New Venues – Aloft Hotel and Northwest Spirits

 

Hey trivia nerds! Beat the Geek Trivia will be at Aloft Hotel Redmond Seattle in Redmond one Wednesday night each month, starting June 21 at 6:30 PM. Mark will be the host and will likely be enjoying a cocktail along with you and your trivia team. Come join us at this fun, new venue.

 


 

 

Starting June 29, Beat the Geek Trivia will be at Northwest Spirits in Woodinville every other Thursday. Northwest Spirits offers several spirit flights and handmade cocktails. Shows start at 7PM. Dan will be your trivia quizmaster.

More new locations coming soon. Watch this space…

Beat the Geek Trivia is looking for web developers! 

Beat the Geek Trivia is looking to partner with local web developers with the following competencies:

  • React UI framework
  • Microsoft Power Platform (Power Apps, Dataverse)
  • WordPress

Contact Mark if you’re interested in helping us with our projects.

Beat the Geek Trivia's background music playlist is now available on Spotify®.

Today’s Beat the Geek Trivia

  • Beat the Geek Trivia with Mark at WIRED
    Jun. 9, 2023, 7:00 PM

    Chick Flicks
    20th Century American History
    Pictures - Rebuses
    Music - Mashups
    and Potpourri

    Not signed up to play? Go sign up HERE!


Upcoming Beat the Geek Trivia

  • Beat the Geek Trivia with Mark at Buzz Inn Steakhouse - Lake Stevens
    Jun. 12, 2023, 6:30 PM

    College Sports Team Names
    Do You Know Jack?
    Pictures - TV and Movie Family Portraits
    Music - Girl Bands
    and Potpourri
    BONUS - In the SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water, who steals the secret Krabby Patties formula? - 3 pts.


  • Beat the Geek Trivia with Jax at Crave 80s Arcade Bar
    Jun. 12, 2023, 7:00 PM

    JD
    Brown Stuff
    Pictures - Celebs With Animal Names
    Music - Bluegrass Covers
    and Analogies
    BONUS - Who were the two 'Brians' in the Battle of the Brians? - 3 pts.


  • Beat the Geek Trivia with Zazzo at Pizza Coop
    Jun. 12, 2023, 7:00 PM

    Doctor, Doctor
    Iron Man (MCU)
    Pictures - International Flags
    Music - Postmodern Jukebox - Hip-Hop and R&B
    and Potpourri
    BONUS - What is the name of the kingdom where The Legend of Zelda takes place? - 3 pts.


  • Beat the Geek Trivia with Mark at Harvey's
    Jun. 13, 2023,

    College Sports Team Names
    U.S. Presidents
    Pictures - Lockpicker
    Music - Mashups
    and 90s Movie Quotes
    BONUS - What is Gold's atomic number? - 3 pts.


  • Beat the Geek Trivia with Ben at Rustic Cork - Mill Creek
    Jun. 13, 2023, 6:30 PM

    Blue Stuff
    Geography - Islands
    Pictures - Logos
    Music - Boy Bands
    and Anything But English
    BONUS - As an infant, Superman crash-landed in which state? - 3 pts.


  • Beat the Geek Trivia with Clint at Daman's Bar
    Jun. 13, 2023, 7:00 PM

    Car Ad Slogans
    US Geography
    Pictures - Tech Logos
    Music - Missing Lyrics
    and Potpourri
    BONUS - What country's flag features the Ashoka Chakra? - 3 pts.


  • Beat the Geek Trivia with Ryan at Ounces Taproom
    Jun. 13, 2023, 7:00 PM

    Famous Foursomes
    American History
    Pictures - Movie Posters
    Music - Postmodern Jukebox
    and In Other Words - Action and Adventure Movies
    BONUS - When is your birthday if your astrological sign is alphabetically last? - 3 pts.


