The Dozen Trivia: Big Game Classic Preview

With Super Bowl week in full force, make sure not to forget the biggest trivia league’s opening week. The Big Game Classic will be kicking off The Dozen Trivia Season 6 Thursday night with three of the league’s best, including a former champion, the season 5 runner-up, and the defending champs. The fourth team to round out the tournament is a new squad full of very familiar faces, though.

Also, a FULL season preview will release Thursday night following the Big Game Classic, so be on the lookout for that as well, there are lots of changes in the league to learn about.

The Experts vs. Booze Ponies

Jeff D Lowe, you are a straight-up sicko! We are getting a championship rematch to open the season, people! That’s good trivia right there, Jeff. This one will have buzz from the jump, with what many are calling the favorites meeting up again already. Is this a preview of what’s to come this summer? Or do we see a step back from the league’s elites? I fully expect Brandon Walker to be as primed and focused as ever, as the new goal becomes the first repeat champs in Dozen history.

3 Keys:

• Does Will Compton give his team a boost? We saw last year his points-per-match total rise. If he can continue that into 2026, it makes the Ponies feel nearly unbeatable.

• Is PFT healthy? He fought through the championship run with a bad back. You have to wonder how much recovery time took away from offseason training, will he have the same abilities come game time?

• Who takes the college sports categories? This could be the game-changer, as both teams feel this is one of their strongest areas. Watch for it to swing the match.

Betting Lines:

• Experts -1.5

• ML: Experts -150 / Ponies +125

• O/U: 29.5

• High Scorer: Dana Beers +175

Prediction: Experts 16, Ponies 11

Ziti vs. Mark & The Markettes

Dave Portnoy and his Snack Boys(Eddie & Clem) are back and feel ready to reclaim the top spot in the league. After another Final Four run last summer, expectations are through the roof as title contenders. Meanwhile, on the other side, we get our first look at one of potentially several new teams in the Dozen. After a mutual split, the former Frankettes(Nick & KB) now team up with Mark Titus to become the Markettes. Though technically an expansion team, you may want to watch out, we could have a Vegas Golden Knights situation here, as they seem ready to contend immediately.

3 Keys:

• Who is captain for the Markettes? Both Mark and Nick are considered top-notch captains in the league. This could be the first roadblock in what is a high-expectations season ahead.

• Is Dave’s head in the game or elsewhere with the Super Bowl approaching? This is something to keep an eye on throughout the match.

• Can the Markettes beat Blender the Snack Boys? This is the matchup of the tournament in my opinion, as these two potentially go right at each other.

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Betting Lines:

• Ziti -2.5

• ML: Ziti -200 / Markettes +190

• O/U: 27.5

• High Scorer: Eddie +215

Prediction: Markettes 13, Ziti 12 (OT)

CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: The Experts vs Mark & Markettes

This would set up a matchup we could all dream of: Brandon vs. Mark with a trophy on the line. This is the moment that can define the season ahead. A championship in the Big Game Classic by the Experts would show the entire league that the chip runs through them for a second straight year. On the other hand, the Markettes can prove that expansion team or not, they are the team to beat in 2026.

3 Keys:

• Can Brandon handle facing Mark Titus & the boys? In the past, he never seemed intimidated by the Frankettes...but these are the Markettes now.

• Fran’s pop culture knowledge, and reign as the Celebrity Mashup Queen, could be the difference.

• Whose niche is it? Can Brandon go back-to-back… or are we talking planes for a trophy?

Betting Lines:

• Experts -2.5

• ML: Experts -200 / Markettes +200

• O/U: 28.5

• High Scorer: Brandon Walker +190

Prediction: Experts 15, Markettes 13

I’ve got the Experts flexing their muscles on the league from the jump, showing everyone they’re going for the repeat. That said, the Markettes walk away with valuable intel that could be used later in the season.

Be on the lookout for the FULL season preview, including ceiling/floor for all 16 teams, championship odds, MVP and Rookie ladders, and of course predictions. This feels primed to be the best season in Dozen history.

Tune in LIVE, 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT, Thursday night on YouTube.