Jeopardy! October 31, 2024 — Winner, clues, and more

System specialist Greg Jolin from Raymond, New Hampshire, secured victory in Thursday's Halloween episode of Jeopardy! with a final score of $24,001 through a $7,601 Final Jeopardy wager. The game marked the end of graduate student Joseph Carlstein's one-day reign, who finished with $0 after an incorrect response. Translator Alicia Buffa from Montreal finished second with $23,999.

Jolin dominated the buzzer with a 54.39% success rate, answering 28 questions correctly against 4 misses across both rounds. The game showcased 60 questions across 12 categories, including "They Throw Serious Shade," "A Question of Time," and "U.S. Government." Three True Daily Doubles shaped the competition's flow, with Jolin converting $1,600 in round one, Buffa adding $2,200, and Carlstein gaining $3,400 in Double Jeopardy.

The Jeopardy! October 31, 2024, episode contestants generated a combined Coryat score of $36,800, with Jolin's individual Coryat reaching $15,600. The final clue focused on the Aztec word "ayotochtli," with two contestants correctly identifying the armadillo. Jolin entered Final Jeopardy with $16,400, while both challengers tied at $12,000.

Greg Jolin wins Jeopardy! October 31, 2024, episode with $24,001

Opening round performance

The first round of the October 31, 2024 episode of Jeopardy! established early scoring variations as Jolin secured a True Daily Double worth $1,600 in the "A Question of Time" category. Two subsequent $1,000 incorrect responses temporarily affected his score. Carlstein gained control at the first commercial break with $3,200, surpassing Jolin's $2,600 and Buffa's $800.

The remainder of this Jeopardy! the round saw Jolin regaining momentum through consistent, correct responses. His performance included 18 accurate answers against two misses, while Carlstein maintained perfect accuracy with six correct answers. Buffa recorded three correct responses and one incorrect during the opening segment. The round concluded with:

Greg Jolin ($8,000) - 18 correct, 2 incorrect
Joseph Carlstein ($4,200) - 6 correct, 0 incorrect
Alicia Buffa ($1,400) - 3 correct, 1 incorrect

Double Jeopardy developments

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The second Jeopardy! round brought heightened stakes through strategic wagering. Buffa made a calculated True Daily Double play in "Bodies of Water," converting $2,200 into $4,400. Carlstein followed suit in "U.S. Government," successfully doubling $3,400. These aggressive moves transformed the scoring dynamics.

Jolin sustained his effectiveness by securing 10 additional correct responses, bringing his combined total to 28. The contestants' combined performance generated a Coryat score of $36,800. The round maintained swift pacing with minimal interruptions, utilizing nearly every available clue on the board.

As Double Jeopardy concluded, Jolin held $16,400, while both Buffa and Carlstein achieved matching scores of $12,000.

Final Jeopardy decision

The Animal category presented a clue about the Aztec word "ayotochtli." The question centered on identifying this creature, which earned its name from having rabbit-like ears and a turtle-like shell. Buffa and Carlstein's tied score of $12,000 created a strategic wagering scenario.

Buffa wagered $11,999 and provided the correct response of "armadillo." Carlstein risked his entire $12,000 but answered "hermit crab," resulting in a complete score reduction. Jolin's precise wager of $7,601 and his correct "armadillo" response secured his victory.

Jolin demonstrated buzzer dominance with a 54.39% success rate, converting 31 attempts out of 57 opportunities. His accuracy remained strong, with 28 correct and 4 incorrect responses throughout both rounds.

Buffa finished with 11 correct and 1 incorrect response, successfully answering 15.79% of her buzzer attempts. She also capitalized on 2 rebound opportunities. Carlstein concluded with 12 correct and 1 incorrect response, managing 21.05% success on the buzzer across his attempts.

Final standings after Jeopardy! October 31, 2024, episode are as follows: