''Jeopardy!'' Ultimate Tournament of Champions
The title card for the Jeopardy! Ultimate Tournament of Champions
The Jeopardy! Ultimate Tournament of Champions was a special 15-week single-elimination tournament that aired during the 21st season of the syndicated game show Jeopardy! that began airing on February 9, 2005 and concluded on May 25, 2005, covering 76 shows in total.[1] The tournament involved 145 contestants, all of whom were winners of past tournaments or past five-time champions, and was designed to produce two contestants who would face off in a three-game, cumulative-score final against legendary Jeopardy! champion Ken Jennings, who had won the most money in Jeopardy! regular play history and who (entering the tournament) had set a new all-time game show winnings record with US $2,522,700. Those three contestants would then play in a three-game final for the largest prize the show has ever offered: an unprecedented grand prize of U.S. $2,000,000.[2]
After four rounds, the tournament's field of 144 past champions was winnowed to two: Brad Rutter and Jerome Vered. Rutter had set the previous all-time Jeopardy! prize money record in the 2002 Million Dollar Masters tournament, while Vered had set a single-day winnings record in 1992 that (if adjusted for the doubling of clue values) stood for twelve years until Jennings (in his 38th game) broke it.
Rutter decisively won the three-game final, claiming the tournament title and the $2,000,000 prize, while Jennings finished second and collected $500,000, with Vered finishing third and taking home $250,000.[3] All in all, the tournament's contestants won a combined grand total of $5,604,413.
Tournament format
145 contestants participated in the Ultimate Tournament of Champions; they consisted of five-time champions and tournament winners from the show's first 21 seasons. Contestants that were not tournament winners were invited in order of money won on the program until a full field was filled, with Bill Dickenson invited last with $48,401 won in his (pre-doubled) reign. Players who competed before the show doubled its prize amounts had their winnings adjusted as appropriate.
Contestants that won a tournament or more than $48,401 in a 5 day reign that did not compete in the UTOC included 5 day champions Larry McKnight and Leslie Shannon (Miller), Teen Tournament winners Michael Block & Amanda Goad, and all living Seniors Tournament winners. As well, 1985 Tournament Of Champions winner Jerry Frankel and 1992 5 day champion Richard Kaplan had previously died, hence their absence.
Note: Totals given are from regular play, five games unless noted. Tournament winnings are used instead if player initially appeared in a tournament. Undefeated champions from Seasons 14–19 won cars. From Seasons 14–17, undefeated champions had their choice of one or two Chevrolet cars. Seasons 18–19 undefeated champions won Jaguars.
College Champions won Dodge cars from 1993 until 1994, Volvo cars from 1995 until 2003, and a Volkswagen in 2004.
The winners of the 1999, 2001, 2002, and 2003 Teen Tournament won a Chevrolet Cavalier, a Chevrolet Tracker, a Mitsubishi Eclipse GS Convertible, and a Volkswagen New Beetle.
Jeopardy! went to a straight cash format in 2003 and eliminated automobile prizes for Season 20.
Contestant with bye to Final Round
As the most successful contestant in Jeopardy! regular season history, Ken Jennings received a bye to the three-game championship.
| Name | Season(s) | Regular Play Winnings |
Notes | UToC Finish & Winnings |
J! Career Winnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ken Jennings | 20, 21 (June 2–November 30, 2004) |
$2,522,700 (74 wins) |
Holder of nearly all Jeopardy! records at the time Season 20/21 74-time champion |
Finalist $500,000 |
$3,022,700 |
Contestants with bye to Round 2
Members of the "Nifty Nine" were selected based on records set in their Jeopardy! careers. Only 2 of the 9 (Brad Rutter and Frank Spangenberg) advanced beyond their initial round (they all received an extra $15,000 at the end of their games).
