Troubles in Tech
Artistic Midadventures
Sporting Setbacks
Random Rebuffs
100

Despite facing early challenges, including not speaking until the age of four and struggling academically in university, this brilliant physicist defied expectations to revolutionize our understanding of the universe with his groundbreaking theories. Who is the Nobel Prize-winning scientist behind the theory of relativity?

Who is Albert Einstein?

100

Despite facing rejection from 12 publishers, this acclaimed author persevered until finding a publisher willing to take a chance on her magical world, ultimately becoming one of the best-selling authors in history. Who is the creator of this beloved universe?

Who is J.K Rowling?

100

Despite being cut from his high school basketball team, this athlete went on to become a six-time NBA champion and one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Who is this legendary figure known for his perseverance and skill on the court?

Who is Michael Jordan?

100

Before founding the successful Ford Motor Company, this industrialist experienced failure with his first two automobile ventures. Who is this automotive pioneer?

Who is Henry Ford?

200

Despite being hailed as one of the greatest minds in computing history, this tech pioneer experienced a high-profile failure with the Lisa, a commercial flop that nearly led to his ousting from the company he co-founded. Who is this co-founder of a popular phone company?

Who is Steve Jobs?

200

This author and artist struggled to find a publisher for his whimsical children's books, with one publisher saying his first manuscript was "too different from anything else which would prompt immediate sales."

Who is Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel)?

200

 Despite being told she was too tall and not strong enough for gymnastics, this American athlete defied the odds to become the first woman to win four all-around World Championships and the most decorated American gymnast in history. Who is this inspirational gymnastics superstar?

Who is Simone Biles?

200

Despite being dismissed from his newspaper job at the age of 22 with an editor claiming he "lacked imagination and had no good ideas," this visionary went on to create one of the most beloved entertainment empires in the world. Who is this legendary creator?

Who is Walt Disney?

300

This person's company designed an early personal computer, the Lisa, was a commercial flop before they revolutionized the industry with the Macintosh.

Who is Bill Gates?

300

This influential personality faced a career setback when she was dismissed from her role as a TV news anchor early in her career, yet went on to become one of the most successful talk show hosts and entrepreneurs in history. Who is this resilient icon known for her inspirational journey to success?

Who is Oprah Winfrey?

300

Despite a rocky start to his MLB career and even being sent down to the minors, this New York Yankees icon became a legendary home run hitter.

Who is Babe Ruth?

300

This actor was fired from his first major film role but went on to become a beloved star in numerous comedies. Who played the Grinch?

Who is Jim Carrey?

400

This inventor's early phonograph attempts were met with skepticism and commercial failure before he refined his designs and achieved widespread recognition.

Who is Thomas Edison?

400

This Post-Impressionist painter sold only one painting during his lifetime, "The Red Vineyard," yet his works now command millions.

Who is Vincent Van Gogh? 

400

This Olympic swimmer failed to qualify for the U.S. team in 1996 but went on to become one of the most decorated Olympians in history.

Who is Michael Phelps?

400

This scientist faced numerous obstacles due to her gender and difficulties in securing funding/resources for her research. Despite these challenges, her dedication to her work led to significant scientific breakthroughs (with groundbreaking discoveries in radioactivity). Who became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in both Physics and Chemistry?

Who is Marie Curie?

500

Before revolutionizing the vacuum cleaner industry with his groundbreaking invention, this British inventor endured the painstaking process of creating 5,126 unsuccessful prototypes. Who persevered through failure to create the first working vacuum?

Who is Sir James Dyson?

500

Early in his career, facing numerous obstacles, working on low-budget films that tested his resolve. This filmmaker's persistence paid off with "The Terminator," a film that marked the beginning of his illustrious career. Whose journey underscores the value of resilience and innovation, proving that dedication to one’s vision can result in extraordinary accomplishments and technological advancements?

Who is James Cameron?

500

This hockey great was initially deemed too small and not skilled enough by some scouts but went on to break numerous NHL records.

Who is Wayne Gretzky?

500

This pioneering aviator faced numerous crashes and setbacks in his early attempts to fly but ultimately made history with his transatlantic flight.

Who is Charles Lindbergh?