Watching yourself on television can still be nerve-wracking, according to Newmarket’s Chris Emanuel.
The Central York Chamber of Commerce president said he already knew the outcome of his appearance on the new CTV game show Battle of Generations, which aired Feb. 14. but was filmed ahead of time.
Nonetheless, he joined many in the community in watching himself make it to the last round and answer questions for a chance to secure $16,500.
“It was a lot of fun to watch, and it was a great time,” he said. “Getting through to the end and winning the vault, that was stressful enough. I feel like I just squeaked that in.”
Emanuel emerged victorious in his appearance in the show, going home with $16,500. Community members celebrated the achievement, with the win publicly disclosed for the first time.
Emanuel bested three other contestants to get the win. The trivia show is themed around different generations competing and asking questions from each other’s generation, with Emanuel being the Gen X representative.
“It was just an amazing experience,” Emanuel said. “So now, to be able to talk about it with friends and family and not have to keep a secret. That was obviously never fun.”
Newmarket residents congratulated him on social media.
“Congratulations to our own Chris Emanuel, who wowed us with his trivia knowledge on national TV,” Councillor Bob Kwapis said. “Remind me to have you on my team the next time we play trivia.”
“What I love and admire about my friend Chris is he embraces adventure and loves a new opportunity to experience in life,” Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said. “Good on you buddy — keep living life to its fullest.”
Emanuel did have a chance to win even more money. The show ends with a cash-in question. A correct answer would have got him $25,000, but a wrong answer would have cost him his winnings.
He opted to play it safe and not go for it but did discover he knew the answer to the $25,000 question. Still, Emanuel said he felt he made the right decision.
“Hindsight is always 20-20,” he said. “I just kind of laugh at myself now. I almost wish they didn’t show you (the question).”
The money will help Emanuel fund his upcoming wedding, he said.
“I found out quickly, even small weddings aren’t cheap, so that money will be put to good use,” he said. “Every little bit helps.”
Emanuel said he was fortunate to have won the show and recognized it could have easily gone to another contestant.
“I count my blessings and just gratitude for the amazing experience that it was.”
You can watch the episode online for free through CTV.ca.