| Name | Season(s) | Regular Play Winnings |
Notes | UToC Finish & Winnings |
J! Career Winnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robin Carroll | 16 (March 13–17, 2000) |
$64,100 plus Chevrolet Tahoe (worth $40,000) |
Winner, 2000 Tournament of Champions Winner, 2001 International Tournament All-time winnings leader (outside of Super Jeopardy!) before Brad Rutter All-time winnings leader among female contestants at the time |
Round 2 $25,000 |
$289,100 |
| Chuck Forrest | 2 (September 30–October 4, 1985) |
$72,800 | Winner, 1986 Tournament of Champions Million Dollar Masters semifinalist (2002) Season 2 biggest winner All-time winnings leader (outside of Super Jeopardy!) before Bob Blake co-author, "Secrets of the Jeopardy! Champions" |
Round 2 $25,000 |
$227,800 |
| Eric Newhouse | 5 (February 9, 16, 17, 1989) |
$28,100 | Winner, 1989 Teen Tournament Winner, Teen Reunion Tournament (1998) 1989 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Super Jeopardy! semifinalist (1990) Million Dollar Masters finalist (2002) Given the moniker "powerhouse" by Alex Trebek |
Round 2 $25,000 |
$218,100 |
| Brad Rutter | 17 (October 30–November 3, 2000) |
$55,102 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
Winner, 2001 Tournament of Champions Winner, Million Dollar Masters (2002) All-time winnings leader before Ken Jennings |
Winner $2,115,000 |
$3,270,102 |
| Sean Ryan | 20 (October 8–16, 2003) |
$123,797 (6 wins) |
First six-game winner | Round 2 $25,000 |
$155,797 |
| Frank Spangenberg | 6 (January 9–15, 1990) |
$102,597 | Winner, 10th Anniversary Tournament (1993) 1990 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Season 6 biggest overall & single-day winner All-time regular winnings leader before Brian Weikle Record holder for highest winnings in a 5 day reign when adjusted for inflation |
Semi-Finalist $105,199 |
$269,596 |
| Bob Verini | 3 (June 18–24, 1987) |
$46,802 | Winner, 1987 Tournament of Champions Super Jeopardy! finalist (1990) Million Dollar Masters finalist (2002) |
Round 2 $25,000 |
$271,802 |
| Tom Walsh | 20 (January 5–14, 2004) |
$184,900 (7 wins) |
2004 Tournament of Champions finalist First seven-game winner All-time regular winnings leader before Ken Jennings |
Round 2 $25,000 |
$261,900 |
| Brian Weikle | 19 (April 10–16, 2003) |
$149,200 plus Jaguar X-Type |
2003 Tournament of Champions finalist Set former one-day record of $52,000 (set after dollar values doubled) All-time regular winnings leader before Tom Walsh Season 19 biggest winner |
Round 2 $25,000 |
$230,801 |
Contestants who started in Round 1
135 of the 145 contestants involved in the tournament started in the first round.
| Name | Season(s) | Regular Play Winnings |
Notes | UToC Finish & Winnings |
J! Career Winnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dave Abbott | 14 (June 16–22, 1998) |
$68,599 plus Chevrolet Suburban |
Winner, 1999 Tournament of Champions Season 14 biggest winner |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$173,599 |
| Jack Archey | 16 (December 29, 1999–January 4, 2000) |
$51,302 plus Chevrolet Corvette |
Season 16 biggest single-day winner | Round 1 $5,000 |
$58,802 |
| Michael Arnone | 17 (January 9–15, 2001) |
$54,599 plus Chevrolet Suburban |
Season 17 biggest single-day winner | Round 1 $5,000 |
$101,999 |
| Alan Bailey | 17 (July 12–18, 2001) |
$61,501 plus Chevrolet Suburban |
2003 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Round 1 $5,000 |
$76,501 |
| Craig Barker | 13 (May 16, 20, 22, 23, 1997) |
$25,000 plus Volvo S70 GLT |
Winner, 1997 College Championship | Round 1 $5,000 |
$32,500 |
| Jeremy Bate | 16 (February 4–24, 2000) |
$55,000 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
2000 Tournament of Champions finalist | Round 1 $5,000 |
$75,000 |
| Billy Baxter | 8 (May 14, 15, 1992) |
$26,200 trophy Jeopardy/Wheel of Fortune video games for Super NES/Sega Genesis + Jeopardy Challenge Book |
Winner, 1992 College Championship | Round 1 $5,000 |
$32,200 |
| John Beck | 19 (June 13–19, 2003) |
