Retired IT Analyst Wins Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Jackpot After 20-Year Quest

Retired IT analyst Roman Dubowski has become the seventh contestant in the history of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? to win the show’s £1 million jackpot, achieving the milestone during the programme’s 36th series. The victory, broadcast on Sunday, April 26, 2026, marked the first time a UK contestant had secured the top prize since 2020, reigniting interest in the long-running ITV quiz show. Dubowski’s win was particularly notable for its literary connection, as the final question referenced James Joyce’s Ulysses, testing both his quizzing prowess and cultural knowledge.

The 15th and decisive question posed to Dubowski asked: “Used since 1876, which trademarked logo is described in the James Joyce novel Ulysses and depicted in works by Manet and Picasso?” The multiple-choice options were Bass Ale, The Famous Grouse, Coca-Cola, and Stella Artois. Dubowski, who had previously attempted to appear on the show twice over the past 20 years, recalled recognising the answer almost immediately. “When it came up… I thought, I think I know this straight away,” he told ITV.

His confidence stemmed from a visit to London’s Courtauld Gallery, where he had seen Édouard Manet’s painting A Bar at the Folies-Bergère. The artwork features a red triangle logo on beer bottles, which Dubowski identified as the symbol of Bass Ale. Despite his certainty, he opted to use the show’s 50/50 lifeline, narrowing the options to Bass Ale and Coca-Cola. “Well, I may as well go for it,” he said, ultimately selecting the correct answer and securing the £1 million prize.

From Tea to Travel: Dubowski’s Plans for the Prize

Dubowski, a resident of Stockport, Greater Manchester, described the moment of victory as “unreal,” admitting it took time for the win to sink in. “It didn’t feel like the real world, almost—this isn’t where I expected to be,” he said. Unlike the stereotypical image of a game-show winner celebrating with champagne, Dubowski opted for a quieter reaction. “I did sort of go home quietly, to be honest. I didn’t get drunk—I had to have a cup of tea,” he recounted. “I think it was just sitting in a quiet room and letting it all sink in, and thinking about what happened in the previous 24 hours.”

His first call after the show was to his sister, who was “absolutely thrilled” by the news. Dubowski, who has a long-standing passion for quizzing as a hobby, revealed that he had never realistically expected to win the top prize. “I never thought I’d win £1 million,” he admitted in an interview with ITV. Instead, he had set his sights on the £32,000 milestone, a sum that would have still represented a life-changing amount. The £1 million jackpot, however, has opened up far broader possibilities.

Among his immediate plans, Dubowski intends to purchase a new house and embark on travel adventures. “I’ve always wanted to go to New Zealand and South America,” he said, hinting at a desire to explore destinations he had previously only dreamed of visiting. His victory has also drawn attention to the rarity of such wins on the show. Prior to Dubowski, only six other UK contestants had ever claimed the £1 million prize, making his achievement all the more remarkable.

A Literary Twist: How Ulysses Sealed the Win

The final question’s reference to James Joyce’s Ulysses added a layer of cultural depth to Dubowski’s victory, resonating with literary enthusiasts and quiz fans alike. The novel, first published in 1922, includes a description of the Bass Ale logo—a red triangle—which has also been depicted in works by renowned artists such as Manet and Pablo Picasso. The question’s design underscored the show’s tradition of blending pop culture, history, and literature, challenging contestants to draw connections across disciplines.

Dubowski’s ability to recall the logo from Manet’s painting demonstrated the value of both visual memory and broader cultural knowledge. His strategic use of the 50/50 lifeline, despite his initial confidence, also highlighted the psychological pressure of the show’s final question. Host Jeremy Clarkson, who has helmed the programme since 2024, praised the new series as “exceptionally exciting,” and Dubowski’s win has already been hailed as a standout moment in the show’s 36-year history.

The Rarity of a Million-Pound Win

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? has long been a staple of British television, captivating audiences with its high-stakes format and the tantalising prospect of a life-changing prize. However, the £1 million jackpot has proven elusive for most contestants. Dubowski’s victory marks only the seventh time in the show’s history that a contestant has answered all 15 questions correctly, a testament to both his knowledge and composure under pressure.

The previous UK winner, Donald Fear, claimed the prize in September 2020, making Dubowski’s win the first in nearly six years. The show’s format, which includes a series of increasingly difficult questions and a range of lifelines, ensures that even the most knowledgeable contestants face significant challenges. Dubowski’s journey to the hot seat was itself a test of persistence—after two decades of applying, he finally secured a spot on the programme, only to exceed his own expectations by reaching the final question.

His success has reignited discussions about the show’s enduring appeal, particularly its ability to blend entertainment with intellectual challenge. For Dubowski, the win represents not just a financial windfall but a personal triumph. “It’s a bit of a cliché, but it really does feel like a dream,” he said. “I’m still processing it all.”

What’s Next for the New Millionaire?

While Dubowski’s immediate plans include purchasing a new home and travelling, his victory has also sparked curiosity about the broader impact of such a win. Past winners of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? have used their prizes for a variety of purposes, from philanthropy to personal investments. Dubowski, however, has indicated that he intends to prioritise personal enjoyment and security. “I’ve worked hard all my life, and this feels like a reward for that,” he said.

His story has also resonated with viewers who see his win as a celebration of perseverance and intellectual curiosity. Dubowski’s hobby of quizzing, which he has pursued for years, played a crucial role in his success. “It’s not just about knowing the answers,” he reflected. “It’s about staying calm and trusting your instincts.” His approach to the final question—using a lifeline despite his confidence—demonstrated a level of strategic thinking that impressed both the show’s producers and its audience.

As for the future of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Dubowski’s win is likely to attract renewed interest in the programme. With Clarkson at the helm, the show has continued to evolve, balancing its classic format with fresh challenges. For now, however, the spotlight remains on Dubowski, whose victory has captured the imagination of quiz fans and casual viewers alike. As he put it: “I still can’t quite believe it.”