The 10 Most Successful Jeopardy Champions Of All Time (& How Much They Won) (2024)

Jeopardy, the iconic American television game show, has become a cultural phenomenon since its inception in 1964, and the biggest Jeopardy champions have amassed millions. Known for its unique format of presenting answers and requiring contestants to respond in the form of a question, the show has garnered a loyal following and critical acclaim. Hosted for years by the late Alex Trebek, whose intellect and charisma became synonymous with the show, Jeopardy challenges contestants on a wide range of topics, from history and literature to science and pop culture.

Contestants can accrue significant earnings, especially if they go on winning streaks, leading to substantial totals by the end of their runs. Jeopardy champions are celebrated not just for their monetary winnings but also for their breadth of knowledge, strategic gameplay, and sometimes even their quirky personalities. Over the years, some contestants have risen to legendary status, amassing impressive winnings and setting records that have made them household names. These champions' success stories are a testament to their intellect, quick thinking, and sometimes sheer luck.

10 Matt Jackson - $611,612

Jackson's background as a college quiz bowl competitor helped him.

Matt Jackson, a paralegal hailing from Washington, D.C., became one of the most successful and memorable contestants in Jeopardy history with his 13-game winning streak, amassing a total of $611,612 in earnings. His remarkable run on the show in 2015 was characterized by his distinctive gameplay and rapid-fire responses, which quickly caught the attention of both the audience and the media. Jackson's success was attributed not only to his extensive knowledge across various categories but also to his strategic wagering in Daily Doubles and Final Jeopardy rounds.

Jackson's approach to the game was both methodical and bold, often leading him to build insurmountable leads early in the game. His cheerful demeanor, marked by his trademark smile and enthusiastic button presses, made him a fan favorite. Additionally, his background as a quiz bowl competitor in college appeared to have honed his quick recall and buzzer skills, which were crucial to his success on Jeopardy. Despite his competitive nature, Jackson was also known for his graciousness and sportsmanship, often acknowledging the strengths of his opponents.

9 Larissa Kelly - $655,930

Kelly broke Jeopardy records at the time.

Larissa Kelly, an author and academic, made a significant impact on the world of Jeopardy with her extraordinary performance, accumulating winnings of $655,930. Her journey on the show began in 2008, where she quickly distinguished herself with her vast knowledge and strategic gameplay. Kelly's prowess in a wide range of categories, from history to science, and her ability to remain calm under pressure allowed her to dominate several games. Notably, her achievements on Jeopardy broke records at the time, making her the highest-earning female contestant in the show's regular-season history.

This achievement was not just a personal triumph but also a milestone for female representation in the competitive arena of quiz shows. Kelly's success continued in various Jeopardy tournaments, where she further demonstrated her intellectual depth and game strategy. Her participation in the 2009 Tournament of Champions and subsequent Jeopardy tournaments cemented her status as one of the show's all-time greats.

8 Cris Pannullo - $748,286

Pannulo is the most recent top-10 Jeopardy champion.

Cris Pannullo, a former professional poker player from Ocean City, New Jersey, left an indelible mark on Jeopardy with his impressive total earnings of $748,286 in 2022. Pannullo's stint on the show was characterized by his extraordinary depth of knowledge, strategic gameplay, and cool demeanor under pressure, attributes likely honed from his experience in the high-stakes world of professional poker. Throughout his run, he demonstrated a remarkable ability to quickly recall facts across a diverse range of categories, from literature and history to science and popular culture.

Pannullo's strategic approach was evident in his betting patterns, particularly in Daily Doubles and Final Jeopardy rounds, where he employed calculated risks that often paid off significantly. His gameplay was not only effective but also entertaining, as he engaged in playful banter and occasionally showed a lighter, humorous side. His impressive earnings were a testament to his exceptional intellect and strategic thinking, making him one of the most successful Jeopardy champions in recent years.

7 David Madden - $763,733

Madden's 19-consecutive-win streak set a new standard.

David Madden, an art historian and former record-holder for the second-longest winning streak on Jeopardy, amassed impressive total earnings of $763,733 during his memorable run on the show. His journey began in 2005, where he quickly established himself as a formidable contestant with a calm and methodical approach to the game. Madden's extensive knowledge in myriad subjects, from art history to geography and politics, was evident in each episode he played. His streak of 19 consecutive wins set a new standard at the time and showcased his ability to adapt to different categories and types of questions.

6 Mattea Roach - $810,983

Roach's success was significant for Jeopardy's LGBTQ+ representation.

