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Issa Schultz
Issa Schultz
Issa Schultz
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Issa Schultz (born 1 March 1984)[1] is a British-Australian television quiz personality best known for being one of the "chasers" on The Chase Australia, where he is nicknamed "The Supernerd".[2]

Key Information

In addition to his current role on The Chase Australia, Schultz is also a twelve-time winner of the Australian Quizzing Championships (2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)[3][4] and seven-time Pairs champion (2012–17, 2020). He also appeared on The Rich List, where he won $200,000 in 2009, as well as Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and The Einstein Factor.[2][5]

His name Issa is an Arabic version of the name "Jesus", which he was named after a best friend of his parents when they worked in Qatar in the 1970s.[6] Schultz and his family moved to Australia from Britain in 1995.[7] They settled in Tewantin, Queensland and Schultz attended Tewantin State School and Noosa District State High School. He was one of the four school captains in 2001.[8]

In 2017, Schultz appeared as a celebrity contestant on Hell's Kitchen Australia.[9][10]

Schultz placed 15th in the 2025 World Quizzing Championships,[11] and has been the top-ranked Australian competitor twelve times since 2011.[12]

In March 2022, he stood in for Anne Hegerty in ITV's Beat the Chasers after Hegerty tested positive for COVID-19.[13]

Schultz also competed in the twentieth series of Dancing with the Stars in early 2023. He was paired with professional Tasmanian dancer Lily Cornish.[14][15]

In November 2024, Schultz represented Australia at the III Quiz Olympiad in Spain.

In November 2025, Schultz appeared as a chaser on The Chase New Zealand in a four-episode special series.[16]

References

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Issa Schultz

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Issa Schultz (born 1984) is a British-Australian professional quizzer and television personality, best known by his nickname "The Supernerd" as one of the expert "" on the Australian and New Zealand versions of the game show The Chase. Born in , , Schultz emigrated to with his family at the age of 11 and currently resides in , where he has built a career centered on competitive quizzing. He has held the title of Australia's number-one ranked quizzer since 2011, participating in major events such as the , where he placed 15th globally in 2025. Schultz approaches quizzing as a full-time , studying for up to eight hours daily on diverse subjects including African geography, Australian Football League player drafts, and film history, using notebooks and reference materials to maintain his edge. On The Chase Australia, produced by Channel 7, he films for six weeks each year, challenging contestants in high-stakes trivia battles, and he also features on the New Zealand edition of the show.

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Issa Schultz was born on 1 March 1984 in , , , to parents of dual British-Australian nationality (his father born in ), which allowed him to hold dual citizenship after the family's relocation. His first name, Issa, derives from and translates to "," chosen by his parents in honor of a close friend they knew during their time living in in the . He is one of four siblings in a family of six. Schultz's father managed The Liberal Club, a local pub in that hosted weekly nights, immersing the young Issa in an environment rich with questions and from an early age. In 1995, when Schultz was 11 years old, his family emigrated to , settling initially in Tewantin on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, where they later moved to . This relocation exposed him to new cultural influences, blending his British upbringing with Australian life, though he maintained strong ties to his roots, including annual visits to a sister who returned to . During his early years in , Schultz's father, who had him in his fifties, continued to foster a family-oriented environment that valued intellectual pursuits. Schultz's passion for began in childhood through casual exposures at his father's , where he would overhear questions from afar, sparking his about facts and history. A pivotal moment came when he discovered an old stored in a cupboard, which he played repeatedly, honing his knowledge of diverse topics and laying the foundation for his lifelong interest in quizzing. In Australia, this hobby evolved as he joined family outings to local pub quizzes on the Sunshine Coast, further nurturing his competitive edge with knowledge-based games and books.

Academic pursuits

Schultz pursued his formal education in , , after his family relocated there in 1995. He attended local schools, completing his at Noosa District State High School, where he was recognized for his academic dedication. During his time at Noosa District State High School, Schultz served as one of the four school captains in his final year of 2001, reflecting his and strong academic standing. He was described as a well-behaved and capable student who passed all subjects comfortably, even while balancing extracurricular commitments. His studies encompassed a broad range of subjects without a singular focus, fostering an early aptitude for diverse . Notably, he immersed himself in music education, mastering instruments including the , , , , and , and occasionally prioritized practice over certain classes. Schultz's academic pursuits emphasized self-directed learning, which built his extensive in areas such as , , , and pop culture through reading old books, newspapers, and reliable online resources. This methodical approach to broadening his intellectual horizons during his school years laid the foundation for his later expertise in and .

