Quizmaster Berty Ashley Shapes Bengaluru Quizzing Scene From Indiranagar Pubs

Berty Ashley, a 42-year-old molecular biologist-turned-quizmaster, is reshaping the local quizzing culture in Bengaluru through popular pub quizzes in Indiranagar and a series of published books. Since moving to the city in 2014, Ashley has expanded the local quiz scene by introducing visually-driven formats, partnering with schools, and authoring eight quiz books.

Ashley, who hails from Madurai, began quizzing when he was a Class 5 student. Before relocating to Bengaluru, he lived in Chennai and would travel across state lines just to attend quizzes hosted by the Karnataka Quiz Association (KQA), which he regarded as the pinnacle of the quizzing circuit.

After permanently relocating to Bengaluru in 2014, Ashley began conducting quizzes for the KQA. He eventually expanded his reach to host various local events, including cozy pub quizzes in Indiranagar, where he introduced a distinct style to traditional quiz formats.

Beyond hosting live events, Ashley has authored and co-authored eight quiz books. His publishing journey began after Rupa Books approached him in 2020 to compile his Sunday Magazine quizzes for The Hindu into a book titled Quizzes for Quirky Minds. He has since written seven other independent books covering diverse subjects such as science, literature, and the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Unlike his print books, which rely entirely on text, Ashley’s live quizzes are highly visual. Only about five percent of his live questions are fully text-based, with the rest incorporating audio, video, and visual clues. He also integrates humor, GIFs, and memes into his presentations, even when addressing serious topics like genetic disorders for the Tata Institute of Genetics and Society.

Ashley's work also extends to building quiz clubs in schools to attract younger participants. He noted that while Bengaluru's quizzing circuit has traditionally been dominated by older men, the demographic is gradually shifting to include more women and students.