Chennai's Zifo Open Quiz survives sponsors, pandemic and shifting trends

Every quiz season in Chennai has its constants: the hum of a packed auditorium, the rustle of answer sheets, and the familiar face of a quizmaster setting the tone. For over a decade, the Zifo Open Quiz has been one of those constants, a fixture that has outlasted sponsors who came and went, a global pandemic that forced events online, and the slow drift of audience attention toward faster, shinier entertainment.

A resilient institution

The quiz began as a modest open-to-all contest, drawing college students, corporate professionals and retired enthusiasts alike. Its early years were marked by steady growth, but the road was never smooth. Sponsors shifted priorities, branding changed, and at times the event's future looked uncertain. Yet, organisers kept it alive, often running it on goodwill and the sheer love of quizzing.

What made the Zifo Open different was its open-door policy. Unlike corporate or school-specific quizzes, anyone could walk in, register on the spot, and compete. That inclusivity built a loyal following. Regulars returned year after year, some now bringing their own children to participate.

The pandemic pivot

When COVID-19 struck in 2020, physical gatherings became impossible. For a format built on face-to-face interaction, it was a moment of reckoning. The organisers moved quickly, shifting the quiz online. Screens replaced halls, and chat boxes substituted for raised hands. It wasn't the same, but it kept the community connected.

“The online editions were a lifeline,” said one of the organisers, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We didn't want the quiz to die just because we couldn't meet.” The digital format also brought in participants from other cities, expanding the quiz's reach beyond Chennai's borders.

Return to the hall

As restrictions eased, the quiz returned to physical venues, though not without hiccups. Attendance initially dipped, as some regulars had moved away or found other online quizzing communities. But the core base held. By the next season, the halls were filling up again, and the organisers reported a fresh batch of young participants eager to test their knowledge.

The resilience of the Zifo Open is not just about nostalgia. It reflects a deeper truth about Chennai's quizzing culture. In a city known for its literary and intellectual traditions, quizzing remains a serious pursuit. Clubs, schools and corporate teams train for months, and open quizzes serve as both practice grounds and social gatherings.

Changing times, enduring appeal

Entertainment options have multiplied — streaming services, gaming, social media — yet quizzing has held its ground. Part of it is the thrill of competition, but a larger part is the community. Participants speak of the quiz as a reunion, a place to meet old friends, argue over answers, and celebrate obscure knowledge.

The organisers have also tweaked the format over the years, introducing new rounds and categories to keep things fresh. They've experimented with audio-visual questions and themed editions, ensuring the quiz doesn't feel dated. But the core format — a written preliminary followed by an on-stage final — remains unchanged, a testament to its enduring appeal.

Sponsorship remains a challenge. The current iteration, backed by Zifo Technologies, has been steady, but the organisers are aware that corporate support can be fickle. They have, however, built a buffer of goodwill and volunteer support that has seen them through tougher times.

As the 2026 season approaches, the Zifo Open Quiz is set to run again, with registrations expected to open soon. The organisers are cautiously optimistic, planning a hybrid model that allows both in-person and online participation. Whether the crowds will return to pre-pandemic levels remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the quiz is not going anywhere.

For Chennai's quizzing faithful, that is enough. The next edition will be a test not just of knowledge, but of the community's staying power. And if history is any guide, they'll show up.