Quizzing career

Entry into competitive quizzing

Issa Schultz's interest in quizzing was initially sparked in the UK by his father's role hosting trivia nights at a local club, but his competitive entry began after moving to Australia in 1995. During his high school years at Noosa District State High School on the Sunshine Coast in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Schultz started participating in local pub quizzes, which served as his introduction to organized trivia in Australia. These informal events helped him develop early skills in recalling facts across categories like history, geography, and pop culture. In 2002, after relocating to for university studies, Schultz deepened his involvement by joining more challenging leagues in the city, often prioritizing these over academic commitments. He attended up to seven nights per week, treating them as both practice and competition to hone his speed and breadth of knowledge. His primary training method during this period involved purchasing and reading every available book cover to cover, systematically building a foundational database of from subjects including , , and current events. Schultz's transition to formal competitive quizzing occurred in 2008 when he discovered Quizzing Australia, an organization founded to standardize and promote national quiz events. He traveled to for his first Australian Quizzing Championships that year, competing in a two-hour format with 240 questions across eight categories and securing second place overall. This debut performance earned him early recognition within the Australian quizzing community, establishing him as a rising talent ahead of his later dominance in national rankings.

Major achievements and rankings

Issa Schultz has maintained the position of 's top-ranked quizzer since 2011, consistently leading national standings through organizations such as Quizzing Australia. As of 2025, he holds the #1 ranking in the country and #15 globally in the International Quizzing Association (IQA) leaderboard. Schultz has secured multiple national titles in major quizzing events, establishing him as a dominant force in competitions. He is a twelve-time winner of the Australian Quizzing Championships individual event, with victories in 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and consecutively from 2020 to 2025. In the 2025 Australian Quizzing Championships, he defended his title with a standout score of 175 out of 240, showcasing his precision across diverse topics. Additionally, as the Australian champion for the IQA World Quiz Championships, he has represented the nation at the highest level in years including 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016–2018, 2020–2025 (excluding 2019). Internationally, his performances include a 15th-place finish in the 2025 with a total score of 167 points, highlighting his competitive edge on the global stage. Over the course of his career, Schultz's quizzing style has evolved to emphasize an exceptional breadth of knowledge, achieved through rigorous daily study routines that cover obscure facts in areas like , sports history, and awards. This methodical approach, involving manual note-taking from reference materials and targeted memorization, has enabled him to excel in high-pressure, speed-based formats typical of elite quizzing events.

Television career

Role on The Chase Australia

Issa Schultz joined as one of the original Chasers when the show premiered on the Seven Network in September 2015. His selection was informed by his established reputation as a top quizzer, including prior victories on Australian game shows like The Rich List and The Einstein Factor. Schultz was assigned the nickname "The Supernerd," reflecting his intellectual prowess and trivia obsession that began in childhood with games like ; he initially took time to warm to the moniker but now embraces it as his on-screen alter ego. Schultz's character on the show is defined by a quirky, nerdy , often accentuated by his signature bow ties and dry humor, which endears him to viewers while maintaining a competitive edge. As a self-described "pathological truth-teller," he is straightforward in interactions, avoiding even when it might benefit his , though this trait sometimes leads to candid on-air exchanges. His style draws from over two decades of studying tactics, emphasizing speed, breadth of knowledge, and psychological pressure on contestants to force errors under time constraints. This approach contributes to the show's dynamic format by heightening tension in head-to-head rounds and the Final Chase, where his relentless accuracy often catches players in fewer steps than average. Throughout his tenure, spanning from the inaugural season in 2015 continuously to the ongoing fifteenth season in 2025, Schultz has appeared in over 1,150 episodes, solidifying his role as a core alongside rotations of others. Early performance data from his first 219 regular episodes showed a strong 78% win rate for the under his opposition, the highest among the team at the time, underscoring his effectiveness in defending prize pots. Notable moments include rare defeats, such as losses to solo contestants in the Final Chase—making him the first Australian Chaser to experience multiple such upsets—and a long-awaited loss in a Lazarus challenge after nearly five years on air, which highlighted the unpredictability of the format even against top performers. These instances, while exceptions to his dominant record, have become memorable for fans, illustrating Schultz's vulnerability and adding to the show's appeal through genuine high-stakes drama.