  • Beat the Geek Trivia with Jax at Who's on First
    Jun. 13, 2023, 7:00 PM

    Sports
    Clear Stuff
    Pictures - Celeb Shots - Nicks, Nickis, and Nicoles
    Music - Songs About Body Parts
    and Family Matters - Movie Titles
    BONUS - What is the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) SRM item 2387? 3 pts.


  • Beat the Geek Trivia with Mike at Redmond's Bar and Grill
    Jun. 13, 2023, 8:30 PM

    Jurassic Park
    American History
    Pictures - TV and Movie Family Portraits
    Music - TV Tunes
    and TV Character Catchphrases
    BONUS - When can I spend my Lempiras? - 3 pts.


  • Beat the Geek Trivia with Ryan at Sam's Tavern - Bellevue
    Jun. 14, 2023, 7:00 PM

    Ad Slogans
    Animated TV
    Pictures - TV and Movie Family Portraits
    Music - Pop Divas Songs
    and Potpourri
    BONUS - Tattoos! (real or fake) 1 pt. each, max 3 pts.


  • Beat the Geek Trivia with Clint at Rooney's Food & Spirits
    Jun. 14, 2023, 7:00 PM

    Pink Stuff
    Seattle Pro Sports
    Pictures - Star Trek Characters
    Music - TV Tunes - Animated TV Shows
    and Before and After
    BONUS - What bodily function was the catalyst for Yertle the Turtle's literal and figurative downfall? - 3 pts.


  • Beat the Geek Trivia with Jax at Snohomish Valley Golf Center
    Jun. 14, 2023, 7:00 PM

    Big Movies
    Blue Stuff
    Pictures - 90s Toys and Games
    Music - Worst Music of the 90s
    and Analogies
    BONUS - Make your team name in the form of a medication disclaimer - 3 pts.


  • Beat the Geek Trivia with Courtney at Thrasher's Corner Pub
    Jun. 14, 2023, 8:00 PM

    Famous Couples in Cinema
    Math and Science
    Pictures - Celeb Shots - Canadian Celebs
    Music - Number Songs
    and Potpourri
    BONUS - Who's older - Brad Paisley or Keith Urban? - 3 pts.


  • Beat the Geek Trivia with Ben at Tony's Sports Bar
    Jun. 14, 2023, 8:00 PM

    Color Movies
    Friends
    Pictures - Beer Logos
    Music - 2000s Women Musicians
    and Potpourri
    BONUS - What date did Ben Affleck marry Jennifer Garner? - 3 pts.


  • Beat the Geek Trivia with Mark at Lucky 7
    Jun. 14, 2023, 8:00 PM

    Famous Foursomes
    Do You Know Jack?
    Pictures - TV and Movie Family Portraits
    Music - Mashups with TV Themes
    and Potpourri
    BONUS - How long was Martha Stewart in prison? - 3 pts.


  • Beat the Geek Trivia with Mark at Rustic Cork - Lake Stevens
    Jun. 15, 2023, 6:30 PM

    80s Movie Quotes
    John Hughes Films
    Pictures - 80s Celebs
    Music - 80s Hair Metal
    and 80s Movie Quotes
    BONUS - It's 80s Night! Wear of bring something from the 80s - 3 pts.


  • Beat the Geek Trivia with Zazzo at Beaumont Cellars Winery
    Jun. 15, 2023, 7:00 PM

    Famous Foursomes
    American History - The 1960s
    Pictures - International Flags
    Music - Mashups
    and Who's My Mommy?
    BONUS - When is National Peanut Butter Day in the United States? - 3 pts.


  • Beat the Geek Trivia with Courtney at The Lime
    Jun. 15, 2023, 7:00 PM

    Famous Threesomes
    Alcohol
    Pictures - Video Game Sidekicks
    Music - 90s Hip Hop
    and Catchphrases - TV Personalities
    BONUS - What was the date of the demolition implosion of the Stardust Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas? - 3 pts.


  • Beat the Geek Trivia with Mark at WIRED
    Jun. 16, 2023, 7:00 PM

    Famous Foursomes
    Harry Potter
    Pictures - Watercolor Cinema
    Music - Disney Potpourri

    Not signed up to play? Go sign up HERE!


