University Student Snatches Jeopardy! Championship in Thrilling Finale

HILLIARD, Ohio (AP) — Liam Starnes from Barrington, Illinois, claimed victory in a nail-biting finish on the April 18 episode of Jeopardy!, ultimately defeating the reigning champion, Steve Hoying of Hillard, Ohio.

Host Ken Jennings guided the contestants through a tight competition that saw all three deliver impressive performances. The game hinged on the final question after Starnes and Hoying both answered a Daily Double correctly.

Starnes, a University of Chicago undergraduate, secured his spot as champion with a strategic wager in the Final Jeopardy round, where the category was “Presidential Nominees.” His correct response, “Who is [William] McKinley?” culminated in a total of $32,401.

Hoying, an attorney-at-law and former champ, started the game strong with a one-day total of $29,403 but ultimately fell short. After answering the final question correctly, he wagered $6,000, concluding with $19,800 and just $200 behind Starnes.

The game opened with all contestants closely matched. Graduate student Rachael Gray from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, took an early lead, reaching $6,200 by the first commercial break. Hoying struggled initially, finishing the first round in third place despite correctly answering his first Daily Double.

“Who was Newton?” Hoying replied to a clue about Isaac Newton to double his score to $3,600 during the first Daily Double, but a subsequent misstep cost him $600, narrowing his momentum down to $4,200.

In the Double Jeopardy round, Starnes surged ahead after finding a Daily Double and answering correctly on a question about a public sculpture in Grand Rapids, Michigan, created by artist Alexander Calder.

“Who is (Alexander) Calder?” Starnes responded, boosting his score to $17,600. Gray also found a Daily Double, earning $4,000 with the correct answer, but with a total of $7,800, she remained in third.

Starnes led with $19,600 as the round concluded, while Hoying avowed to stage a comeback. The excitement rose during the Final Jeopardy, where suspense was palpable as the contestants placed their wagers.

Fans were quick to praise the exceptional gameplay on social media. A Reddit user exclaimed, “What a game! This was a very well-played game all around, congrats to Liam!” Another fan noted Starnes’ potential longevity in the competition, stating, “I can see Liam sticking around for a few days.”

Following his victory, Starnes will return on Monday, April 21, as the new champion faces off against fresh challengers. The excitement surrounding Jeopardy! persists, showcasing not just the knowledge of its contestants, but the unpredictable thrill that unfolds with each episode.