s favorites (along with Maxim Potashev).
One of the KVN teams, “Fedor Dvinyatin,” was named in honor of Fedor Dvinyatin, which reached the finals in 2009 and became the bronze medalist of the KVN Major League.
Boris Burda
The “oldest” player of the club “What? Where? When?”, according to age, Boris Burda is considered to be a TV presenter, journalist and writer, bard, laureate of many art song festivals. In addition, in the 1970s, Boris Burda played in KVN for the team of the city of Odessa, was a two-time KVN champion. A three-time winner of the Crystal Owl and winner of the Diamond Owl, Burda was seven times recognized as the best player in Andrei Kozlov’s team according to the results of TV viewers’ voting. In addition, he is one of the ten most productive authors of questions for training and tournaments in the sports version of the game “What? Where? When?". He has almost two and a half thousand questions.
One of the most scandalous players of the club can probably be called Andrei Kozlov, who plays “What? Where? When?" since 1986. Master of the club (since 2008). Three-time winner of the Crystal Owl prize (1992, 1994, 2008), winner of the Diamond Owl prize (2008) and the title of “Best Club Captain”.
On December 27, 2008, in the final game of the season, Andrei Kozlov won the prize “Volkswagen Phaeton” as the player who was the last (and also the only) of the year to answer all three questions of the “Super Blitz” round.
Alexey Blinov
Aleksey Blinov, while still at school, organized a club for fans of the game “What?” under the Komsomol committee. Where? When?”, and played his first game in an elite club in 1991. Two-time winner of the “Crystal Owl” (summer series 1992 and winter series 1993) and the shoulder strap “Best Club Captain”. Captain of the “team of the 90s” in the 2001 summer series of games dedicated to the memory of Vladimir Voroshilov.
Nurali Latypov
Participant in the TV show “What? Where? When?" Nurali Latypov is the owner of the first “What? Where? When?" "Crystal Owl" Candidate of Philosophical Sciences. Graduated from Rostov State University (faculties of biology and physics), full-time postgraduate study at the Department of Philosophy of Natural Sciences, Moscow State University. Lomonosov. Specialization: neurophysiologist (neurocybernetics), methodologist. Candidate of Philosophical Sciences. Author of a number of inventions in the field of electronic communications.
Architect Nikita Shangin, like some other players, joined the “What? Where? When?" I got it through a letter to the editor. He played his first game at the club in 1981 in the team of Alexander Sedin. Winner of the Crystal Owl (1988).
Alexander Byalko
To the club “What? Where? When?" Alexander Byalko came as a student at MEPhI in 1979. In 1980, he won the game show's first prize, the Owl Mark. In 2000, after a long break, Bialko took part in a series of anniversary games as part of the “team of the 1980s” and was awarded the “Crystal Owl”. Having played his last game at the club in 2009, since 2010 Alexander stopped appearing at the games “What? Where? When?”
Ilya Novikov
One of the most charismatic and talented "young" players of the club "What? Where? When?" can rightfully be called Ilya Novikov.
Having made his debut in the game show in 2002, Ilya was repeatedly recognized as the best player on the team. Two-time winner of the Crystal Owl (autumn 2004, summer 2014), winner of the Diamond Owl (final 2014). In 2010, he won a super blitz for the first time in his career. According to the MAK ChGK website, Novikov is one of 11 players who took part in all ten of the first world championships in sports “What? Where? When?".
Alexey Blinov his first game in the club "What? Where? When?" played in 1991. Then he worked as a shift foreman at the Leningrad Knitting Association. Over the years of playing in the club, he received the title “Best Club Captain”. He is also the owner of two Crystal Owls (1992, 1993).
He graduated from the Faculty of Technology of the Leningrad Institute of Textile and Light Industry (now the University of Technology and Design) in 1986, the St. Petersburg Academy of Engineering and Economics in 1999, has several scientific papers and one author’s certificate.
He worked as a shift foreman, was a Komsomol worker, and an employee of a youth center. Worked in banking and investment companies.
He was an adviser to the vice-governor of St. Petersburg on transport and energy, then for five years in the administration of St. Petersburg he worked as deputy chairman of the transport committee. After that, he moved to banking structures, headed a leasing company, and was the general director of OJSC Petersburg Fuel Company (PTK).
Later he moved into the media business, becoming the general director of Izvestia-Petersburg CJSC, but after some time he began to combine this position with the position of director of marketing and sales of Scania-Peter LLC.
Since 2007, he has been PR director of the Zenit football club. Passionate Zenit fan.
Graduated from the Odessa Polytechnic Institute, heat and power engineering department.
Boris Burda gained fame as a TV presenter of culinary shows on Ukrainian TV and the author of articles and books on cooking.
He actively performs at festivals; music lovers know him as the author and performer of an ironic bard song. Films stories for Mikhail Shirvindt’s program “I Want to Know” (Channel One).
He writes a culinary column in the Sobesednik newspaper. Regularly published in the Moscow magazine "Story" - essays about historical figures.
Alexander Byalko has been playing in the elite club since 1979. The first winner of the club's unique award - the "Owl Badge".