  • Beat the Geek Trivia with Mark at Buzz Inn Steakhouse - Lake Stevens
    Jun. 19, 2023, 6:30 PM

    Friends
    JD
    Pictures - Lockpicker
    Music - Which Beatle
    and Crazy, Mixed-Up Guys
    BONUS - Who celebrates New Years' Day first - New York or New Zealand? - 3 pts.


Reviews

Read what other people say about Beat the Geek Trivia

" I love the trivia here!" - Nick M.

"They have trivia Tuesday nights called "Beat The Geek"... ...the guy who does the quiz is really cool and the questions are good." Stef. M

"A lot of fun!" - Kristine H.

"Trivia night is a blast." - Brenda A.

"Beat the Geek Trivia night is always fun." - Alison S.

"We've gone here mostly for trivia, which is always crowded..." - Jennifer A.

"I love the trivia nights!" - Steph C.

"I come "here" for two reasons. 1. Beat the Geek Trivia Night 2. The Food ...Mark is the owner/host of Beat the Geek Trivia. If there was an award for best trivia night host/announcer in the category of best voice, he would take the cake." - Teaira L.

"The trivia is done professionally and is definitely a challenge... They had really cool picture round, very creative. And lastly the music round was very entertaining..." - Stefanie F.

"Trivia night is loads of fun..." - Allison S.

"I'm here every week with boyfriend & roommate for Beat the Geek trivia nights." - Ginger N. (Hi Ginger!)

"We came here specifically for the BEAT the GEEK TRIVIA, This guy has a following and tours among different bars which I know because we just went to a trivia he was at the night before. The topics I personally was so excited for there fore I drove out further than my hometown for trivia... Super fun trivia!" - Stefanie F.

"...Mark Ricker (Beat the Geek) as always, provided a fun Trivia experience for all!" - Paige N.

"We come every week for trivia. Great vibe and lots of fun." - Allison D.

"My friends and I come for trivia on Wednesday... This place is always packed when we go. - Erin H.

"...We're looking forward to returning for the trivia nights on Wednesday's..." - Sara M.

"...and the trivia game was the best, even tho we lost! We will definitely be back." - Carol N.

"We came here for the trivia night. Trivia was super fun." - Jenny T.

Private Parties, Holiday Parties, and Custom Events

Are you interested in a private trivia party or event for your group or organization? Beat the Geek Trivia does:

  • Live, on-site trivia shows in almost any venue
  • Virtual, online trivia shows using our custom-built online platform
  • Corporate parties and team-building events
  • Holiday parties
  • Birthday parties

and more!

Click here for more information.

“I want Beat the Geek Trivia at MY bar!”

Beat the Geek Trivia is a great way to entertain your customers and keep them coming back week after week. If you’d like to learn more about regular Beat the Geek Trivia shows at your bar or restaurant, Contact Mark for details.

The Game

Gameplay
Beat the Geek Trivia is a live, interactive pub trivia game. You can play by yourself or as a team. Trust us, it’s more fun with friends. If you don’t have any friends, you can probably find some on Amazon.

There are five rounds of trivia – two standard Q&A rounds, a self-paced visual round, a music round, and a final round. Your host will read each question out loud; you write your answer in your answer booklet.

Team Sizes
The maximum team size is eight players (limits may vary per venue). If you have more than the maximum number of players, you should split into smaller teams. You can play with more than the maximum number of players, but your team will be ineligible for a prize.

Prizes
If you and your team score more points than all the other teams, that’s called “winning”. YAY YOU! Winners get a prize – Prizes vary per venue. Regardless, you should call your mom right away and let her know that she raised a winner!

The Rules

1. "No Googlewebbing on your iBerry"
Don't use your cell phone or other electronic devices to look up answers while playing Beat the Geek Trivia. I can't stop you from updating your status or texting your friend tell them how much fun you're having, just don't use your phone to get the answers. If you do, you risk feeling very badly about yourself.

