Jeopardy! Champion Roger Craig Reveals Marriage to Julia Collins

ARLINGTON, Va. — Roger Craig, a celebrated competitor of the game show *Jeopardy!*, surprised fans during the February 21 episode by revealing his marriage to Julia Collins, one of the show’s all-time champions. Craig, a six-time champion and the 2011 Tournament of Champions winner, shared this personal milestone as he prepared to compete against Maya Wright and Jesse Focht in the ongoing Invitational Tournament.

The episode featured Craig, an applied scientist hailing from Arlington, Virginia, who was previously known for his impressive performances in various *Jeopardy!* tournaments, including a stint in the 2019 All-Star Games. Wright, currently pursuing her graduate studies, is a contender in her own right, having previously placed as a second-runner-up in the 2018 Teen Tournament.

During the introductions, host Ken Jennings inquired about Craig’s life since appearing in the All-Star Game. Craig responded, “Well, at the All-Star Game, I reconnected with Julia Collins. I first met her in New York about 10 years ago, and we’re married now.” This revelation prompted applause from the audience, to which Jennings remarked, “Wow. Jeopardy! power couple!”

Craig expressed his happiness regarding the relationship, stating, “It’s the best thing to ever happen to me.” When questioned about the possibility of competing against Collins on *Jeopardy!*, Craig mentioned the logistical challenges that prevented her from being present in the studio. He added, “Oh! We would love to. She would love to be here, but the logistics just didn’t work out, so hopefully next time.” Jennings replied, “Maybe next time we’ll see you both.”

The announcement took many viewers by surprise, as evidenced by social media reactions. One fan tweeted, “Woah Roger and Julia are married that’s an interesting fact,” while another added, “That was certainly a surprise to learn!”

Regarding the game itself, Craig started off in third place with $800 before answering a Daily Double question correctly, bringing his score to $1,800. By the end of the first round, he and Wright were tied for second place at $2,200. Focht led with $7,800.

In the Double Jeopardy round, Craig excelled, finding and answering all Daily Doubles and finalizing the round with a remarkable total of $36,000. The Final Jeopardy question solidified Craig’s position, as he answered correctly and advanced to the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Wright and Focht provided strong competition, but ultimately Craig’s performance placed him ahead.

“Maybe Collins will show up in the audience during the next round,” noted Jennings as the show concluded.

This airing not only showcased Craig’s quiz expertise but also marked an important moment in his personal life, further intertwining the narratives of competition and romance for the *Jeopardy!* fandom.