Other media appearances

Issa Schultz has made several guest appearances on Australian television game shows prior to and alongside his role on The Chase Australia. In 2002, he competed as a contestant on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, advancing to win $1,000 before incorrectly answering the $32,000 question. He returned to the franchise in 2009 for , where he departed without winnings. That same year, Schultz appeared on The Rich List, securing a significant victory of $200,000. Additionally, he featured on The Einstein Factor, showcasing his expertise in a specialized knowledge format. In 2020, Schultz participated in an episode of the comedy Behave Yourself!, contributing to discussions on experiments alongside host and other celebrities. His Supernerd persona from The Chase has influenced invitations to such varied formats, broadening his exposure beyond pure quizzing. Schultz has engaged in charity media events, notably appearing in a 2019 special quiz segment on Sunrise against the program's hosts to support community causes. In October 2025, he joined fellow Chase chasers for Western Australia's at RAC Arena in Perth, participating in on-air challenges and performances that helped raise a record $90 million for children's charities across 161 organizations. This event marked another of his involvements with , emphasizing his commitment to fundraising through segments. Beyond traditional TV, Schultz's media presence has expanded internationally and digitally since joining The Chase in 2015. He guest-starred on the UK version of The Chase and Beat the Chasers in 2022, filling in for Anne Hegerty across multiple episodes. In 2023, he competed on Dancing with the Stars Australia, partnering with Lily Cornish, which notably boosted his online visibility. His Instagram account (@issaschultzofficial) grew from around 2,900 to over 14,000 followers during this period, reflecting increased fan engagement tied to his quirky, gaming-enthusiast image—highlighted by his self-described love for Nintendo in his bio. In October 2025, Schultz promoted the New Zealand launch of The Chase, appearing alongside Anne Hegerty to discuss the show's adaptation. In November 2025, he appeared as a Chaser on The Chase New Zealand in a four-episode special series.

Personal life

Lifestyle and interests

Issa Schultz structures his daily routine around competitive quizzing, dedicating approximately eight hours each day to online quizzes on his computer, which he treats as a full-time job, often starting after a morning and pausing only for before resuming. This commitment, shaped by his long-standing quizzing career, leaves little room for other pursuits, emphasizing knowledge acquisition over practical skills. His hobbies reflect a deep immersion in trivia and leisure activities that support intellectual growth, including playing games, collecting and reading books—particularly Dorling reference titles—and watching . Schultz's home is filled with books scattered across the floor and shelves, alongside board games, underscoring his passion for these interests. He engages in trivia study by hand-copying facts into notebooks, focusing on niche topics such as African capitals, drafts, and Academy Award winners, describing himself as "that obsessed" with the process. Schultz exhibits unique habits tied to his prioritization of intellectual endeavors, admitting he has never driven a , cannot cook, and frequently loses his house keys, quipping, "I’ve never driven a . I can’t cook. I’m a lost cause." These minimal practical skills highlight his deliberate focus on mastery rather than everyday competencies. He maintains close ties within the small, supportive Australian quizzing , where he values the eccentric personalities, noting, "There’s a lot of eccentrics – and we love our eccentrics!"