2. “Don’t yell out the answers!”
I already know the answers, I don't need to hear them from you. Confer quietly with your teammates and write the answer down in your answer book. Remember, other teams are sitting close by so keep your discussions between yourself and your teammates.

3. “I am the judge, jury, and executioner…”
I have the final say whether an answer is correct or incorrect. If an answer is questionable or “almost right”, please let me make the call. If you have a dispute about a decision please discuss it with me at the appropriate time (like during a break or at the end of the game).

And just so you know…

  • Spelling typically doesn't count.
  • I usually need first and last names for famous celebrities.
  • Hosts can often be bribed with food, drinks, or boobs.
  • NO HALF POINTS!

The FAQs

Q. Where do you get your questions?
A. I write my own questions. I stare at a wall for hours until inspiration strikes. I drink a Marktini, do some research on the interwebz, and then carefully script out the questions.

Q. Can I suggest a category for your trivia game?
A. Sure, if it’s a good category and I can write 10 good questions for it. If you have an idea, let me know.

Q. Do you host for private parties and events?
A. Yup! Beat the Geek Trivia does several private parties and custom events all year long. Contact me and we can talk about your event.

Q. What’s up with the AC/DC - Thunderstruck?
A. It’s a great song! That wicked riff and thundering drums always fires me up! I've tried a few times to mix things up and use a different opening song, but you guys didn't like it.

Q. The songs you pick for the music round are... (pick one)

  • Too old
  • Too young
  • Too obscure
  • Not my favorite kind of music
  • All of the above
A. I have regular players with ages ranging from 20 to 70. I try to cater to several time periods and genres in popular music. Considering the vast amount of music there has been in the last 50 years, if you only know half of the songs I play you should feel good about yourself. If your team is struggling with the music round, my suggestion is to add a couple of team members who know more music. Or, just feel good about the fact that you are being exposed to something new and different.

Q. What are you drinking?
A. Usually too much. I like Rum & Coke, Jack & Ginger, or a Marktini.

Q. What is a Marktini?
A. This is a Marktini. The more Marktini's you drink, the better they are!

Q. Are you looking for new places to do Beat the Geek Trivia?
A. Sure, contact me.

Q. Are you looking for more trivia hosts?
A. I've always got my eyes open for enthusiastic, interesting, and engaging people. Ask me for an audition. If you're good, we'll move forward. If you suck, I'll let you know. Email me.

Team Name Hall of Fame

Here's a list of some of the best team names I've heard in the last few years..:
  • "Fat kids are harder to kidnap"
  • "Beer, boobs, and bacon"
  • "One skin, two skin, three skin..."
  • "What would Jesus do for a Klondike bar?"
  • "I slept with Hermione Granger and caught Hogwarts"
  • "Governor Quiz Quistie"
  • "ButtNut"

  • And, of course, the Hall of Shame...
  • "Team Ramrod"
  • "My couch pulls out but I don't"
  • "Winners"
  • Recycled Paper

    Beat the Geek Trivia has switched to using 100% recycled paper for all answer booklets, hand-outs, and internal use. This accounts to 94% of all paper used by Beat the Geek Trivia. Please join us by not only reducing, re-using, and recycling as much as possible, but purchasing products made from recycled materials.

    The Hosts

    Mark Ricker
    Owner, Host, Jedi Master

    I started Beat the Geek Trivia in 2009 when I was recently divorced, unemployed, and a little drunk. I had always had a head full of trivial knowledge, but just knowing things like Albert Einstein’s middle name wasn’t getting me very far in life, so I put that useless knowledge to use. Since then, Beat the Geek Trivia has grown beyond my expectations and is now a full time job for me.

    Before Beat the Geek, I worked in IT, sales and business development, and mortgage lending. I shaved my head in 2001 and never looked back. I don’t have any kids or pets, but I’ve kept a houseplant alive for over 10 years (I think I might be ready for a goldfish now). I was born in New York, but I’m a Chargers fan. In my spare time, I invent new ways to insult Ariana Grande and negative reviews of the movie Armageddon. My go-to drink is the legendary Marktini.


