British Mensa’s Annual Brain of Mensa competition will this year take place at the Bristol Hotel. Four finalists from regional heats will battle it out in a ‘Mastermind’ calibre quiz on Sunday 4 October from 2pm.  Brain of Mensa 2009 is a prestigious title that each of the four competitors are hoping to get their hands on.  

Brain of Mensa is open to members of the public; so why not come along watch the show, and maybe answer some of the questions that they can't. It is free to attend, all we ask is that you pre-register by contacting the Mensa office on 01902 772 771, option 3 or email diane@mensa.org.uk. 

The Mensans competing come from a variety of backgrounds but have one thing in common – their love of ‘quizzing.’ Last year’s winner Les Hurst, of Derbyshire is an active member of the Derbyshire Pub Quiz League, and appeared on BBC2’s Battle of the Brains, the Brain of Britain, and 15-to-1. When he is not quizzing he is a computer programmer and rare book dealer. 

 Finalist and previous winner David Edwards is a retired physics teacher, based in North Staffordshire. A former Mastermind Champion, he was also the first man to take the top prize on ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.’ He spends his time following diverse interests such as Irish Music, genealogy, and learning French.’

John Coventry spent a lot of time overseas during his career in the travel industry, and has a degree in Modern Languages. Enjoying sports particularly golf; he now works for the Civil Service in Liverpool. After joining Mensa in 1991 he has reached the Brain of Mensa final four times, but has yet to win, something he hopes to correct in October. 

Australian Mark Grant, moved to London over a decade ago, and joined the Broken Hearts quiz team, who went on to win the Quiz League of London and the European Quizzing Championship. Runner-up in the Mastermind Final 2005 and reaching the Brain of Britain semi-final, Mark is well versed in competitive quizzing. 

John Stevenage, Chief Executive at British Mensa, said looking forward to the event; ‘The Brain of Mensa final is always exciting. It is going to be tense as we watch four great contestants come face to face battling for the trophy, and to be crowned Brain of Mensa 2009.’