Roman Dubowski has joined an elite group as the seventh contestant to claim the top prize of £1 million on ITV’s iconic quiz show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. The retired IT analyst shared his journey to victory and the essential advice that helped him succeed.
Throughout his run, Roman faced diverse questions on topics from Saturn’s rings to sea life and historical events like the Black Death. His only minor stumble came when he couldn’t immediately recall the main ingredient in mayonnaise and needed help from the audience.
Roman credits his preparation to a key resource: Trevor Montague’s book, A to Z of Everything: A Compendium of General Knowledge. Speaking to The i, he remarked, “It’s very good,” highlighting its role in his success.
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Moreover, Roman stressed the importance of following the advice given by host Jeremy Clarkson before the show. Clarkson warned him about the strategic use of lifelines, particularly the 50/50 option. “He said he’s seen people misuse the 50/50 lifeline,” Roman explained. “Only use it if you have an inkling that one answer is right, don’t use it when you have no idea at all or you’ll be left with two you don’t know. I used 50/50 on the million-pound question, but only because I thought, ‘Why not?’ I knew the answer.”
Despite some past critiques of Clarkson’s performance as a host, Roman praised his guidance and support. He also shared his own approach to the contest: staying calm, thinking carefully, and avoiding rushed decisions. “One of my strategies was to stay calm and not rush, to speak slowly and think things through rather than jump at an answer. But I knew all of the final five questions.”
Roman’s journey wasn’t immediate; he applied twice before finally earning a spot on the show. Looking ahead, he is planning another challenge – a return to BBC Radio 4’s Brain of Britain, where he previously reached the semi-finals.
In the meantime, Roman’s plans for his newfound wealth are focused on enriching experiences and practical improvements. “I’m not one for extravagant purchases. I prefer experiences like travel. I hope to go to South America or back to New Zealand.” He also revealed plans to invest in a new house with parking to avoid street parking hassles.
Reflecting on the win, he admitted it felt surreal at first. “You don’t get the money until after the show is broadcast. It’s coming soon.” With the thrill of victory settling in, Roman is ready to make the most of his life-changing achievement.