Elman Talibov Participant of the program "What? Where? When?" Date of Birth: 02.11.1985 Country: Azerbaijan

1. Early Life and Education
2. Career
3. "What? Where? When?"
4. Balash Kasumov's Team
5. Personal Life
6. Leisure Time and Appearance
7. Elman Talibzade Today

Early Life and Education

Born on November 2, 1985, in Baku, Azerbaijan, Elman Talibzade spent his early years in his hometown. The son of unknown parents, Elman's childhood aspirations did not include becoming a doctor, teacher, or astronaut like many children. Instead, he pursued a unique path in higher education. Following high school graduation, Elman enrolled in the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy, where he earned a degree in robotics, a field of applied science focused on the development of automated technical systems.

Career

Talibzade's professional career is largely undisclosed. While his involvement in television game shows has brought him recognition, his other ventures remain shrouded in mystery. According to an interview with his former colleague Gunel Babayeva, Elman held the position of Sales Director at Simbrella Group, a renowned Azerbaijani organization established in 2007 and specializing in the creation and implementation of innovative software solutions. It is unclear whether Elman continues to work there or has embarked on new endeavors.

"What? Where? When?"

Azerbaijani intellectual society boasts a thriving history, with local tournaments featuring a distinctive format. Unlike the televised version, multiple teams compete on the same questions. Winners of competitions in Baku receive prizes from sponsors. Participants who demonstrate exceptional abilities often receive invitations to join Moscow's elite club, and this is how Elman Talibzade entered the "What? Where? When?" (ЧГК) realm.

Talibzade initially played in Baku's own ЧГК teleclub, which was founded in 2006. His first appearance on Russia's First Channel in 2011 brought him into the fold of Ales Mukhin's team. The team captain, Ales, is a Belarusian entrepreneur whose success in the elite club was preceded by remarkable achievements in school tournaments during his youth. Elman played with Mukhin in the 2011 winter and spring series, as well as the 2012 summer and autumn series. He also joined Andrey Kozlov's team in 2012 but later returned to Mukhin's team in the spring, summer, and winter of the following year. Talibzade remained with Mukhin's team until 2015, while concurrently playing for Viktor Sidnev and Leonid Kuprido's teams.

Balash Kasumov's Team

In 2016, Elman Talibzade joined Balash Kasumov's team. Kasumov, in addition to captaining the team within the elite club, is also the host and general producer of the Azerbaijani version of "What? Where? When?". In 2018, Kasumov became the CEO of the Azerbaijan Public Television.

Talibzade played with Kasumov's team from 2016 to 2018, appearing in the spring and winter series. His teammates included fellow "Crystal Owl" recipient Yulia Lazareva, Elizaveta Ovdeyenko, Dmitry Avdeyenko, and Mikhail Skipsky.

According to Talibzade, "What? Where? When?" has honed his ability to find solutions under time pressure, a skill that extends beyond the realm of the game. Participating in the show has also instilled in him a sense of confidence. However, he admits that his tendency towards emotionality can hinder his ability to maintain composure.

Personal Life

Elman Talibzade and his former wife, Gunel Babayeva, played together on the "What? Where? When?" team for a period. Babayeva's involvement in the televised game began in 2007. She initially played for the Baku School Team, the Women's Team of the Club, and then Ismayil Safaralizade's team. She later joined Rovshan Askerov's team and eventually made the transition to Ales Mukhin's team in the Russian version of ЧГК in 2011. Babayeva's passions include gastronomy, music, literature, and cinema.

Talibzade and Babayeva likely met at work, as they were colleagues at the same company. While Babayeva initially aspired to become a scientist, she pursued a law degree at Baku State University and found her true calling in the field of public relations. Their close working relationship contributed to the couple's bond. They shared lunch breaks and engaged in regular conversation, leaving others puzzled by their ability to avoid feeling weary from each other's constant presence.

The couple's marriage lasted for three years before concluding for undisclosed reasons. They did not have any children together. Rumors of a subsequent relationship between Talibzade and Yulia Lazareva emerged but remain unconfirmed. No other details about Elman's personal life have been released to the public.

Leisure Time and Appearance

When not engaged in games or work, Talibzade enjoys spending time at home in a tranquil setting. He occasionally travels abroad, opting for serene destinations over popular tourist hotspots. Despite his busy schedule, Elman prioritizes his appearance. Viewers of his broadcasts and photographs often remark on his handsome features and toned physique.

Elman Talibzade Today

On April 21, 2019, Elman Talibzade played a pivotal role in a thrilling game of "What? Where? When?". As part of Balash Kasumov's team, he answered the "Superblitz" question, bringing victory to his team in the fifth hundredth game of the club's history. The win secured Talibzade a coveted "Crystal Owl" award, and Kasumov's team advanced to the winter series.