On the evening of February 1, 2025, the popular ARD family game show "Klein gegen Groß" returned for its 63rd episode, featuring exciting challenges between talented children and celebrities. Hosted by Kai Pflaume, the show showcased high-profile guests including actors Emilia Schüle and Karoline Herfurth, football legend Michael Ballack, entertainer Wigald Boning, musician Smudo from the Fantastischen Vier, gymnast and Olympic champion Darja Varfolomeev, model Bruce Darnell, Olympic ski jumpers Gregor Schlierenzauer and Sven Hannawald, as well as "Klein gegen Groß" all-star Jan Josef Liefers.
Kicking off the night were thrilling match-ups, like Ballack’s challenge where he attempted to direct more corner kicks than a 13-year-old contender named Kyril. Ballack, affectionately dubbed "Capitano" by former German national team coach Jürgen Klinsmann, faced pressure to prove himself; he had never succeeded at converting corner kicks during his professional career.
Meanwhile, Jan Josef Liefers, celebrated as both an actor and musician, was challenged to identify Beatles songs from just their bass lines. Would he eclipse the talent of young Lina, who is only ten years old? The anticipation was palpable.
Adding to the competitive spirit, eight-year-old Benedikt claimed he could recognize more metropolitan cities from cockpit views than Smudo, who, equipped with his experience as a hobby pilot, found himself under pressure to deliver.
Alongside the competitive undertones, Karoline Herfurth and Emilia Schüle participated in their own beat-the-clock challenge related to filming locations, coinciding with the upcoming release of their movie "Wunderschöner" set to hit German cinemas on February 13.
Despite the competitive edge, every child participating had something to gain regardless of the outcome; gifts were always assured, including travel opportunities or sporting equipment. The final score served as more than just pride; the star with the most points would donate €30,000 to charity, highlighting the show's commitment to altruism.
The episode also featured Simon Zachenhuber, known for his ambition to challenge heavyweight champion William Scull, who appeared earlier during the show. Zachenhuber shared insights about his experiences with coordination training involving tennis balls and his excitement over the competition, even as he kept the results of his segment under wraps.
Since its inception in 2011, "Klein gegen Groß" has successfully captured the hearts of viewers with its innovative format, pitting gifted children against celebrities across various disciplines like sports and entertainment.
The enduring popularity of the show stems not only from the engaging duels but also from the integrity it upholds: children are celebrated, gifted, and encouraged no matter their performance against their famous counterparts.
Each contest reflects the essence of the show—delight and encouragement for promising young talents as they confront famous personalities, fostering both healthy competition and community engagement. With humor, excitement, and compassion, "Klein gegen Groß" continues to thrive as a must-watch family entertainment program.