Liam Starnes’ Six-Game Streak Ends in Jeopardy! Upset

Barrington, Illinois — Liam Starnes, a 20-year-old undergraduate student, saw his impressive six-game winning streak on Jeopardy! come to an unexpected end on April 28. Despite showcasing his strong trivia skills, Starnes lost to Erin Morin, a digital pre-press specialist from Aldie, Virginia, during the Final Jeopardy round.

Starnes, who gained popularity for his trivia prowess and resemblance to the character Sheldon Cooper, initially dominated Monday’s game, leading with $25,400 by the end of the Double Jeopardy round. However, he faltered when it mattered most, answering incorrectly in the Final Jeopardy category of Contemporary Authors.

“I guess that’s the irony of Jeopardy: you can be completely outplayed and still pull out a win, but you can also play amazingly and lose,” Starnes said after the game. He wagered $4,201, landing at $21,199 after his incorrect response.

Morin, who had previously lagged behind in the game, correctly answered, “Who is Lee Child?” after wagering all her money, which allowed her to double her total to $29,600 and claim victory.

After the episode, Starnes reflected on his journey, stating, “Now that my run (and midterm season) is over, I wanted to tell the entire story of my time on Jeopardy!” He expressed doubts heading into the show, recalling a poor performance at a quizbowl tournament just days before.

“Just three days before my first taping, I played horribly,” he explained. “It felt like a bad omen for what was to come.” However, Starnes’s first few games proved otherwise, creating a fervent fanbase around him.

As he concluded his time on the show, Starnes shared his gratitude for the support he received. “It’s been amazing seeing all the support over the past ten days from family, friends, and fellow Jeopardy fans,” he said, noting he is often recognized in his hometown.

Starnes concluded by praising the Jeopardy! crew and his fellow contestants, while also sharing a fun fact about his pre-show dining choice, stating, “El Torito in Marina Del Rey was my night-before meal for both taping weeks and will be again when I come back for the TOC.”