Scott Riccardi Faces Controversial Loss Ending His Jeopardy! Streak

LOS ANGELES, CA — Scott Riccardi, an engineer from Somerville, New Jersey, lost his chance for a 17th consecutive win on Jeopardy! during the final question of Season 41. The dramatic episode aired on Friday, July 25, igniting discussions among fans over whether Riccardi deliberately threw the game.

Riccardi played against Jonathan Hugendubler from Baltimore, Maryland, and Charlotte Cooper from San Francisco, California. By the end of Double Jeopardy, Riccardi had $23,600, while Hugendubler trailed with $14,000. Cooper was in third place with $7,800.

The Final Jeopardy category was “20th Century Names.” The clue read, “According to one obituary, in 1935 he owned 13 magazines, 8 radio stations, 2 movie companies, and $56 million in real estate.” The correct answer was “Who is William Randolph Hearst?” Riccardi’s incorrect answer was “Howard Hughes.” In a shocking twist, Hugendubler correctly answered the clue and wagered $9,601, edging out Riccardi by just $1.

Riccardi ended with $18,600, leading to gasps from the audience when his answer was revealed. Riccardi had dominated the game until that moment, marking his defeat as a major upset among viewers.

After the episode aired, many fans took to social media to speculate whether Riccardi intentionally lost, noting the simplicity of the Final Jeopardy clue. One fan tweeted, “I can’t believe Riccardi didn’t know the Final Jeopardy. Maybe he didn’t want to come back next season.” Others echoed similar sentiments, suggesting Riccardi was ready to pass the torch to a new competitor.

In a post-show interview, Riccardi reflected on the surprising turn of events, acknowledging the surreal nature of the experience. “It feels hard to believe that it came this far. I’ve been fortunate, but I’m glad now I can finally relax,” he said. Although he qualified for the upcoming Tournament of Champions, which will air in Winter 2026, fans are buzzing about his dramatic exit.

Hugendubler, the new champion, expressed respect for Riccardi and vowed to continue playing. “Congratulations to Scott for an incredible run. It’s deserved,” he said amid celebrations. As Season 42 approaches, viewers are left with questions about the future of both contestants and the legacy of Riccardi’s streak.