    Mike Faris
    Host, Manager, protocol droid fluent in over 6 million forms of communication

    I gave the worst performance of my life as an 18-year-old at summer camp while emceeing a talent show. After that night I may have never picked up a microphone again except that later that year my college dorm wanted me to host the school-wide lip-syncing contest. Not bad, but not all that good either. These days I’m pretty comfortable behind the microphone whether it’s as the public address announcer for high school basketball games, the master of ceremonies for more wedding receptions than I recall, or hosting trivia for years now.

    Highlights in my life up to this point are riding the bike from the ET movie at Universal Studios, winning the grand prize in a radio station giveaway for a Felix Hernandez signed baseball and discovering I don’t like Waldorf salad. My geek credentials include that I’ve willingly been to a Star Trek convention, I read tech blogs every day, and that my mother-in-law says that I’m “good with the computers”. Next time you’re at trivia, fill me in on some of your geek cred.


    David Zazzo
    Host, Marksman Stormtrooper

    Hi there, I’m David – but most people call me Zazzo.

    My best friend and I stumbled across Beat the Geek Trivia in 2016 at one of our guys’ nights and have loved it ever since. After playing for several months, I thought to myself, “it would be really fun to be a trivia host.” I talked to Mark, gave it a shot and auditioned, and here we are!

    By day, I work at a local software company doing cloud-y things. By night, though, I indulge my strong passion for technical arts and production – lighting design, audio engineering, video engineering, etc. When I’m not geeking out on that stuff, you can find me at Sounders FC home games cheering on the boys in Rave Green.

    I’m excited to be your Beat the Geek Trivia host!


    Clint Cheves
    Host, C-3P0’s Psychotherapist

    Hey!

    I’m Clint and I am one of those stupid millennials. I have a fear of change. I still live 15 minutes from where I was born, and I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon. Pop culture, movies, music, technology, ancient history, and general nerdom have always been a big part of my life; just ask the people that cheated off me in high school.

    While the rest of my friends were scoring touchdowns, I spent my nights reading an episode-by-episode synopsis of Scrubs. It took until the seventh grade for me to get out of my pre-pubescent cocoon and, despite my Coke machine-like physique, I started playing sports. I never forgot my first love of knowing things that probably won’t matter, though, but it now included athletics.

    I love sports, technology, religion, the Lakers, and [censored]. My other loves are Jameson, a good light beer, and [censored]. I’m super stoked to be doing trivia for you guys. Let’s get drinks and talk pop culture!


    Jax Alspaugh
    Host, Palpatine’s Cosmetician

    I’ve worked in a variety of industries and positions – marketing, customer correspondent for a prostate supplement company, barista, birthday party hostess at a bowling alley, apartment complex manager, CNA, laser hair removal technician, snowboard instructor, and car saleswoman.

    At my audition, I bragged about being the MC in 5th grade for my elementary school’s talent show. I love entertaining, having done both stand up comedy and performed with a band playing a mean cowbell. I also currently host karaoke on the weekends.

    Besides trivia, I LOVE cheese, wine tasting, breweries, dancing, gaming, brunch, a GOOD bloody Mary, a well crafted/ironic mustache, live music, roller skating, vintage style/thrift store clothes shopping, supporting my community, and time with my family. Seeing my only son graduate from WSU in 2020 with his Bachelor’s in Social Sciences will be my proudest moment.

    It should go without saying, but I’ll say it again, GO COUGS!


    Courtney Parham
    Host, Darth Vader’s CPAP Technician

    I’m Princess Courtney, Chairperson of the Galactic Prom Committee and supreme ruler of Planet Sucralose. At age 13, I was designated as the Protector of Galactic Freedom and Designer Fashion by King Zeus. He gave me three magical tools: The Fairy Wings of Gollum, the Emerald Wand of Horcrux, and a gorgeous Louis Vuitton studded black leather handbag with faux fur trim and a pocket for my iPhone.

