Jeopardy! has been a television staple for decades, and what hooks viewers, perhaps more than anything, is witnessing a contestant who wins game after game, defying expectations.
Over the years, several players have showcased their in-depth knowledge, razor-sharp reflexes, and strategic gameplay, pushing the limits of what’s possible on the show.
The list of champions ranges from Ken Jennings' historic 74-game win streak to the spectacular wins of Amy Schneider. These champions have all secured a place in Jeopardy's annals and millions of dollars, win after win, to the adoration of millions. As more new contestants join the show, the ever-increasing streak bar for them shows how tough and rewarding the quiz show experience could be.
Below, we will talk about the top 10 Jeopardy! winning streaks that discuss the champions and their feats on the iconic game show.
Top 10 Jeopardy! winning streaks
1. Ken Jennings – 74 Games, $2,520,700
Ken Jennings's tour in 2004 on Jeopardy! is considered one of the biggest legends in game show history, having won an unprecedented 74 games without defeat, and with the highest regular-season earnings of $2,520,700. His winning streak not only broke records but also captivated audiences, raising the bar for what a contestant could achieve.
The core of his domination was his monumental knowledge, accuracy, and lightning-fast buzzer skills. Ken was defeated by Nancy Zerg in his 75th game.
However, that was not the end of his influence on the show since later, he won the "Greatest of All Time" tournament in 2020 and is now a co-host of Jeopardy!
2. Amy Schneider – 40 Games, $1,382,800
In 2022, Amy Schneider took home the prize after winning 40 games in a row, making her the second-longest-running champion in the show's history.
She was the first trans contestant to qualify for the Tournament of Champions and the first woman to win more than $1 million during the regular season.
She's certainly one of the loveliest faces in all of Jeopardy! history, as grace and poise served her so well cracking many tough rounds of Final Jeopardy!
3. Matt Amodio – 38 Games, $1,518,601
In 2021, Matt Amodio won his way into headlines by taking a record 38 games. The Yale University doctoral student gained fame through distinctive answering: he starts each response with "What's".
With that style, he devastated the board, amassing $1,518,601 for his pains. He also appeared on Jeopardy! Masters during its first season, taking third place and showing strength in all forms.
4. James Holzhauer – 32 Games, $2,462,216
James Holzhauer was the Las Vegas sports gambler who shook up the show in 2019. He attacked the game with his hunting strategy for Daily Doubles and aggressive betting.
Holzhauer had a record-breaking one-game total streak of 32 games, with one episode that reaped $131,127. For regular-season play, Holzhauer scored $2,462,216 and is still celebrated for revolutionizing strategy in the game.
5. Mattea Roach – 23 Games, $560,983
Mattea Roach is a Toronto tutor who gained a 2022 record with 23 wins on Jeopardy!. Roach walked off with $560,983, stunning viewers with their collected composure as well as with a grasp of the more difficult categories.
In 2023, they competed in the Jeopardy! Masters Tournament, and when the semi-final game rolled around, they dedicated it to their recently deceased father.
6. Cris Pannullo – 21 Games, $748,286
Former poker player Cris Pannullo won an impressive 21 games in 2022, cashing in on $748,286. That poker background served him well to get lucky on the show because he made calculated bets and wore a sharp intellect on his sleeve.
He is expected to return to the Tournament of Champions after the conclusion of the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike.
7. Julia Collins – 20 Games, $428,100
Before Amy Schneider's record-breaking streak, the longest-winning spree by a female on the show was Julia Collins; back in 2014, she won 20 games consecutively.
The supply chain professional won $428,100 and was quite all-rounded across categories. Her winning streak served as a firm foundation for future female champions like Schneider.
8. Jason Zuffranieri – 19 Games, $532,496
2019 proved to be the year in which math teacher Jason Zuffranieri made headlines on Jeopardy! with his win streak of 19 games, amassing a total winning count of $532,496.
This took him quite close to becoming one of the top five all-time champions on the show. His winning streak did not quite make it as he didn't get past and halted just short of breaking into this exclusive list.
9. David Madden – 19 Games, $430,400
David Madden's streak of 19 games dates back to 2005 when he won a total of $430,400. His record was great enough for nearly a decade until newer champions began to emerge.
Madden also returned to the show several times in special tournaments to prove that he still knew his stuff.
10. Ryan Long – 16 Games, $299,400
2022's Ryan Long is the most inspiring story after his 16 games in a row. Having successfully turned his life around through his Jeopardy! success, Long, a rideshare driver from Philadelphia, took home $299,400 during his streak.
Plus, he earned a lot of popularity due to his humble and relatable personality. His perseverance and potent knowledge shone in the running.
Jeopardy! has endured because of champions like these, whose passion for knowledge and competitive spirit inspires viewers. With every new contestant, the show's legacy grows, and the future looks bright for many more memorable moments in the world of trivia.
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