$117,099 plus Jaguar X-Type |
Last retired five-time champion | Round 2 $29,000 |
$151,099 |
| Steve Berman | 6 (October 24–30, 1989) |
$48,800 | 1990 Tournament of Champions finalist | Round 2 $30,801 |
$87,101 |
| Bob Blake | 6 (September 6–12, 1989) |
$82,501 | Winner, 1990 Tournament of Champions Super Jeopardy! semifinalist (1990) All-time winnings leader (outside of Super Jeopardy!) before Robin Carroll All-time regular winnings leader before Frank Spangenberg All-time winnings leader among Canadian contestants |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$197,501 |
| Bruce Borchardt | 11 (March 27-31, 1995) |
$54,099 Jeopardy sports edition |
1995 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Round 2 $29,201 |
$88,300 |
| Mark Born | 7 (June 1991) |
$82,899 Jeopardy! 25th Anniversary home game or computer version |
1991 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Season 7 biggest overall & single-day winner |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$92,899 |
| Paul Boymel | 1 (January 18-24, 1985) |
$56,200 | 1985 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Season 1 biggest winner All-time regular winnings leader before Chuck Forrest |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$66,200 |
| Kurt Bray | 10 (January 3–7, 1994) |
$51,100 | 1994 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Round 1 $5,000 |
$61,100 |
| Michael Braun | 21 (January 26, February 3, 7, 8, 2005) |
$75,000 a computer package |
Winner, 2005 Teen Tournament | Round 1 $5,000 |
$80,000 |
| Tad Carithers | 16 (July 14–20, 2000) |
$60,400 plus Chevrolet Corvette |
2001 Tournament of Champions finalist | Round 2 $41,300 |
$116,700 |
| Steve Chernicoff | 10, 11 (July 27-September 7, 1994) |
$83,902 | 1994 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Season 10 biggest single-day winner |
Quarter-Finalist $57,802 |
$146,704 |
| Larry Cloud | 17 (April 12–18, 2001) |
$66,100 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
2001 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Round 1 $5,000 |
$76,100 |
| Michelle Clum | 17 (September 13–19, 2000) |
$50,200 plus Chevrolet Corvette |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$57,700 | |
| India Cooper | 8 (December 16–20, 1991) |
$68,400 Jeopardy!/Wheel of Fortune video games for Super NES/Sega Genesis + Jeopardy! Challenge book |
1992 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Million Dollar Masters semifinalist (2002) |
Round 2 $26,000 |
$124,400 |
| Carolyn Cracraft | 15 (May 3, 11, 13, 14, 1999) |
$25,000 plus Volvo C70 convertible trophy |
Winner, 1999 College Championship 2000 Tournament of Champions semifinalist |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$35,000 |
| Tom Cubbage | 5 (May 8, 18, 19, 1989) |
$26,600 trophy |
Winner of first College Championship, 1989 Winner, 1989 Tournament of Champions Only College Champion to win a Tournament of Champions |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$136,600 |
| Bernie Cullen | 13 (September 2–6, 1996) |
$63,102 Jeopardy! video games from GameTek choices of First Sports Deluxe edition Jeopardy! Tiger Electronic game Jeopardy! score keeper Jeopardy! roll-a-puzzle system from Crossword Companion |
Season 13 biggest winner Won $1,000,000 on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in 2001 |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$69,102 |
| John Cuthbertson | 10 (November 1993) |
$82,400 | 1994 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Season 10 biggest winner |
Semi-Finalist $97,900 |
$185,300 |
| Michael Daunt | 12 (November 1-December 6, 1995) |
$64,198 | 1996 Tournament of Champions finalist Winner, 1997 International Tournament Season 12 biggest single-day winner |
Quarter-Finalist $62,602 |
$170,000 |
| Mark Dawson | 18 (September 14–20, 2001) |
$52,599 plus Chevrolet Corvette worth $42,000 |
Winner, 2003 Tournament of Champions | Round 2 $31,250 |
$375,849 |
| Michael Day | 1 (April 9-15, 1985) |
$53,500 | Round 1 $5,000 |
$59,500 | |
