Michigan Scientist Becomes New ‘Jeopardy’ Champion with Close Call

STURGIS, Mich. — Tyler Griffith, a forensic scientist from Sturgis, has emerged as the new champion of ‘Jeopardy!’ after a nail-biting episode that aired on Tuesday, May 27.

Griffith faced off against returning champion Judith Friedman from California and Jackie Yang from New York. Early in the Jeopardy round, he took the lead with $1,600, landing on the only Daily Double of the round. He wagered everything and answered correctly, doubling his total earnings.

However, Griffith’s lead dwindled as he missed several clues, finishing the round with $3,600 — just $200 ahead of Yang and $400 ahead of Friedman.

In the Double Jeopardy round, Yang quickly took the lead and capitalized on the first Daily Double, extending her earnings significantly. Griffith found himself in a tight race, landing on the second Daily Double and risking it all to reclaim the lead with a total of $11,200.

As they entered Final Jeopardy with a category of American History, the tension increased. The clue referenced Dred Scott, a significant figure in U.S. history. Friedman and Yang both wagered everything but answered incorrectly. Although Griffith also got the clue wrong, he still managed to take home $799, enough to secure his victory.

Griffith will return to compete against Alice Welch from New York and Thomas Sweeney from Ohio in the next episode.