Mattea Roach, a tutor from Toronto, Canada, made a remarkable impact on Jeopardy with her impressive 23-game winning streak, accumulating a total of $810,983 in earnings. Her run on the show in 2022 was notable not only for the amount she won but also for her distinctive style of play and broad range of knowledge. Roach's youth and her quick, confident responses captivated audiences. Roach's success story was also significant for LGBTQ+ representation on the show. Openly identifying as a lesbian, her achievements and visibility on a platform like Jeopardy were seen as an inspiration to many in the community.

5 Amy Schneider - $1,632,800

Schneider is the most successful openly transgender Jeopardy contestant.

Amy Schneider, an engineering manager from Oakland, California, made history on Jeopardy with her extraordinary 40-game winning streak, accumulating a total of $1,632,800 in earnings. Her appearance on the show in 2021-2022 was groundbreaking, not only for her impressive winnings but also for her being the most successful openly transgender Jeopardy contestant. Her strategic acumen allowed her to secure substantial leads and victories in many of her games. Amy Schneider's legacy in the world of Jeopardy extends far beyond her impressive winnings, as she left an enduring impact on the show’s history and on the broader cultural landscape.

4 Matt Amodio - $1,668,601

Amodio had a clever and distinct Jeopardy strategy.

Matt Amodio, a Ph.D. student in computer science from Ohio, wowed audiences with his extraordinary 38-game Jeopardy winning streak, amassing $1,668,601. His remarkable run on the show in 2021 stood out not just for the amount he won but also for his unique approach to the game. Amodio was known for his distinctive strategy of consistently responding with "What's" or "What is" regardless of the grammatical fit, a tactic that became his signature. This approach, combined with his vast knowledge across various subjects, from history and science to literature and pop culture, allowed him to dominate many of his games.

3 James Holzhauer - $3,462,216

Holzhauer had a high-risk, high-reward approach to Jeopardy.

James Holzhauer, a professional sports gambler from Las Vegas, revolutionized the gameplay of Jeopardy with his extraordinary performance, accumulating a total of $2,462,216 during his 32-game winning streak in 2019. Holzhauer's approach to Jeopardy was unprecedented and highly strategic, heavily influenced by his professional background in sports betting. Holzhauer became famous for his aggressive wagering; this high-risk, high-reward approach not only set records for single-game winnings but also made each of his appearances thrilling for viewers. While Holzhauer slammed Jeopardy producers for the season 40 changes, he remains a series legend.

2 Ken Jennings - $4,370,700

Jennings has unbelievable Jeopardy buzzer speed.

Ken Jennings, a software engineer from Salt Lake City, Utah, became a legendary figure in the world of Jeopardy with his record-breaking 74-game winning streak in 2004, accumulating an astonishing total of $2,520,700 in regular-season play. Jennings' extraordinary run on the show set a new standard for excellence and captivated audiences nationwide. Jennings combined this extensive knowledge with quick reflexes and a strategic approach to the game, often outpacing his competitors in both buzzer speed and response accuracy. After winning millions on the show, Jennings eventually became a Jeopardy host.

1 Brad Rutter - $4,938,436

Rutter is one the most successful game show contestants of all time.

Hailing from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Brad Rutter stands as one of the most successful game show contestants of all time, particularly in the realm of Jeopardy, where he has amassed a staggering total of $4,938,436 in winnings. Rutter's journey on Jeopardy began in 2000, and he quickly distinguished himself with his vast knowledge and sharp gameplay. Unlike other notable champions, Rutter's earnings primarily came from his unmatched success in Jeopardy tournaments rather than regular-season play, as he competed during a time when champions were retired after five wins.

Rutter's dominance in the Jeopardy Tournament of Champions, Million Dollar Masters, Battle of the Decades, and the Jeopardy All-Star Games highlighted his exceptional trivia prowess and adaptability to different formats and competitive scenarios. His strategic gameplay, combining both conservative and bold betting decisions, often left his opponents trailing. Notably, Rutter has never lost a Jeopardy match to a human opponent, a testament to his consistent performance and deep knowledge across a diverse range of topics, making him the ultimate Jeopardy champion.

Jeopardy

Game Show

One of the all-time longest-running television game shows, Jeopardy follows a quiz format where contestants test their general knowledge with clues in the form of the answer to a question. Contestants must then give their answer in the form of a question when they buzz in to respond to the clue. Beginning in 1964, Jeopardy has had a series of hosts, most notably Alex Trebek who hosted the show from 1984 until his death in 2020. The show is currently hosted by Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik.

Release Date

September 10, 1984

Seasons

39