| Josh DenHartog | 13 (February 3, 12, 13, 14, 1997) |
$25,000 | Winner, Spring 1997 Teen Tournament | Round 1 $5,000 |
$32,500 |
| Bill Dickenson | 12 (January 16–22, 1996) |
$48,401 GameTek Jeopardy! video games Scorekeeper |
1996 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Won $64,000 on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in 2003 |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$58,401 |
| Lan Djang | 17 (June 20–26, 2001) |
$51,100 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
2001 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Quarter-Finalist $63,100 |
$119,200 |
| Dennis Donohue | 9 (December 1992) |
$64,298 | 1993 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Round 1 $5,000 |
$74,298 |
| Michael Dupée | 12 (April 9–15, 1996) |
$66,401 | Winner, 1996 Tournament of Champions author, How To Get on Jeopardy! and Win! |
Round 2 $32,500 |
$198,901 |
| Mark Eckard | 17 (June 8–14, 2001) |
$69,600 plus Chevrolet Suburban |
2001 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Round 2 $35,600 |
$110,200 |
| Barbara-Anne Eddy | 4 (February 1–5, 1988) |
$52,000 either the Jeopardy! box game or computer game |
Appeared on The $128,000 Question with Alex Trebek in the 1970s | Round 1 $5,000 |
$58,000 |
| Frank Epstein | 8 (February 1992) |
$73,400 | Round 1 $5,000 |
$79,400 | |
| Amy Fine | 10 (March 1994) |
$72,803 | All-time regular winnings leader among female contestants in the pre-doubled era | Round 1 $5,000 |
$78,803 |
| Eugene Finerman | 3 (May 25-29, 1987) |
$57,902 vacuum cleaner 14 bags of chocolate chips |
1987 Tournament of Champions finalist Super Jeopardy! semifinalist (1990) |
Round 2 $25,600 |
$105,102 |
| Bob Fleenor | 17 (March 28–April 3, 2001) |
$55,700 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$63,200 | |
| Kermin Fleming | 21 (November 10, 19, 22, 23, 2004) |
$100,000 plus Volkswagen New Beetle trophy |
Winner, 2004 College Championship | Round 1 $5,000 |
$105,000 |
| Leslie Frates | 7 (February 1–7, 1991) |
$56,099 Jeopardy! 25th Anniversary home game or computer version |
1991 Tournament of Champions semifinalist 10th Anniversary Tournament finalist (1993) Million Dollar Masters semifinalist (2002) |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$98,599 |
| Michael Galvin | 3 (February 17, 24 26, 27, 1987) |
$25,000 | Winner of first Teen Tournament, 1987 1987 Tournament of Champions semifinalist |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$35,000 |
| Andrew Garen | 17 (September 20–26, 2000) |
$56,100 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$63,600 | |
| John Genova | 1 (November 1984) |
$50,595 | Second five-time Jeopardy! champion All-time regular winnings leader before Paul Boymel |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$56,595 |
| Chacko George | 16 (November 2, 9, 11, 12, 1999) |
$25,000 plus Chevrolet Cavalier |
Winner, Fall 1999 Teen Tournament 2000 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Last Teen Tournament winner invited to the Tournament of Champions |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$35,000 |
| Scott Gillispie | 7 (May 15, 16, 17, 1991) |
$27,400 trophy Jeopardy! 25th Anniversary home game or computer version |
Winner, 1991 College Championship 1991 Tournament of Champions semifinalist |
Round 2 $25,000 |
$57,400 |
| Graham Gilmer | 17 (May 4, 7, 10, 11, 2001) |
$50,000 plus Chevrolet Tracker |
Winner, 2001 Teen Tournament | Round 1 $5,000 |
$55,000 |
| Sandra Gore | 4 (December 8-14, 1987) |
$53,507 | 1988 Tournament of Champions finalist First female Tournament of Champions finalist |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$76,507 |
| Leah Greenwald | 4 (January 11–15, 1988) |
$58,802 | Round 2 $56,800 |
$121,602 | |
| Jean Grewe | 10 (December 20-24, 1993) |
$62,801 | 1994 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Round 1 $5,000 |
$72,801 Jeopardy! '92 home game |
| Jonathan Groff | 11 (March 1995) |
$60,500 garlique tablets |
1995 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Round 2 $34,001 |
