Season 28

In the upcoming season of De slimste mens, comedians, politicians, musicians, journalists, and other creators will compete against each other. This autumn, presenters Nienke van Dijk and Kefah Allush, together with cabaret talent Wina Ricardo, will open the competition.

Challenger Kiki Boreel is a former international model and climate activist. After working for major fashion brands, she turned her back on fast fashion due to its environmental impact. She is now a Climate Ambassador of the Future and advocates for a more circular fashion industry.

Challenger: Roeland Wendel is a Dutch journalist, presenter, and content creator. He is best known as the resident librarian on the Emmy-nominated children’s program De Mensenbieb (The Human Library), in which children ‘borrow’ living stories. He also works on socially engaged series such as Buddybuddy and is active online.

Challenger: Mats Akkerman is a Dutch political reporter and presenter. After working at the Binnenhof for BNR Nieuwsradio for many years, he moved to broadcaster WNL in 2025. There, he regularly appears as a political commentator on Café Kockelmann and produces the podcast Haagse Hindernissen.

Challenger Lindsay Zwaan is a Dutch actress and theatre maker. She made her breakthrough with television audiences playing Sally in the drama series Bodem and has appeared in series such as Sihame and Tropenjaren. Additionally, she creates physical and visual theatre with her collective, Studio Dooie Mus.

Challenger: Jet van der Steen is a Dutch singer-songwriter rapidly gaining popularity. She started out performing covers on TikTok and made her breakthrough with emotional Dutch-language pop music. She has since been named 3FM Talent of 2026, performs at major festivals, and is working on her debut album.

Challenger Claudia de Breij is a Dutch cabaret artist, singer, and writer. She has been active in the theater for years and scored a major hit with "Mag ik dan bij jou." In 2026, she will present the New Year's Eve review show (*Oudejaarsconference*) for the fourth time, and she discusses current events in the podcast *De Claudia Show*.

Challenger: QiQi van Boheemen is a Dutch actress, performer, and photographer. She made an impression with her debut in the theatre production De Bananengeneratie and played the lead role of PJ in the film adaptation of Joe Speedboot. In addition, she works as a freelance portrait and theatre photographer.

Challenger: Rob Kamphues is a Dutch television presenter, comedian, and race car driver. He became a household name through programs such as De Reünie. He is currently closely involved in motorsport: for years as the face of Ziggo Sport’s Formula 1 broadcasts, and since 2025 with Viaplay.

Challenger: Fimme Bakker is a Dutch comedian and writer. He is known for his raw humor and personal stories, including those about addiction. In 2023, he won the jury prize at the Groningen Student Cabaret Festival. Following a theater production with his father, psychiatrist Bram Bakker, he is touring solo with his show and book, *Zwaargewicht*.

Challenger: Evrim Akyigit is a Dutch actress of Turkish descent. She is best known to the general public as Hanna in the drama series Oogappels and Elif in ONM. She graduated from the Arnhem Theatre School and has performed with theatre companies such as Internationaal Theater Amsterdam. She also appeared in the series Voetbalouders.

Challenger Adriaan ter Braack is a Dutch science journalist and podcaster. Writing under the online pseudonym Sjamadriaan, he covers science and nonsense for publications such as VICE and Quest. He also authored the book Het Universum is een Klootzak (The Universe is a Bastard). In addition, he produces science podcasts—including Makkelijk Praten and works as a speaker and conference moderator.

Challenger: Carine Lacor is a Dutch radio presenter, best known for her work with NPO Klassiek. Since 2018, she has hosted the lunchtime program De Muziekfabriek for AVROTROS. In addition, she is involved with the Klassieke Top 400, produces the podcast De Klassieker, and works as an independent career coach in Amsterdam.

Challenger: Harmen Krul is a Dutch politician representing the CDA. Before being sworn in as a member of the House of Representatives in 2023, he served as an officer in the Royal Netherlands Navy and was a municipal councilor in Den Helder. In the House, his portfolio includes Defense and Media. He also serves as a deputy speaker of the House of Representatives.

Challenger: Jan Jaap van Weering is a Dutch etiquette and protocol expert. Through his consultancy firm, Distinguished, he provides training on etiquette and protocol. He has appeared in programs such as Hoe heurt het eigenlijk? and reaches a large audience on TikTok with humorous videos about etiquette. He also performs the stage show Zegevieren met Manieren.