Graduated from MEPhI, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences. In 1984 he graduated from the Moscow Institute of Journalism at the Faculty of Journalism of Moscow State University, specializing in journalism. Studied (did not finish) at MIINYAZ. Maurice Thorez.
He taught at MEPhI, in 1999-2003. worked as deputy director of the Brener company (autocosmetics and automotive services).
In 2003-2008 and from 2009 to the present - Deputy Director for Science of the experimental chemical and metallurgical plant "Giredmeta" in the city of Podolsk, Moscow region.
In 2008-2009 - Dean of the Academy of Labor and Social Relations.
In 2006-2007 was the host of the "Bialko Show" program on radio "Culture". In 2007, the program was nominated among the three best radio programs in Russia.
Participant in the third season of the show "The Last Hero".
Alexander Byalko has about 40 scientific papers in the field of nuclear physics and information theory. He is the author of five books of fiction, including The Origin of Humankind.
Leonid Vladimirsky played at the club "What? Where? When?" since 1982, at that time he was a student at MEPhI. He is the owner of the Crystal Owl (1986).
Graduated from the Moscow Engineering Physics Institute (MEPhI). He has a number of publications on technical aspects of nuclear test control.
Works as a system administrator (programmer) at the company "Multex.com" (New York, USA), which sells information related to stock trading via the Internet.
Valentina Golubeva first game in the club "What? Where? When?" played in 1982. In 1985, she became captain of the club's only women's team. He is the owner of two “Crystal Owls” (summer, autumn 2003).
Graduated from the Faculty of Applied Mathematics of the Belarusian State University.
Candidate of Technical Sciences. Assistant professor. Has extensive experience in political PR and consulting.
In 1995-2006 worked in election campaigns for government bodies at all levels. She managed projects at the agencies Niccolo M, Imageland PR, and An Affiliate of Edelman.
She held the positions of Director for Strategy and Development of the Russian branch of Destini Financial Group, the consulting company Buro Akzent, and Executive Director of the Association of Consulting Companies in the Field of Public Relations (AKOS-ICCO).
Valentina Golubeva is the director of strategy and development of the Center for the Development of Management Technologies (CDMT) and teaches a special course Culture Leadership & Teambuilding at the MGIMO University of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
Fedor Dvinyatin first game in the club "What? Where? When?" played in Alexey Blinov's team in 1990. Winner of four Crystal Owls (1991, 1994, 2000 and 2002). In 2002 he became the world champion in sports "What? Where? When?" as part of the team of Alexander Druz.
Graduated from the Faculty of Philology of St. Petersburg State University, Russian philologist. Candidate of Philology.
Associate Professor of the Russian Language Department of St. Petersburg State University, as well as the Canadian College of St. Petersburg State University. Specialist in Russian literature of the 11th-14th and 19th-20th centuries (text poetics, intertextuality, language models), paleoslavic studies, general poetics, history and methodology of philology and the humanities in general. Author of a number of scientific publications on this topic. Author and presenter of the cultural program "Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta..." on Radio Russia.
The KVN team from Stupino near Moscow is named after Fyodor Dvinyatin.
Oleg Dolgov plays "What? Where? When?" since 1979. At that time he was an employee of the Physics Institute named after. Lebedev Academy of Sciences of the USSR. Winner of the Crystal Owl (1987).
Winner of the "Porcelain Snail" of the main prize of the Bulgarian "Club of the Knowledgeable". Received a prize at the international games "What? Where? When?" in Bulgaria in 1987
Graduated from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. Professor, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences.
Since 1996 he has lived and worked in Germany. Place of work: Max Planck Institute for Solid State Physics in Stuttgart.
Five-time winner of the Crystal Owl prize (1990, 1992, 1995, 2000 and 2006).
In the final game of the 1995 winter series, Alexander Druz was awarded the honorary title of Master of the game "What? Where? When?", awarded the "Big Crystal Owl" and the Order of the Diamond Star as the best player in the entire 20 years of the elite club's existence.
In the club they call him the “Great Combinator” - he is able to count, calculate and calculate almost everything.
In total, he played 65 games on the show, winning 39 of them. Alexander's daughters - Inna and Marina - also play in the club "What? Where? When?" Both received a Crystal Owl.
Alexander Druz is the leader of the "Transsfera" sports team "What? Where? When?", which won the First World Championship in 2002. "Transsfera" won the St. Petersburg Governor's Cup 9 times. Became the champion of the television version of the game "Brain Ring" in 1990, 1991 and 1994. In addition, he won twice on the program “Own Game” in 1995 and 2003.
Currently, he is the program manager for the STO TV channel (St. Petersburg).
Georgy Zharkov started playing in the Club in 1994. Winner of the “Crystal Owl”.
Graduated from Vladimir Pedagogical University. Historian, candidate of psychological sciences.
He was a participant in several high-profile scandals.
In 2004, he was disqualified for 3 years for violating the regulations of the Cities Cup and Russian Cup tournaments in the game "What? Where? When?" Zharkov provided the organizing committee of the Cities Cup with a fictitious email address, received questions from the tournament, and as a result, his team took 3rd place.