$99,501 |
| Paul Gutowski | 13 (January 10–16, 1997) |
$51,301 | Round 2 $32,802 |
$86,603 | |
| Kyle Hale | 19 (November 15, 19, 21, 22, 2002) |
$51,300 plus Volvo S60 Turbo trophy |
Winner, 2002 College Championship | Round 2 $25,000 |
$81,300 |
| Tom Halpern | 7 (March 1991) |
$63,602 Jeopardy! 25th Anniversary home game or computer version |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$69,602 | |
| Bob Harris | 14 (October 31–November 27, 1997) |
$58,000 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros worth $42,000 various parting gifts |
1998 Tournament of Champions finalist Million Dollar Masters semifinalist (2002) Won $200,000 on Greed in 2000 author, Prisoner of Trebekistan |
Round 2 $34,400 |
$169,400 |
| Pat Healy | 14 (March 31–April 6, 1998) |
$66,604 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
1999 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Round 1 $5,000 |
$76,604 |
| Roy Holliday | 4 (September 1987) |
$57,200 | 1988 Tournament of Champions semifinalist 10th Anniversary Tournament semifinalist (1993) |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$72,200 |
| Bernard Holloway | 18 (February 6; 11, 14, 15, 2002) |
$50,000 plus Mitsubishi Eclipse GS convertible |
Winner, 2002 Teen Tournament | Round 1 $5,000 |
$55,000 |
| Ryan Holznagel | 11 (November 3–30, 1994) |
$49,413 (4 wins) |
Winner, 1995 Tournament of Champions 1996 Olympic Games Tournament semifinalist |
Round 2 $25,000 |
$154,413 |
| Andrew Hutchings | 14 (May 7, 12, 14, 15, 1998) |
$25,000 plus Volvo S70 GLT sedan trophy |
Winner, 1998 College Championship | Round 1 $5,000 |
$32,500 |
| Bruce Ikawa | 7 (November 30-December 5, 1990) |
$80,699 Jeopardy! 25th Anniversary home game or computer version |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$86,699 | |
| Sahir Islam | 14 (November 5, 10, 13, 14, 1997) |
$26,300 | Winner, Fall 1997 Teen Tournament 1998 Tournament of Champions semifinalist |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$36,300 |
| Lance Johnson | 15 (September 16–22, 1998) |
$51,301 | 1999 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Season 15 biggest winner |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$61,301 |
| Phoebe Juel | 9 (May 13, 14, 1993) |
$28,000 plus Dodge Shadow trophy candied yams electric razor Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune video games for the Super NES and Sega Genesis Jeopardy! '92 home game |
Winner, 1993 College Championship 1993 Tournament of Champions semifinalist |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$38,000 |
| Vinita Kailasanath | 18 (November 7, 14, 19, 20, 2001) |
$50,000 plus Volvo V40 trophy |
Winner, 2001 College Championship 2004 Tournament of Champions semifinalist |
Round 2 $25,000 |
$85,000 |
| Dan Katz | 6 (June 26-July 2, 1990) |
$48,803 | Round 1 $5,000 |
$54,803 | |
| Kevin Keach | 17 (June 27–July 3, 2001) |
$50,703 plus Chevrolet Tahoe |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$58,203 | |
| John Kelly | 8 (June 1992) |
$84,701 Jeopardy!/Wheel of Fortune video games for Super NES/Sega Genesis + Jeopardy! Challenge book |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$90,701 | |
| Rick Knutsen | 17 (March 6–12, 2001) |
$57,300 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
2001 Tournament of Champions finalist | Round 2 $33,201 |
$110,501 |
| Doug Lach | 16 (July 6–12, 2000) |
$85,400 plus Chevrolet Corvette |
Season 16 biggest overall & single-day winner | Round 1 $5,000 |
$92,900 |
| Erik Larsen | 6 (February 21-27, 1990) |
$54,400 | 1990 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Round 1 $5,000 |
$64,400 |
| Lee Lassiter | 16 (January 25–31, 2000) |
$54,599 plus Chevrolet Tahoe |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$62,099 | |
| John LeDonne | 7 (December 1990) |
$55,200 Jeopardy! 25th Anniversary home game or computer version |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$61,200 | |
| Al Lin | 9 (June 10-16, 1993) |
