Meet The Blue Team: Houston’s Nation Trivia League Champions!

A Trivia Journey Decades in the Making with Challenge Entertainment!

If you’ve ever searched “trivia tonight near me” in Houston and stumbled into a bar buzzing with excitement, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered Challenge Entertainment’s live trivia games — and maybe even brushed shoulders with one of the best to ever do it: The Blue Team, the 2025 Houston National Trivia League champions.

This isn’t your average trivia crew. Their path to the top of the leaderboard wasn’t overnight. In fact, their journey spans decades, game shows, and multiple championship wins with Challenge Entertainment. We caught up with team captain Andrew Jackson (no, not the 7th U.S. President) to learn more about their story, team chemistry, and what makes them one of the most respected trivia teams in Texas.

A Trivia Veteran at the Helm

Before The Blue Team was dominating trivia nights in Houston, Andrew had already earned some serious trivia credentials. Back in 1997, he made it onto Jeopardy! — a badge of honor for any trivia buff — and followed that up with an appearance on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in 2001, where he walked away with a cool $64,000.

But his love for trivia wasn’t limited to the big screen. Through the ’90s and 2000s, he played countless hours of the popular NTN bar trivia console game, sharpening his skills and building the foundation for what would eventually become a championship-winning team.

From Local Pubs to City Champions

When pub quizzes started gaining popularity, Andrew teamed up with fellow trivia lovers, forming their first notable team: Whiskeypedia. That group went on to win the 2013 Houston City Championship, playing under the Challenge Entertainment umbrella. Their 2013 roster included:

• Julie Fitzgerald
• Claire Harnsberger
• Ken Laurora
• Christine Stewart

This team not only claimed local victories but also made appearances at the Texas State Finals and even the Las Vegas Nationals in 2015 — a testament to their dedication and knowledge. Over the years, a rotating cast of talented players like Justine Laurora, Tina Ojeda, and Christina Christensen joined the lineup.

But like many teams, the pandemic years (2020–2021) took a toll. With Live Trivia paused, they stepped back from the scene — until the spark reignited.

Rebuilding and Rebranding: Enter Science is for Hookers

In 2024, a new team name emerged: Science is for Hookers — a cheeky nod to their playful energy and deep knowledge base. With returning player Christine Stewart and new additions Natalie and Aaron Hinkley, the group felt the chemistry returning. That year, with Athena Joseph and Chris Conaton joining the championship roster, they clinched another Houston NTL title.

Becoming The Blue Team — Trivia with a Touch of “The Office”

Fast forward to 2025. A new trivia season, a new name — or so they thought.

“We figured we might be changing our team name each week, since this season focused more on team numbers for scoring. But we never did,” Andrew explained.

So, what did they choose? A pop culture-inspired nod from The Office — The Blue Team, based on the episode where employees are split into color-coded teams for a beach competition.

“The Blue Team was the one that didn’t care what their team name was. That felt appropriate for us this season.”

And just like that, The Blue Team was born. With the return of 2013 champ Ken Laurora filling in for Christine Stewart during the city final, the squad came full circle — and brought home yet another title.

What Makes The Blue Team So Good?

According to Andrew, it’s not just about brains. It’s about teamwork, trust, and mutual respect.

“We’re really good at listening to each other and coming up with answers we can all agree on. No one’s guesses are looked down on — even if they’re wrong, they might help someone else think of the right one.”

This supportive atmosphere keeps the team strong. There’s no finger-pointing if a wrong answer gets submitted, and no hard feelings if someone else’s answer gets passed over.

“We’re all competitive, but we’re also good at letting errors or losses go. Everyone contributes. Everyone defers to someone else’s knowledge when needed.”

That synergy, combined with a broad range of knowledge and life experiences, has been the backbone of their success over the years.

Game Night Traditions & Friendly Rivalries?

Surprisingly, The Blue Team keeps it simple — no pre-game rituals, no post-game celebrations (at least none that Andrew could recall). And as for rivals?

“No particular rival teams. We’re just focused on having fun and playing well.”

What Challenge Entertainment Means to Them

Andrew has played at Challenge Entertainment venues across Houston for years, and he says the experience has always been top-tier.

“It has been a great experience playing the game with your company over the years. We really like it. We’ve had good hosts at the several locations where we’ve played — that really helps.”

Great hosts, thrilling gameplay, and a welcoming community — that’s the magic of Challenge Entertainment’s trivia nights.

Want to Join the Fun?

Whether you’re a trivia veteran or a first-time player, Challenge Entertainment’s free trivia nights and music bingo games offer something for everyone. Events typically last about two hours, and they’re packed with fun, friendly competition.

Looking for “fun places near me” or wondering where to find the best “trivia tonight near me”? Search no further. Come out and test your knowledge, meet other trivia lovers, and maybe even start your own championship journey.

Think you’ve got what it takes to be the next Nation Trivia League champ?
Grab your friends, come up with a clever team name (or just call yourselves The Blue Team — it seems to work), and find a Challenge Entertainment trivia night near you.

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