Merseyside Quiz Leagues

The World's Largest Independent Quiz Leagues

Welcome to the Merseyside Quiz Leagues

The Merseyside Quiz Leagues, the home of team quizzing here on Merseyside, were founded in 1959 and are the largest independent quiz leagues in the world. In 2019 we therefore celebrated our our Diamond Jubilee!

The 2020-21 season was cancelled due to the Coronavirus Pandemic but in the 2019-20 season there were over 100 teams competing in one of five Leagues. Teams usually take part in their own local league, so that travelling distances are kept to a minimum. There are, however, opportunities to enter Merseyside-wide competitions at either team or league representative levels.

If you are interested in finding out a little more about team quizzing on Merseyside, why not drop into a venue and watch a game taking place. During the September to March season most games are played on Monday or Tuesday nights starting at 8.45pm. The tab 'Leagues' will allow you to select your local area from where you can find a team playing near you. You will be guaranteed a warm welcome and if you wish, a chance to take part in a friendly game after the main match. If you need any advice please contact us.

During the pandemic, MQL has operated 3 online Leagues each of which will come to an end in April 2021. No decision has yet been taken about the 2021-22 season.

News

update

At the last Council Meeting (14 March) it was proposed that the 2021-22 Season not start until January 2022. After some discussion it was agreed that just ahead of the next Council Meeting (27 June), all teams should be canvassed for their opinions. It was thought that by say mid-June, they could be in a better position to weigh up the lifting of restrictions, their players' feelings about face to face meetings and the availability of venues. Area secretaries were asked to contact their teams about this time.
It was also suggested that if it was felt that we could perhaps start a normal season in September, that the Leagues should consider the temporary restructuring of their divisions. The aim would be to give maximum flexibility for coping with a 'winter break' or a shortened schedule should COVID restrictions be re-imposed.

In the meantime, your Area Secretaries will have been in touch about the following two competitions;
The Merseyside Individual Competition on Monday 10 May with finals the following week. Please contact your Area Secretary immediately if you want to make a last minute entry.

The three leagues that have been running online will soon come to an end. If any teams are interested in a short season in June or July then again please contact your Area Secretary to register.

Posted by briathom59@gmail.com 09/04/21

eggheads

TV quiz Eggheads, in their new home on Channel 5, are looking for teams of 5 (4 plus reserve) to take part in the next series. The closing date for applications is midnight on 15th April 2021 and you can apply online via the online entry form.

Posted by briathom59@gmail.com 19/03/21

Janet Barker

We are very sad to announce that former MQL player, Janet Barker died suddenly on 26th February. Janet played in the Liverpool and Merseyside Leagues for many years and was the leading player in the Poste House / Excelsior team that dominated the Liverpool League in the 80s and 90s also winning the Merseyside Challenge Cup 9 times and the Feeny Cup 17 times. In that period Janet was also part of the Liverpool team that won the President’s Trophy on 8 occasions. She was Merseyside Mimir Champion in both 1990 and in 1993.
Before becoming a professional setter Janet enjoyed success on TV in Ask the Family, Winner Takes All and Jeopardy. She was a Mastermind semi-finalist and also appeared on Brain of Britain and Counterpoint. Her friend, colleague and long-time team-mate Neville Cohen has written a fine tribute which you can read here.
Older members of the Leagues will remember Janet as an exceptional player and a formidable opponent. We offer her family and friends our sincere condolences.

Posted by briathom59@gmail.com 27/02/21

Andy Francis

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Andy Francis of Greyhound and the Ormskirk Quiz League. A long time member of the MQL who played regularly in Mimir and President's Trophy competitions, Andy died suddenly last weekend after a short illness. We ask his family and friends to accept our deepest condolences. An obituary can be read here.

Posted by briathom59@gmail.com 25/02/21

Mastermind 2021

BBC Two’s Mastermind is currently scouring the UK to find contenders for the next series which is to be filmed in Belfast.

The deadline for applications is Monday 24th May 2021 and they are currently holding Skype auditions so would encourage you to complete the application sooner rather than later.

Entry is open to all UK residents (including Channel Islands & the Isle of Man) who are aged 18 or over.

Please email mastermind.hth@hattrick.com to request an application form (it takes just 10 minutes to complete).

CORONAVIRUS: Throughout the casting period, the safety and wellbeing of all applicants, contributors and members of staff remains our number one concern. Filming will take place later this year adhering to government guidance.

Posted by Admin 10/02/21 Categories: Contestant Call