$58,903 Jeopardy! '92 home game |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$64,903 | |
| Mark Lowenthal | 4 (May 4-10, 1988) |
$49,901 | Winner, 1988 Tournament of Champions co-author, Secrets of the Jeopardy! Champions |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$159,901 |
| Ben Lyon | 11 (May 11, 12, 1995) |
$25,000 plus Volvo 850 GLT trophy |
Winner, 1995 College Championship | Round 1 $5,000 |
$31,000 |
| April McManus | 8 (February 28, March 4, 5, 6, 1992) |
$25,000 Jeopardy/Wheel of Fortune video games for Super NES/Sega Genesis + Jeopardy! challenge book |
Winner, 1992 Teen Tournament 1992 Tournament of Champions semifinalist |
Quarter-Finalist $57,801 |
$87,801 |
| Dan Melia | 13, 14 (July 18–September 4, 1997) |
$75,600 plus Chevrolet Corvette |
Winner, 1998 Tournament of Champions | Quarter-Finalist $72,201 |
$247,801 |
| Chris Miller | 20 (April 1–8, 2004) |
$123,597 | 2004 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Semi-Finalist $93,844 |
$229,441 |
| Brian Moore | 10 (September 7–13, 1993) |
$62,002 | 1994 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Quarter-Finalist $72,200 |
$139,202 |
| Matt Morris | 10 (February 17, 18, 1994) |
$29,601 | Winner, 1994 Teen Tournament | Round 1 $5,000 |
$35,601 |
| Pam Mueller | 17 (November 10, 16, 20, 21, 2000) |
$50,000 plus Volvo S60 trophy |
Winner, Fall 2000 College Championship 2001 Tournament of Champions semifinalist |
Semi-Finalist $102,201 |
$157,201 |
| Bruce Naegeli | 4 (July 14-20, 1988) |
$64,200 | 1988 Tournament of Champions finalist Season 4 biggest winner |
Round 2 $31,600 |
$119,599 |
| Steve Newman | 8 (September 1991) |
$75,502 Jeopardy/Wheel of Fortune video games for Super NES/Sega Genesis + Jeopardy Challenge book |
Round 2 $48,700 |
$125,202 | |
| Tom Nichols | 10, 11 (January 31, February 4-October 10, 1994) |
$57,860 Jeopardy! '92 home game |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$63,680 | |
| Trevor Norris | 18 (November 5–23, 2001) |
$54,604 plus Chevrolet Tahoe |
2003 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Season 18 biggest winner |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$69,604 |
| Tom Nosek | 9 (November 3-23, 1992) |
$65,640 | Winner, 1993 Tournament of Champions 10th Anniversary Tournament finalist (1993) |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$184,240 |
| Leszek Pawlowicz | 8 (October 10–16, 1991) |
$75,400 Jeopardy!/Wheel of Fortune video games for Super NES/Sega Genesis + Jeopardy Challenge book |
Winner, 1992 Tournament of Champions Runner-Up, History IQ Season Two Tournament |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$180,400 |
| Arthur Phillips | 13 (June 10–16, 1997) |
$63,003 | Round 2 $25,000 |
$90,503 | |
| Bill Pitassy | 11 (October 24–28, 1994) |
$72,702 | 1994 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Round 1 $5,000 |
$82,702 |
| Brad Plovan | 12 (December 11–15, 1995) |
$61,402 | Round 1 $5,000 |
$67,402 | |
| Steven Popper | 4 (March 28-April 1, 1988) |
$55,600 | 1988 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Round 1 $5,000 |
$65,600 |
| Fred Ramen | 14 (September 5–11, 1997) |
$61,000 plus Chevrolet Corvette Jeopardy! scorekeeper |
1998 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Round 2 $44,000 |
$110,000 |
| Michael Rankins | 4 (June 3-9, 1988) |
$52,098 | 1988 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Winner, Battle of the Bay Area Brains (1998) |
Round 2 $41,601 |
$103,699 |
| Jeff Richmond | 5 (December 23-29, 1988) |
$58,302 | Super Jeopardy! semifinalist (1990) | Round 2 $33,300 |
$102,602 |
| Lara Robillard | 14 (May 26–June 1, 1998) |
$59,500 plus Chevrolet Tahoe |
Round 2 $25,000 |
$87,000 | |
| Steve Robin | 7 (November 20-26, 1990) |
$51,901 | 1991 Tournament of Champions finalist | Round 1 $5,000 |
$69,501 |
| Michael Rooney | 15 (April 28–May 25, 1999) |
$50,201 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
2000 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Quarter-Finalist $70,201 |
$125,402 |
| Jay Rosenberg | 2 (December 1985) |
