University of Chicago Student Liam Starnes Excels on ‘Jeopardy!’

CHICAGO, Illinois — Liam Starnes, a student at the University of Chicago, is experiencing a winning streak on the quiz show “Jeopardy!” After his sixth victory this week, he has garnered a total of $123,000 in prize winnings.

Starnes, originally from Barrington, said, “It’s been a dream ever since I was much younger than I am now,” referring to his long-held desire to compete on the show. His latest win adds to a series of successful performances that has caught the attention of fans.

The college senior, who studies biostatistics, recently returned to school with news of potentially competing in “Jeopardy!”’s Tournament of Champions, a contest that offers a grand prize of $250,000. Despite the allure of additional prize money, he emphasized that appearing on the show has been a lifelong goal.

Starnes shared his early experiences with academic competitions, stating, “When I was in middle school, I started playing scholastic bowl in sixth grade, and it’s something I knew I loved.” He has continued his passion for quizzing at both Barrington High School and the University of Chicago.

One of his proudest moments was leading his high school team as captain to a national championship. He believes these experiences have prepared him for the challenges of “Jeopardy!”

To qualify for the show, Starnes underwent a rigorous audition process, taking several tests before receiving the invitation to compete in 2023. “Producers told me, ‘How would you like to fly out to Los Angeles?’ And that was a great feeling,” he recalled.

In terms of gameplay, Starnes identifies sports as his strongest subject area. He has been preparing by reviewing past questions and watching episodes of the show. Looking beyond his time on the quiz show, he expressed a desire to work as a researcher and utilize some of his winnings for travel.

As an encouragement to others, Starnes said, “Keep trying to learn new things. You’ll never know what you’ll find.” His journey on “Jeopardy!” serves as a testament to the power of pursuing one’s interests passionately.