From Jordan to Russia, the first European stock exchange to the Black Sea, Eric calmly breezed through nine rounds of questioning. This is his second year as Hawai'i’s representative. He was eliminated after the first day last year.

"I'm more nervous than him," said Eric's mom, Tamya Liaw, of Wai'alae Iki.

Eric's teacher, John Saporito, said, "A lot of people were impressed with how relaxed he was. It all gets funneled into his mother."

First prize is a $25,000 college scholarship and other prizes. Second place is a $15,000 scholarship and third is a $10,000 scholarship. The competition is designed to encourage the teaching and study of geography.

Eric, 12, won $500 for finishing among the top 10. Host Alex Trebek of the quiz show "Jeopardy!" will moderate the finals. The final round airs nationally on the National Geographic Channel.

Fifty-five students from schools in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Pacific territories, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Department of Defense Dependents Schools took part. Students from grades four to eight compete.

Eight of the 10 finalists answered all nine questions correctly. Two others who had one wrong answer won an elimination round to go on to the finals. Through preliminary rounds in Hawai'i and in Washington, Eric nailed every question.