$49,600 | 1986 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Round 1 $5,000 |
$59,600 |
| John Ryan | 3 (March 12-18, 1987) |
$61,800 | 1987 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Season 3 biggest winner |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$71,800 |
| David Sampugnaro | 12 (April 1–5, 1996) |
$72,101 | Round 1 $5,000 |
$78,101 | |
| Ed Schiffer | 9 (July 5–9, 1993) |
$65,903 | 1993 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Season 9 biggest winner Won $125,000 on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in 2004 |
Round 2 $27,400 |
$98,303 |
| Russ Schumacher | 20 (October 17–23, 2003) |
$64,800 (4 wins) |
Winner, 2004 Tournament of Champions | Round 1 $5,000 |
$320,800 |
| Rachael Schwartz | 10 (October 24-28, 1993) |
$37,499 (4 wins) Jeopardy! '92 home game |
Winner, 1994 Tournament of Champions First female Tournament of Champions winner First 4 day champion to win a Tournament of Champions |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$152,499 |
| Bev Schwartzberg | 9 (April 30–May 20, 1993) |
$65,900 | 1993 Tournament of Champions finalist | Round 2 $25,000 |
$110,000 |
| Jim Scott | 7 (September 25-October 1, 1990) |
$49,300 Jeopardy 25th Anniversary home game or computer version |
Winner, 1991 Tournament of Champions | Round 1 $5,000 |
$154,300 |
| Melissa Seal (Sexstone) | 15 (February 22, March 1, 4, 5, 1999) |
$25,000 | Winner, Spring 1999 Teen Tournament | Round 1 $5,000 |
$32,500 |
| David Siegel | 11 (June 27–July 3, 1995) |
$86,200 | 1995 Tournament of Champions finalist Season 11 biggest winner |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$115,800 |
| Diane Siegel | 9 (January 25-29, 1993) |
$65,479 | Round 1 $5,000 |
$71,479 | |
| Robert Slaven | 8 (March 1992) |
$53,202 Jeopardy!/Wheel of Fortune video games for Super NES/Genesis + Jeopardy! Challenge book |
1992 Tournament of Champions semifinalist 10th Anniversary Tournament semifinalist (1993) |
Quarter-Finalist $66,201 |
$129,403 |
| Bill Sloan | 12 (January 29–February 2, 1996) |
$62,800 | 1996 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Round 1 $5,000 |
$72,800 |
| Babu Srinivasan | 17 (May 16–22, 2001) |
$75,100 plus Chevrolet Corvette |
2001 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Season 17 biggest winner |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$95,100 |
| Jeff Stewart | 10 (May 12, 13, 1994) |
$25,000 plus Dodge trophy |
Winner, 1994 College Championship 1994 Tournament of Champions finalist |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$50,800 |
| Eric Terzuolo | 6 (June 1990) |
$64,302 | 1990 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Round 2 $29,801 |
$99,103 |
| Mike Thayer | 6 (May 7, 16, 17, 18, 1990) |
$25,000 | Winner, 1990 College Championship | Round 1 $5,000 |
$31,000 |
| Paul Thompson | 12 (October 13–19, 1995) |
$72,199 | 1995 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Season 12 biggest winner |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$82,199 |
| Eddie Timanus | 16 (October 20–26, 1999) |
$69,700 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
2000 Tournament of Champions semifinalist First blind contestant Won $50,000 on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in 2004 |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$89,700 |
| David Traini | 3 (October 10–16, 1986) |
$54,502 | 1987 Tournament of Champions finalist Super Jeopardy! finalist (1990) |
Round 2 $25,000 |
$120,502 |
| Grace Veach | 13 (February 17–21, 1997) |
$51,601 | 1998 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Quarter-Finalist $64,700 |
$121,301 |
| David Venderbush | 10 (October 1993) |
$50,800 | Round 1 $5,000 |
$56,800 | |
| Jerome Vered | 8 (May 18–22, 1992) |
$96,801 Jeopardy! 25th Anniversary game Jeopardy!/Wheel of Fortune video games for Super Nintendo Entertainment System/Sega Genesis + Jeopardy! Challenge book |
1992 Tournament of Champions finalist Season 8 biggest winner Set pre-doubled one-day record of $34,000 |
