Trivia 90FM, hosted by WWSP 90FM at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, is a 54-hour trivia contest held every spring since 1969. Known as the "World's Largest Trivia Contest", it attracts nearly 300 teams globally. Here's what you need to know:
- Event Structure: 54 hours, 432 questions, and five minutes to answer each question.
- Categories: Trivia spans TV, music, books, scavenger hunts, and more.
- Scoring: Teams earn up to 2,000 points per question, with trophies for the top ten teams.
- Interactive Features: Includes music rounds, running challenges, and the Trivia Stone scavenger hunt.
- Community Impact: $40 entry fees fund station upgrades and scholarships while fostering teamwork and tradition.
For 2025, the theme is "Trivia 55: No Limit", adding fresh twists to this iconic event. Whether you're a trivia pro or a casual fan, Trivia 90FM blends fun, competition, and community like no other.
How Trivia 90FM Works
54-Hour Marathon Structure
Trivia 90FM is a non-stop 54-hour trivia marathon that features 432 questions over the course of the event. Teams need to stay sharp as the questions come at a steady pace, testing both their knowledge and stamina. Once a question is read on air, teams have the duration of two songs - roughly five minutes - to submit their answers. This creates a balance between quick thinking, research, and accuracy.
Scoring and Competition
Each question is worth a total of 2,000 points, which are divided among teams with correct answers. Depending on accuracy, teams can earn anywhere from 5 to 500 points per question. But there's a catch: teams only get one chance to answer. A wrong answer - or multiple calls - nets zero points. To keep things fair, answers must be verified using two non-internet sources. At the end of the marathon, the top ten teams are awarded trophies.
Question Types and Difficulty
Trivia 90FM keeps things interesting with four main types of questions:
- Regular questions that cover a wide variety of topics.
- Running questions that involve location-based tasks in the host town.
- Music questions where teams identify songs in an eight-song round.
- The Trivia Stone scavenger hunt, which combines riddles and in-person exploration.
The Trivia Stone event takes the competition to another level. Teams follow clues, travel around town, and collect stamps to earn extra points. This interactive element turns the marathon into more than just a trivia contest - it becomes a community-wide adventure filled with unique challenges.
The 90FM Trivia Contest with Jim Oliva and Shaun Przybylski ...
Game Rounds and Features
Trivia 90FM offers more than just scoring and questions - it’s packed with unique game rounds and location-based challenges.
Round Categories
The game includes three music rounds, each featuring eight short song clips. Teams must confirm their answers using only two offline sources.
Local Team Challenges
Weekend mornings bring an extra layer of excitement, as teams collect information from specific spots around Stevens Point, all within running distance.
The Trivia Stone scavenger hunt takes participants across town and the countryside, solving clues to find designated locations. Teams earn points based on the number of Trivia Stone stamps they collect: 50 points for one stamp, 150 points for two, and 300 points for three.
Annual Theme Changes
Every year brings a new theme to keep things fresh. For 2025, the theme is "Trivia 55: No Limit", promising new twists and challenges.
sbb-itb-46dff1a
Community Benefits and Reach
Trivia 90FM goes beyond just asking questions - it plays a role in bringing people together and supporting the local radio station.
Team Connections
Teams made up of students and participants from around the world work together under tight deadlines, building strong relationships and adding to the campus's sense of community.
Event Format Changes
The contest shifted to a fully virtual format in 2020 and 2021. By 2022, it evolved into a hybrid event, allowing both in-person and online participation.
Supporting the Radio Station
All registration fees go directly toward maintaining the station and funding scholarships for students.
Trivia 90FM Features Summary
Here's a quick breakdown of what makes Trivia 90FM stand out:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 54-Hour Marathon | Includes 432 questions with five-minute windows to submit answers. |
| Diverse Questions | Covers standard trivia, running questions, music, and scavenger hunts. |
| Annual Themes | A unique theme each year (2025's theme: retro-future). |
| Team Structure | Teams can range from small groups to over 160 members. |
| Education Support | A $40 registration fee supports the station and scholarships. |
| Community Events | Features a parade and kickoff screening to unite participants. |
These features highlight how Trivia 90FM builds strong campus connections, funds scholarships, and brings the community together. The $40 registration fee not only keeps the station running but also provides two $2,500 scholarships each semester through Friends of 90FM.
Summary
Since 1969, WWSP 90FM's Trivia 90FM has put radio fans to the test with a nonstop 54-hour contest that brings the community together while supporting station operations and student scholarships. Each year, unique themes - like 2025's retro-future concept - add a creative spin and eye-catching visuals, keeping the marathon engaging for teams from around the world. Trivia 90FM remains a key part of radio trivia culture and a beloved tradition on campus.
FAQs
How can I join Trivia 90FM, and are there any team requirements?
You can participate in Trivia 90FM by registering a team for $40.00. Registration for Trivia 55, happening April 11–13, 2025, is open from April 7 to April 10, 3 PM–7 PM, and on April 11, noon–6 PM. In-person registration is held at 1101 Reserve St. (CAC 105), Stevens Point, WI 54481.
Students living in UWSP residence halls can join their hall's team for free. If you'd prefer to register online, you can fill out the form and mail it with a $75 check made out to Friends of 90FM to the address provided on the website. Teams can be any size, so gather your group and get ready for some trivia fun!
How can I succeed in the Trivia Stone scavenger hunt and other interactive challenges during the contest?
To excel in the Trivia Stone scavenger hunt, your team will need to solve clues that guide you to specific locations across the city and surrounding areas. At each location, you'll collect stamps in your Trivia Times booklet. These stamps are crucial because they earn you points when turned in on Sunday evening. Here's how the points work:
- 1 stamp: 50 points
- 2 stamps: 150 points
- 3 stamps: 300 points
The first clue to start the scavenger hunt can be found in your Trivia Times booklet. Be sure to plan your route carefully and work together as a team to maximize your points!
Can I participate in Trivia 90FM remotely, and how does the hybrid format work for online players?
Yes, you can participate in Trivia 90FM remotely! The show offers a hybrid format, allowing teams to join either in person or online. Remote participants can register by completing the online registration form and mailing it with a $75 check (made payable to Friends of 90FM) to the address provided during registration.
Once registered, you’ll receive a team ID and the phone number to call during the contest. Be sure to mail your form early, as it must be postmarked by the specified deadline. This setup ensures online players have the same exciting experience as those attending in person!