He tried to do the same at the Russian Cup (December 2003), but the deception was discovered.
In 2007, he was sentenced to 4 years and 5 months of suspended imprisonment on charges of sexual assault and unlawful imprisonment. Zharkov remained free, but under recognizance not to leave. After half of the suspended sentence had passed in 2009, the criminal record was cleared.
Andrey Kamorin actively played in the Club between 1978 and 1986. Winner of the honorary title "Best Club Captain".
In 1981 he graduated from the Faculty of International Journalism of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) of the USSR Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A former international journalist, he worked as a correspondent for the Izvestia newspaper for 15 years.
From 1996 to 1997 - Deputy Director of the Directorate of Programs of the NTV Television Company for Foreign Broadcasting.
From 1998 to 2001 worked as an executive director at NTV-Kino, and also served as a coordinating producer and chief consultant.
In 2001, he became the general director of New Russian Series LLC. Here, until 2006, he produced such television series as “Streets of Broken Lanterns”, “Secrets of the Investigation”, “National Security Agent”, “Children of the Arbat”, “Taxi Driver”, “Cop Wars”, “Airport”, etc.
From 2006 to the present - General Director of Forward Film LLC, producer and co-producer of the series "Katerina", "Krasin's Defense", "Schedule of Fates", "Special Group", "Cop Wars-3", "Web" , "Cop in Law", "Road Patrol". Member of the Union of Journalists of Russia, member of the Producers Guild of Russia, member of the Academy of Russian Television.
Awarded a Special Prize, a diploma of the Fifth Anniversary International Telecine Forum "TOGETHER" "For contribution to the development of television art" (2004).
Andrey Kozlov became a player of the club "What? Where? When?" in 1986. He is the owner of the "Diamond Owl" (2008), three-time winner of the "Crystal Owl" (1992, 1994, 2008), master of the game "What? Where? When?" winner of the honorary title "Best Club Captain".
Graduated from the Faculty of Chemistry of Donetsk State University.
After graduating from university, he worked as a teacher at the Zhdanovsky (now Mariupol) Metallurgical Institute.
Since 1990 he has been working on television in Moscow, is the director of the television programs "Brain Ring", "Program Guide", "How to Spend a Million", "Cultural Revolution", "Songs of the 20th Century", "Life is Beautiful", the host of the program " Brain Ring", general producer of the television company "Igra-TV".
Nurali Latypov played in the Connoisseurs' Club from 1980 to 1986. Winner of the first Crystal Owl in the history of the Club (1984).
Graduated from Rostov State University (faculties of biology and physics), full-time postgraduate study at the Department of Philosophy of Natural Sciences, Moscow State University. M.V. Lomonosov. Specialization: neurophysiologist (neurocybernetics); methodologist Candidate of Philosophical Sciences.
Worked as a political observer for the Komsomol Central Committee; Advisor to the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Ivan Silaev, Vice President of the Bank of Moscow. Currently a member of the board of directors of the Evening Moscow concern, advisor to Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov on a voluntary basis.
In 2003, he was among the top three of the Union of People for Education and Science (SLON) party in the elections to the State Duma of the Russian Federation.
Winner of the Golden Calf literary award, 12-time winner of the Grand Prix of international cartoon exhibitions, author of a number of monographs and inventions in the field of electronic communications.
Victor Sidnev played at the club "What? Where? When?" since 1979. Winner of the “Crystal Owl” and the title of “Best Club Captain”.
In 1978 he graduated from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. After graduating from the institute, he worked in a branch of the Institute of Atomic Energy named after. I.V. Kurchatov in Troitsk as an engineer, junior researcher, researcher, senior researcher. He put forward a number of new ideas for the use of pulsed plasma accelerators, in particular, the creation of pulsed X-ray sources. Author of more than 30 scientific papers in the field of plasma hydrodynamics.
From 1989 to 1990 he worked as a mathematics teacher in San Ramon, California, USA.
In 1991, he headed the Institute for Technology Assessment and Development, which is engaged in the development and implementation of high technologies in the field of telecommunications.
In 1997 he created and headed the Troitsk-Telecom company.
In 2000, he was elected as a deputy of the Council of Deputies of the city of Troitsk, where he worked in the committees on scientific and social development of the city-science city and on regulatory work and regulations of the Council of Deputies.
In August 2003, he was elected head of the city of Troitsk. In 2007, he was re-elected to this position.
Nikita Shangin played at the club "What? Where? When?" since 1981. Winner of the "Crystal Owl".
In 1976 he graduated from the Moscow Architectural Institute.
For seven years he worked at Mosproekt-2 in the field of restoration, in particular, on the historical buildings of Zamoskvorechye. Currently he is the chief architect of projects in the architectural workshop of JSC Kurortproekt.
Member of the Union of Architects of Russia, Honorary Architect of the State Construction Committee of the Russian Federation.
Among the implemented projects is the Katyn State Memorial Complex, noted as the best Russian landscape project in 1999. In 2000, the Katyn complex was awarded the Golden Section architectural prize.
