Be a Contestant — The Chase

Be a Contestant on The Chase

Think you have what it takes to face down a professional Chaser and win cash prizes? The Chase is actively recruiting contestants with strong trivia knowledge and competitive spirit. If you believe you can answer questions under pressure and make smart strategic decisions when significant money is on the line, you could be competing on the show.

Eligibility Requirements

Contestant eligibility varies slightly between the UK and US versions, but general requirements include: you must be at least 18 years old (specific age limits may vary by version—some versions have upper age limits or retirement considerations), you must be a citizen or legal resident of the country where you're applying, and you must not be a professional television personality or previous game show contestant (though some prior game show appearances may be negotiable depending on circumstances and how recently they occurred). You must be available for studio recording dates if selected, typically with flexibility for 2-3 month windows. Some versions restrict close relatives of television industry professionals, though this varies by production. Some versions exclude employees of the broadcasting network. Review the specific eligibility requirements on the official application website for your region before applying to avoid wasting time on ineligible applications.

The Application Process

Applications typically involve multiple stages designed to identify knowledgeable, engaging contestants. First, complete an online application providing personal information, background, work history, and a compelling explanation of why you want to be a contestant. This stage includes a brief personality assessment to ensure you're engaging and articulate for television, as producers want contestants who will be interesting to watch. Second, you'll take an online trivia quiz testing your general knowledge across multiple categories. This quiz is deliberately challenging and designed to identify genuinely knowledgeable contestants rather than casual trivia players. Third, if you pass the trivia test, you'll be invited to an interview/audition where you'll meet with producers via Zoom or in person, answer additional trivia questions in real-time under pressure, and demonstrate your personality and suitability for television. The entire process can take 3-6 months from initial application to final selection.

Building Trivia Knowledge

To maximize your chances of selection and success, develop broad general knowledge across multiple domains:

• Read widely—books, articles, historical texts, biographies
• Watch documentaries on history, science, geography, and culture
• Stay current with news and current events globally
• Study famous historical figures, artworks, and cultural achievements
• Learn about film and cinema history across decades
• Build knowledge of music history and artists across genres
• Study world geography, capitals, and geopolitical facts
• Practice online trivia quizzes to develop speed and accuracy

Mental Preparation Strategies

The Chase isn't just about knowledge—it's about performing under pressure and making sound strategic decisions when money is at stake. Practice answering trivia questions while a timer counts down, simulating the 60-second time pressure of the Cash Builder round. Get comfortable making quick decisions in game contexts without overthinking. Develop comfort with your risk tolerance: would you take the high offer if offered double your Cash Builder amount? How do you balance greed against safety? Practice the emotional swings of competition—the high of answering correctly, the disappointment of being caught by The Chaser, the pressure of the Final Chase countdown. Strong contestants are mentally prepared for both triumph and heartbreak, and they maintain composure under pressure.

Personality and Television Presence

Producers are looking for contestants who are engaging on television and interesting to watch. This doesn't mean you need to be a performer or extrovert—authentic personality is far more valuable than manufactured enthusiasm. Be yourself, but be the best version of yourself. Make eye contact with the host. Show genuine emotion about your performance—celebrate correct answers, react authentically to being caught, show the human side of competition. Tell personal stories that producers might weave into your contestant introduction. Explain why this show matters to you. If selected, you'll be on television for millions to watch, and producers want contestants who are interesting, genuine, and engaging, not robotic or overly polished.

The Selection and Filming Process

If you're selected as a contestant, you'll be scheduled for a studio recording date. You'll arrive several hours early for security clearance, costuming assistance, hair and makeup if desired, and a final briefing. You'll meet other contestants scheduled for that day's filming. You might record 3-5 episodes with the same group in a single day (the show records multiple episodes consecutively for efficiency). Between episodes, you'll have breaks, and you might interact with hosts and Chasers during these downtime periods. The whole experience is professionally managed; producers will guide you through every step, answer all your questions, and you'll never be surprised by rules or formats. The studio environment is designed to be welcoming while maintaining the competitive tension that makes the show compelling.

On-Show Strategy and Success Tips

Remember that The Chase rewards both knowledge and smart decision-making:

• Cash Builder: Answer quickly but accurately; don't overthink uncertain answers
• Offer decision: Decide your risk tolerance before seeing options
• Individual Chase: Focus on the current question; answer confidently
• Final Chase: Contribute knowledge while supporting teammates emotionally
• Time pressure: Remember that even one correct answer matters in final moments