Can You Answer 2014 Geographic Bee Winning Question?
May 21, 2014---Oyala, a planned city located in the rainforest 65 miles east of Bata, is being built as a new capital for which African country? Knowing the answer to that question was enough to win the 2014 National Geographic Bee. 13-year-old Akhil Rekulapelli, an eighth grader from Virginia is the winner of a $50,000 college scholarship, a trip to the Galápagos Islands and lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society. Ameya Mujumdar, a fifth grader from Tampa came in second place.
Watch the National Geographic Bee on the National Geographic Channel and Nat Geo Wild, Thursday, May 22nd at 7pm.
Transcript
[Audience clapping]
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN: We move into our second question. This is the best out of three. Ready? Oyala, a planned city located in the rainforest 65 miles east of Bata, is being built as a new capital for which African country? I'll repeat that. Oyala, a planned city located in the rainforest 65 miles east of Bata, is being built as a new capital for which African country? You have twelve seconds.
[Timer rings]
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN: Ameya, we'll begin with you. What's your answer?
AMEYA MUJUMDAR: Tanzania
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN: And Akhil, what is your answer?
AKHIL REKULAPELLI: Equatorial Guinea.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN: The correct answer is Equatorial Guinea. Which means we now have two points for Akhil and one point for Ameya. And you know what that means. This third question will decide it. Ready?
The discovery of a major shale oil deposit in the Vaca Muerta formation in 2010 has lead to an expansion of oil drilling in the Neuquén province. In what country? I'm going to repeat that. The discovery of a major shale oil deposit in the Vaca Muerta formation in 2010 has lead to an expansion of oil drilling in the Neuquén province. In what country?
[Timer rings]
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN: And it's time. Akhil, we'll begin with you. What is your answer?
AKHIL REKULAPELLI: Argentina.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN: Ameya, what is your answer?
AMEYA MUJUMDAR: Argentina
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN: The correct answer is Argentina. We have a winner. Akhil, you are the winner! Our champion today!
[Audience Clapping]
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN: Akhil Rekulapelli, congratulations to you representing the state of Virginia. Congratulations! Ameya, congratulations to you as well. Very, very well done.
And now, a very big round of applause for the 2014 National Geographic Bee champion, Akhil Rekulapelli. Congratulations, Akhil.
[Audience cheering and clapping]
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN: Gary is presenting him with a check for $50,000, a scholarship plus a trip for two to the Galápagos Islands. And of course, a lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society.
Lets have all of our finalists come up to the stage, please. Come on up guys! Come on up! Well done!
