Wanted: The Cafeteria Champion

What does a thesis look like that is not only graded, but also recorded live, presumably cheered on, and later available to watch on YouTube? For Puya Shaghafi (22), who is in his fifth semester of media studies at the University of Bayreuth (bachelor's degree), the answer is: as his own game show!

With ‘Who Will Be the Cafeteria Champion?’, Shaghafi is developing the University of Bayreuth's first game show as part of his bachelor's degree – an ambitious project that combines theory, creativity, and professional media production. Since October, he has been working with a dedicated team of students on the concept, technology, organisation, and implementation. On 31 January, the show will be recorded live in the brand-new media centre of the Research Centre Africa (FZA).

Learning under real conditions

The project is supervised by Paul Hadwiger, academic advisor in media studies and head of the media lab. For Puya Shaghafi, one thing is particularly important: the working conditions at the University of Bayreuth. ‘They have really done pioneering work here. Such a facility is unique in the German university scene. That should be praised.’

In fact, the team utilises almost the entire spectrum of modern media work: studio technology, cameras, lighting, sound, directing, editing – and, last but not least, organisation, communication and team coordination. The core team includes: Julian Lindner (concept), Mirco Hanraths (production manager/production), Kristina Pinzer (camera), Ole Klevenz (sound), Zeynep Salman (casting), Xinyi Ren (lighting), Melanie Koch (editing) and Jonathan Hengstermann (technology).

From the idea to the working buzzer

What looks easy on screen was actually really hard work behind the scenes. ‘From a working buzzer system to finding sponsors to handling cameras, studio technology and the entire organisation – it was and still is a tough nut to crack,’ says the 22-year-old. What is remarkable is that the students implemented their project in an extremely economical and resource-efficient manner – impressive proof of how much can be achieved with creativity, planning and team spirit, even with very limited resources.

At the same time, the project shows how exciting, diverse and meaningful it can be to engage intensively with new forms of science and knowledge communication. The game show thus becomes a field of experimentation in which knowledge, campus life and entertainment come together in a contemporary way.

A game show with a real campus feel

In the approximately two-hour show, four students will compete against each other in several rounds. What is required is not elbow grease, but a twinkle in the eye and a wealth of knowledge about everyday life at university and in the canteen. The tasks also require skill and humour. The live audience will also be actively involved, while a musical act between rounds will create a lively atmosphere.

A special highlight awaits in the final: the students have managed to win over a real campus icon for their project. Dieter Wolf, the long-time head of the cafeteria, who retired in May 2024 after almost 15 years and was considered a legendary figure by many, will make a personal appearance. This not only adds extra charm to the show, but also creates an emotional connection to Bayreuth's campus history.

Feedback from TV practice

Shortly after the Christmas break, the team presented the quiz concept to Simon Kick, producer at Bavaria Entertainment GmbH. The two had met previously during an internship. Kick, who comes from Bayreuth, also studied at the University of Bayreuth and is now editorial director of the production ‘Die beste Klasse Deutschlands’ (Germany's Best Class), gave very constructive feedback, says Puya Shaghafi: ‘At the end, he said that I reminded him of himself in many ways.’ In 2014, Kück also broke new ground when he celebrated his graduation with a late-night show. For the student team, this conversation was an exciting test – and a rare opportunity to have a format they had developed themselves reviewed from a professional perspective.

Join in now – in front of or behind the camera

On the evening of the recording, up to 60 viewers can be present live in the studio. Snacks and drinks will be provided – and hopefully a great atmosphere too. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. And if you don't just want to watch, but would like to participate yourself, you can also apply to be a candidate – via the website, which can be accessed at: https://mensachampion.vercel.app/

The pure recording time of the show is about 90 to 120 minutes, plus breaks. The finished show is scheduled to be released on YouTube about two weeks later.

‘Who will be Mensa Champion?’ impressively demonstrates how practical, creative, and socially relevant studying at the University of Bayreuth can be – and makes you want to become part of such projects yourself. The opportunity to do so exists, because the creators have one thing above all else: they want the ‘Mensa Champion’ project to become a permanent fixture rather than a one-off event. ‘That,’ says Puya Shaghafi, ‘is actually my greatest wish.’ And his way of thanking Bayreuth and the university for a few great years in which he was able to try out many things.

So it's worth getting involved. And definitely worth applying.