BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, March 25, 2025: In an electrifying showdown of wit and wordplay, brothers Ashwin and Archith Seshadri emerged victorious in the high-stakes “25 Words or Less” challenge! Their sharp thinking, seamless teamwork, and quick-fire creativity left the competition in awe as they crafted the perfect winning phrase. The duo’s dynamic energy and strategic word choices secured them the top spot, proving that sometimes, fewer words pack the biggest punch!
For brothers Archith and Ashwin, competing on 25 Words or Less wasn’t just about winning—it was about chasing a lifelong dream. Game show fans since childhood, the duo had often imagined what it would be like to be on TV, battling it out under pressure. When they saw the opportunity to audition, they knew they had to take the leap.
For the unversed, on the game show 25 Words or Less, teams compete to guess five secret words using 25 or fewer clues within a minute, with the lowest bidder getting the chance to clue their team. At the heart of the show is its legendary host, Meredith Vieira. A television icon known for her warmth, humor, and impeccable hosting skills, Vieira brings an electric energy to the game. Her ability to keep the competition exciting while supporting the contestants makes 25 Words or Less a must-watch. With years of experience in daytime television, including her time on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and The View, Meredith’s presence elevates the show. For Archith and Ashwin, getting to play in front of her was a surreal and unforgettable moment.
“I love game shows and have watched 25 Words or Less since Season 1, and am also a huge fan of the host Meredith Vieira,” Archith shared. “Since they were casting teams of two, I figured it would be fun to play with my brother since we have different strengths and know each other really well.”
In March 2024, the brothers attended a bootcamp at Georgia Public Broadcasting in Atlanta, where they got a firsthand look at the competition. Afterward, they spent weeks practicing rigorously—watching old episodes, using the 25 Words or Less board game, and even setting up Zoom practice rounds with strangers they met during casting.
Their dedication paid off. A few weeks later, they got the call—they were officially going to appear on Season 6 of 25 Words or Less!
“We got dressed up and drove down to the studios in Midtown Atlanta in the early hours of the morning,” Archith recalled. “After meeting with casting producers, the show’s executive producer, and other lawyers, it was time for a lot of practice rounds. We were actually the last episode to tape!”
Their first celebrity teammate, as it turned out, was the charismatic Greg Grunberg. For their second episode, they were paired with the hilarious Colton Dunn.
Their first game didn’t start as planned. Their opponents, Paul and Ursula, dominated the early rounds, leaving Ashwin and Archith in a tough spot.
“The first game felt like an uphill battle,” Ashwin admitted. “We lost the first three rounds, and it seemed like we were done. But in the bonus round, we had this amazing moment where everything clicked. We got all five words just in time, and it was such a rush!”
The winning words? Philadelphia, Odd, Treadmill, Mark Cuban, and Winter Olympics. With seconds to spare, the brothers completed the ultimate comeback and advanced to the final round—where $10,000 was on the line.
With the grand prize in sight, Archith took on the role of clue-giver, firing off words at lightning speed. But in the heat of the moment, he accidentally said the word “Treasure” instead of giving a clue to lead his team to the answer.
“That final round was intense,” Ashwin recalled. “Archith was giving clues at lightning speed, and we were flying through the words. But then—just one slip-up. Saying ‘Treasure’ instead of giving a clue cost us the big prize, but honestly, we weren’t even disappointed. We had so much fun, and winning a pizza oven was just a hilarious bonus!”
With momentum on their side, the brothers returned for their second episode, this time paired with Colton Dunn. They dominated the first three rounds, showcasing their incredible teamwork and wordplay skills. But just like their first game, the bonus round flipped everything upside down.
“In our second episode, everything was reversed,” Ashwin said. “We crushed the first three rounds, and it felt like we were on fire. But then in the bonus round… Pixel got us! It was such a simple word, but in the moment, you just blank out. It was the perfect example of how unpredictable these games can be.”
Despite missing out on the grand prize again, they walked away with swimwear and an unforgettable experience.
“It’s partly talent, and partly luck,” Archith reflected. “It’s the luck of the words and the luck of the celebrity. While it would have been great to win $10K, I will always be grateful for this amazing experience and getting to play on a game show with my brother.”
What’s Next?
With their 25 Words or Less adventure behind them, the brothers aren’t done yet.
“Even though we didn’t win the $10K, we wouldn’t trade the experience for anything,” Ashwin said. “The energy, the competition, the chance to be on TV together—it was all incredible. And who knows? Maybe we’ll be back on another game show soon!”
And if Archith has his way, their game show journey is far from over.
“I do hope we get to participate in more game shows in the near future—and maybe even host one of my own someday!”
With their passion, quick thinking, and undeniable chemistry, Ashwin and Archith have proven they’re game show naturals. Whether they’re back on TV as contestants or future hosts, one thing is certain—this won’t be the last we hear of the dynamic duo!