    I promise to protect the freedom of every sentient being in the galaxy and to gently but firmly advise on haute couture, as is my charge, as is my oath.


    Ryan Zwirner
    Host, Tatooine Sand Appraiser

    Hey there!

    About me: I’m 6’3”, because apparently that matters. I’m from Southern California (don’t judge) -I moved up to Washington 7 years ago and love it so far.

    In my free time you’ll usually find me kayaking, telling dad jokes, brewing beer, pretending I like hiking, or being lazy and copy/pasting my Tinder bio when people ask me for “a blurb for the website”.

    Lets grab a drink!

    PS. Must love dogs.


    Ben Brockman
    Host, Ordained Ewok Funeral Officiant

    I am proud to be known as the first ever inductee to the “Beat the Geek Trivia Host Hall Of Fame,” an honor I bestowed upon myself without the knowledge or approval of anyone else.

    When not memorizing release dates and chart/sales performance of every popular movie and album released since the 1970’s, I can be found crashing neighborhood parties throughout the Puget Sound region, where I serenade confused attendees with “Wonderwall,” the most under-performed guy-with-a-guitar song of all time. I avoid being depressed during the wet and dreary months by cheering on our local sports teams live and in person as they inevitably fail in the biggest moments.

    I can also beat the original Super Mario Bros on NES in 8 minutes and 30 seconds; it’s not a record time or anything, but I think it’s a pretty decent effort.


    Krystie Ritchey
    Host, Bassist for Figrin Dan and the Modal Nodes

    I’m Krystie Ritchey, and I approve this message.

    I’m originally from Detroit, but grew up all over the world while my dad served in the military, and I just can’t help myself but continue moving every so often as an adult. I’ve loved performing ever since I embarrassed my parents in a cafeteria, belting out Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All”, when I was 3 years old. I’ve continued being an absolute ham on stage/behind a microphone ever since, including a stint in community theater, playing bass guitar and singing in a few bands, and now hosting trivia. I was a regular Beat the Geek player–and frequent winner–until I decided to take a Ken Jennings turn and apply to host. Previously, I’ve worked in retail, mortgage sales, customer service, and teaching English as a Second Language.

    I’ve always loved music, and my superpower is being able to identify songs and artists within seconds of hearing them. I’m a language geek and I’ve got a linguistics degree to prove it; I’ve studied 6 languages (English, German, Spanish, Latin, Swedish, Icelandic) to lend me additional geek street cred. Also, I’m obsessed with Iceland, and I can tell you anything about RuPaul’s Drag Race, both the US and all international versions. My go-to drinks are vodka pineapple, amaretto sour, and non-IPA beers. Cheers!


    Dan Filowitz
    Host, Jedi Academy Day Care Center Administrator

    Residing in the suburbs of Seattle by way of Chicago and New Jersey with brief stops in Indiana, California, Toronto, and Vancouver. (Scent of a Woman Al Pacino voice) I’ve been around, you know.

    Once, when I didn’t have kids, I spent a lot of time on stage, in Chicago, writing and performing. Improv, sketch comedy, theater, that sort of thing. Then I had kids and moved and don’t do all that anymore. So, I’m very excited to be back at it again hosting Beat the Geek Trivia (nothing happened to the kids other than getting older, in case you were worried.)

    As mentioned, I have kids. Two. And pets. Four. I work in marketing strategy during the day, which is enjoyable but not particularly funny. I also spend time rooting for the New York Knicks and the New York Jets, which most of the time is neither enjoyable nor funny (to me, it does tend to make other people laugh. At me.) Hosting trivia is enjoyable and generally funny, so I’ve got that going for me now, which is nice.


    You?
    Host

    Beat the Geek Trivia is always looking for energetic and funny trivia hosts. If you think you sound good on a microphone, you like talking in front of a crowd, and you’re not a moron, you should audition.

    email Mark if you’re interested.



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