Who Will Win the Geo Bee? | National Geographic

Okay, welcome to the championship round of the XXX National Geographic Bee! Out of 2.6 million students, 54 of the country's brightest young geographers made it here to Washington, D.C. The top 10 earned their place to compete today, and now we're down to two: 13-year-old Vane Cut Ranjan from California and 13-year-old Anushka Buddha Coat from New Jersey. Congratulations to you both on making it this far! [Applause]

So, Vane Cut, what would it mean to you to win this thing?
"I would be good."
You've sort of underplaying it right now, right? Maybe I get it. Okay, Anushka, how long have you prepared for this moment?
"I've been participating in the National Geographic Bee since I was in fourth grade."
Since you were in fourth grade, about eight, nine, or ten years?
"Eight or nine years old, right?"
You know, well, excellent!

Okay, well you've come a long way, both of you, and now it's time to get down to business. Here's how it's going to work: You each begin this final round with a clean slate. The championship round is single elimination. You will both be asked the same question at the same time. The contestant who correctly answers a question that the other contestant misses will be named our national champion.

So watch closely because every question could be the winning question. You're going to need your stylus for this final round. I will read each question twice, so listen carefully before answering. You’ll then have 12 seconds to write your responses for the final time. Students, are you ready?
(They’re ready.)

Here is your question: Name the small Southeast Asian country that has a northern coastline on the wait are and owned by straits.
I repeat: Name the small Southeast Asian country that has a northern coastline on the wait are and owned by straits.
"Thank um, what do you have?"
"East Timor."
Anushka?
"Timor Leste."
The correct answer is Timor Leste, also East Timor, so you are both correct and we like variety.

Okay, on to the next question: Lebanon has a population most similar to which South American country?
I repeat: Lebanon has a population most similar to which South American country?
Vane Cut, what do you have?
"Paraguay."
Anushka?
"Guyana."
Do you have two different answers? I can tell you now that one is correct.

So, we're about to learn who is the 2018 National Geographic Bee champion. The correct answer is Paraguay! So, Vane Cut Ranjan is the 2018 National Geographic Bee champion! Please, people, submit and another round of applause while we reset for the medal ceremony. [Applause] Well done!