What in the wizarding world? Turlock man playing in Harry Potter quiz show now on TBS

A Turlock resident is living out his Harry Potter dreams competing in a new game show on the Cartoon Network and TBS.

Vincent Sotaso plays for the House Ravenclaw team in the “Hogwarts Tournament of Houses” and helped his house earn an automatic berth in the grand final, which will be broadcast Sunday.

“Tournament of Houses” is a celebration of the first movie in the book series to be adapted for film 20 years ago, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (Nov. 14, 2001).

In an interview by email, Sotaso said social media proved the show was an automatic hit.

“Most of the comments and tweets that I see online about the ‘Hogwarts Tournament of Houses’ were about other fans wanting to be a part of it,” he said. “So for me to be selected to play is just amazing. Think about it this way: It’s been 20 years since the first movie came out, so the franchise has accumulated over 20 years’ worth of fans who all have their own affinity to Harry Potter.”

The game is modeled after the House Cup contest in the books and movies, but without the fear of being hit by a “bludger,” being struck by a rogue lightning bolt or outdueling your opponent’s magic spells. It relies on contestants’ vast knowledge of the books, listening abilities and memories of the movies to earn points and advance to the championship round that will air Sunday at 8 p.m.

“Wingardium Leviosa”

Growing up in the Philippines, he identified with Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) from House Slytherin, said Sotaso, who works for the Modesto Irrigation District as a financial analyst.

“The reason why I relate so much with young Mr. Malfoy is that I understand where his negative energies come from. I also grew up with insecurities about being overshadowed,” Sotaso said. “This is because for me, being overshadowed comes with dire consequences. I had to always be top of my class in order to earn scholarships. I always had to overachieve in order to make my mother’s move to the U.S., to work for a living, worth it.”

And work Sotaso did. He earned his bachelor’s of business administration and accounting from California State University, Stanislaus, and graduated magna cum laude. That’s where the divergence from Draco Malfoy and House Slytherin begins. Competing for House Ravenclaw, the emphasis is on higher-level thinking.

“That’s where all of the Ravenclaw values of education and dedication came in,” Sotaso said. “I have to be intelligent and maintain high grades in order to earn financial aid, qualify for my stepdad’s college veteran benefits and earn a finance job in order to find success in my life.”

“Lumos”

Sotaso and his teammates, Louise and Annie — along with a little help from the house audience — were able to defeat House Slytherin by 240 points. Not as wide of a margin as in the first show, when House Hufflepuff used the disarming spell, “Expelliarmus,” on House Gryffindor to win by 500 points.

For Sotaso and his teammates, their win never was in question.

“I didn’t feel nervous about being on the game show because as soon as Helen (Mirren, the Academy Award-winning actress who hosts the show) called my name, I just remember thinking ‘I am ready,’” Sotaso said. “I felt like my entire life has been leading to this because much of my free time is devoted to reading and rereading the books, and watching and rewatching the movies. I know all the spells, I know all the full witches and wizards, and I know all the events.”

“Alohomora”

After three episodes, it appears Warner Media, the parent company of TBS and Cartoon Network, may have found its Sorcerer’s Stone to help the J.K. Rowling saga break through Fox’s Sunday night Animation Domination lineup, including “The Simpsons,” to earn a cut of the prime-time viewership.

The show was filmed early this year in Los Angeles, but since it’s still airing, there’s nothing to report on the outcome.

“One thing I can share about the game is that it is very welcoming to all fans, regardless of how much knowledge you have in the Harry Potter universe,” Sotaso said. “We were asked easy questions for lower amount of points, and intense miss-it-if-you-blink trivia for higher points. So anyone with any level knowledge will enjoy this show. All I know is I watched with my family and they enjoyed answering the questions with me!”

So, what’s a first-round, “easy” question?

In the first episode, which is “unlocked” for viewing online, House Gryffindor players are shown a scene from “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.” They’re then asked: When the larger-than-life half-giant Madame Olympe Maxime enters the room, what did she swat with her hand?

The answer: a hanging light fixture.

“Nox”

Sotaso and his Ravenclaw housemates will find themselves battling for the House Cup, and other prizes, against House Hufflepuff and House Slytherin. In the Dec. 12 episode, the latter defeated House Gryffindor 780-460 in the wildcard game to earn a berth in the grand final.

About being on the show, Sotaso said, “Staying quiet was challenging because for me, this game show, meeting all the contestants, the sense of accomplishment — they were all a big bookmark in my whole life. ... To wait a couple months to talk about being chosen was difficult! ... So just imagine what massive amount of self-conviction I have had to muster in order to keep quiet the fact that WE MADE IT TO THE GRAND FINAL!”

Turlock and Stanislaus County residents can have fun answering questions and supporting House Ravenclaw by tuning in this Sunday, Dec. 19, at 8 p.m. on TBS.

To learn more about the show, go to www.tbs.com/shows/harry-potter-hogwarts-tournament-of-houses.