Relationships and public persona

Schultz has openly discussed his ongoing search for a lasting romantic relationship as of late 2025, expressing a strong desire for a lifelong partner with whom he can start a . In a recent , he shared his hope for finding , stating, “I hope it happens. I'm sure it will,” while acknowledging the need for mutual compatibility, adding, “But of course, you need two to tango... So, if it happens, it happens.” Inspired by his parents' enduring despite a 20-year age gap, Schultz, now 41, has emphasized his dream of having children, noting, “I would love kids... I'd be happy with either ,” but remains single and patient in his pursuit. His fame as a Chaser has complicated dating efforts, creating biases around his on-screen "Supernerd" persona that he believes misrepresents his everyday self. Schultz avoids romantic advances received through the show, such as phone numbers passed to producers, due to concerns over authenticity, explaining, “I’m much more boring outside the outfit.” He also steers clear of platforms for similar reasons, preferring organic connections untainted by his celebrity status. This lifestyle, centered in and demanding frequent travel for filming, further hinders traditional dating opportunities. As "The Supernerd," Schultz's Chaser role has drawn unusual fan attention, including being followed to pubs and receiving 20 letters distributed across apartments in his building. He has recounted bizarre interactions, such as invitations for overnight stays with breakfast offers—initially mistaken for hotel promotions—describing how “the requests were getting quite bizarre.” These encounters highlight the odd side of his public interactions, though he engages positively with fans through social media and public appearances, often sharing quiz-related insights. Schultz's public persona has evolved significantly from that of a dedicated quiz enthusiast to a recognized television celebrity, amplified by his international media appearances. In interviews, he has reflected on this shift, noting increased public recognition and even "groupies" following his rise on The Chase Australia. This transformation is evident in his collaborations within media circles, including close professional bonds with fellow like , with whom he has appeared as a on specials, and , sharing a warm rapport during joint episodes.

References

  1. https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/11/08/i-hope-it-happens-the-chases-supernerd-on-his-quest-to-find-lasting-love/
  2. https://www.theguardian.com/games/2025/sep/27/ive-never-driven-a-car-i-cant-cook-im-a-lost-cause-meet-australias-top-quizzers
  3. https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/celebs-tv/tv-beat-chasers-supernerd-issa-7099426
  4. https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/2020367/issa-schultz-supernerd-the-chase-life-dating
  5. https://howtowingameshows.com/2019/04/09/my-exclusive-interview-with-the-chase-australias-super-nerd-issa-schultz-part-1-of-5/
  6. https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/who-chases-issa-schultz-cocky-26973770
  7. https://www.nowtolove.com.au/entertainment/reality-tv/dancing-with-the-stars-2023-issa-schultz-78204/
  8. https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/central-and-north-burnett/the-supernerd-one-of-the-smartest-men-on-television/news-story/e96f953f8eb483d67f7df12dc7267cdb
  9. https://noosadistrictshs.eq.edu.au/our-school/history/legends-of-noosa-district-s-h-s
  10. https://noosadistrictshs.eq.edu.au/our-school/history/past-school-captains
  11. https://www.worldquizzing.com/results/
  12. https://www.quizzingaustralia.org/portfolio
  13. https://www.ladbible.com/entertainment/issa-schultz-chaser-itv-20220518
  14. https://sevenwestmedia.com.au/assets/pdfs/the-chase-australia-weekdays-5pm.pdf
  15. https://7news.com.au/the-morning-show/story-info/the-chases-supernerd-issa-schultz-quizzes-the-morning-show-hosts-and-reveals-how-to-be-a-contestant-c-4577362
  16. https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/74970482/the-chase-australias-issa-schultz-reveals-key-to-the-shows-success
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5057752/
  18. https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2019/09/01/2019-9-1-the-amazing-statistics-of-700-episodes-of-the-chase/
  19. https://millionaire.fandom.com/wiki/Issa_Schultz
  20. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7607919/
  21. https://www.perthnow.com.au/entertainment/tv/the-chases-issa-schultz-meets-his-match-in-sunrise-team-for-charity-quiz-show-ng-b881298207z
  22. https://sevenwestmedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Star-studded-Channel-7-Telethon-raises-90-million.pdf
  23. https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/who-issa-schultz-aussie-quiz-23420438
  24. https://www.instagram.com/issaschultzofficial/?hl=en
  25. https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360848578/governess-and-supernerd-join-chase-nz
  26. https://www.facebook.com/morningshowon7/videos/can-issa-schultz-beat-the-morning-show-larry-and-kylie-put-him-to-the-test/372456363983994/
  27. https://www.nowtolove.co.nz/celebrity/anne-hegerty-the-governess-chase-new-zealand/
  28. https://www.entertainmentdaily.com/tv/beat-the-chasers-shaun-wallace-relationship-new-chaser-issa-schultz/
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