HILVERSUM - Journalist and presenter Frank van Leeuwen has been named the winner of the 27th season of the popular KRO-NCRV quiz show, De slimste mens. Van Leeuwen, a familiar face to early-morning viewers of the WNL program Goedemorgen Nederland, secured the victory in a close final round on Friday evening.
The final episode saw Van Leeuwen compete against actress Delilah Warcup-van Eyck and theatre maker Bibi Roos. After several rounds, Roos was the first to be eliminated, leaving Van Leeuwen and Warcup-van Eyck to battle for the title in a tense head-to-head showdown.
The deciding question focused on former speed skater and tech expert Ben van der Burg. As a regular guest on Van Leeuwen's morning show, it was a topic well within his wheelhouse. He successfully provided enough correct answers to run down his opponent's clock and claim the trophy. "There were a few milliseconds where I thought: I know three good answers to this. Then it flashed through my mind: wait a minute, I'm going to win!" he said after the broadcast.
A 'Mad Adventure' and a Nod to Home
Calling his participation a "mad adventure," Van Leeuwen took a moment during his acceptance to thank those who supported him, including his partner, Thijs. He shared a relatable anecdote about their preparation for the show.
"I'd be in bed, just about to fall asleep, and Thijs would say: 'What do you know about the police actions?'" Van Leeuwen shared, highlighting the support he received at home. The moment provided a casual and positive point of visibility on one of the Netherlands' most-watched television programs.
The trophy was presented by last year's winner, neurobiologist and writer Brankele Frank. "From Frank to Frank," she noted, adding, "And I also received it from a Frank, so it seems there's a pattern to be discovered."
Before the final quiz rounds, Van Leeuwen also made good on a promise to juggle with the show's official mugs if he reached the final, a feat he managed despite admitting to having "sweaty hands."
De slimste mens remains a ratings success in the Netherlands, with over a million viewers tuning in for the final week's episodes. The program, which began in 2012, is currently hosted by Herman van der Zandt with writer and comedian Paulien Cornelisse serving as the single-member jury.
