On Saturday evening, March 15, 2025, football star Max Kruse and his wife Dilara emerged victorious on the popular television game show, "Schlag den Star," narrowly defeating entertainer Jens "Knossi" Knossalla and his fiancée Lia Mitrou with a score of 63 to 57. The couple's win granted them the hefty prize of 100,000 euros, moderated by Matthias Opdenhövel and with Ron Ringguth providing colorful commentary throughout the event.
The competition consisted of 15 grueling rounds where the two couples faced off over several hours, engaging in various physical and mental challenges. Among the games were dodgeball, the demanding "Zieselstaffel" obstacle course, and puzzling trivia contests, which included spelling tests and thought-reading challenges. The twisting, unpredictable nature of each game kept audiences at the edge of their seats.
Interestingly, the show turned out to be quite chaotic, with technical difficulties and unexpected incidents causing delays and additional excitement. There were moments of sheer adrenaline, especially during the obstacle course when both Lia and Dilara crashed their carts, sending props flying across the stage. Ron Ringguth, visibly shocked during the mayhem, commented, "Unglaublich, was wir hier sehen. Das könnte schon ein Großteil der 100.000 Euro gewesen sein, die wegen der Defekte verloren gehen," expressing concern over potential liabilities.
Observers noted the event stretched late, with the show wrapping up around 2 AM. While the drama unfolded live, both teams remained committed to their game, showcasing sportsmanship even amid the trials of the night. After the event, Lia expressed satisfaction with their performance, saying, "Wir haben alles gegeben," highlighting the intensity of the competition.
Max Kruse took to Instagram after the win, sharing his gratitude and enthusiasm for the evening’s events, stating it was "ein spannendes Duell und ein richtig geiler Abend." He acknowledged the fierce competition and remarked on how luck played its part for the Kruses as they navigated the challenges outpacing their rivals.
This latest couple's face-off marked the second of its kind for "Schlag den Star" this year, following January's episode where Detlef D! Soost and his wife Kate Hall triumphed over Eko Fresh and Sarah Bora. The format seems to have captured viewer interest, blending celebrity charm with the inherent unpredictability of live competition.
Jens "Knossi" Knossalla and Lia Mitrou handled their loss graciously, sharing their congratulatory message to the Kruses via their Instagram story. They thanked their fans for the support during the tense evening and expressed their ambitious desire to return stronger for another chance at winning.
Overall, the night not only highlighted the athleticism and quick wit of Kruse and his wife but also illustrated the engaging chaotic nature typically seen on game shows. Amid technical mishaps and physical challenges, the evening unfolded as both entertaining and competitive, showcasing the true spirit of "Schlag den Star." For the Kruses, the win added to their growing list of accomplishments, marking another positive chapter for the beloved couple.