Finalist $389,801 |
$494,102 |
| Brian Wangsgard | 5 (January 20-26, 1989) |
$62,398 | 1989 Tournament of Champions finalist Season 5 biggest winner |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$79,898 |
| Chris Ward | 14 (February 24–March 3, 1998) |
$63,301 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$70,801 | |
| Jamie Weiss | 6 (February 8, 13, 15, 16, 1990) |
$26,000 | Winner, 1990 Teen Tournament 1990 Tournament of Champions semifinalist |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$36,000 |
| Andrew Westney | 7 (February 13, 20, 21, 22, 1991) |
$25,000 Jeopardy! 25th Anniversary home game or computer version |
Winner, 1991 Teen Tournament | Round 1 $5,000 |
$31,000 |
| Lynne Wexler | 7 (January 23–29, 1991) |
$70,351 Jeopardy! 25th Anniversary home game or computer version |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$76,351 | |
| Shane Whitlock | 12 (February 19, 22, 23, 1996) |
$32,800 plus Volvo 850 Turbo trophy |
Winner, 1996 College Championship 1996 Tournament of Champions semifinalist |
Quarter-Finalist $55,400 |
$93,200 |
| Keith Williams | 20 (November 12, 18, 20, 21, 2003) |
$50,000 plus Volvo S60R trophy |
Winner, 2003 College Championship | Round 1 $5,000 |
$60,000 |
| Dave Willis | 8 (January 1992) |
$58,001 Jeopardy!/Wheel of Fortune video games for Super NES/Sega Genesis + Jeopardy! Challenge book |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$64,001 | |
| Janet Wong | 16 (February 7, 15, 17, 18, 2000) |
$50,000 plus Volvo S40 sedan trophy |
Winner, Winter 2000 College Championship | Round 1 $5,000 |
$57,500 |
| Fraser Woodford | 9 (February 5, 8, 11, 12, 1993) |
$28,999 | Winner, 1993 Teen Tournament | Round 1 $5,000 |
$34,999 |
| Jennifer Wu | 20 (February 9, 17, 19, 20, 2004) |
$75,000 | Winner, 2004 Teen Tournament | Round 1 $5,000 |
$80,000 |
| Phil Yellman | 8 (March 12-18, 1992) |
$60,400 Jeopardy!/Wheel of Fortune video games for Super NES/Sega Genesis + Jeopardy! challenge book |
Quarter-Finalist $68,801 |
$130,201 | |
| John Zhang | 19 (February 4, 12; 13, 14, 2003) |
$50,000 plus Volkswagen New Beetle |
Winner, 2003 Teen Tournament | Round 1 $5,000 |
$55,000 |
| Matt Zielenski | 11 (February 16, 17, 1995) |
$42,300 | Winner, 1995 Teen Tournament 1995 Tournament of Champions semifinalist |
Quarter-Finalist $70,601 |
$112,901 |
| Elaine Zollner | 6 (March 2–8, 1990) |
$52,800 | Round 1 $5,000 |
$58,800 |
Tournament results
The tournament's twenty highest finishers are shown below in order of prize money won.
| Rank | Contestant | UToC Finish | Winnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brad Rutter | Winner | $2,115,000 |
| 2 | Ken Jennings | Finalist | $500,000 |
| 3 | Jerome Vered | Finalist | $389,801 |
| 4 | Frank Spangenberg | Semifinalist | $105,199 |
| 5 | Pam Mueller | Semifinalist | $102,201 |
| 6 | John Cuthbertson | Semifinalist | $97,900 |
| 7 | Chris Miller | Semifinalist | $93,844 |
| 8 | Dan Melia | Quarterfinalist | $72,201 |
| 9 | Brian Moore | Quarterfinalist | $72,200 |
| 10 | Matt Zielenski | Quarterfinalist | $70,601 |
| 11 | Michael Rooney | Quarterfinalist | $70,201 |
| 12 | Phil Yellman | Quarterfinalist | $68,801 |
| 13 | Robert Slaven | Quarterfinalist | $66,201 |
| 14 | Grace Veach | Quarterfinalist | $64,700 |
| 15 | Lan Djang | Quarterfinalist | $63,100 |
| 16 | Michael Daunt | Quarterfinalist | $62,602 |
| 17 | Steve Chernicoff | Quarterfinalist | $57,802 |
| 18 | April McManus | Quarterfinalist | $57,801 |
| 19 | Leah Greenwald | Round 2 | $56,800 |
| 20 | Shane Whitlock | Quarterfinalist | $55,400 |
Round 1 results
Round 1, which started on February 9, 2005 and ended on April 12, 2005, featured 135 contestants competing for entry into Round 2.
Unlike most Jeopardy! tournaments, in which only the final rounds are played for cash equal to the value of winners' scores, the winners of every match received their scores as winnings (or the guaranteed minimum for that round, whichever was greater). In addition, for each round, there were no "wild card" spots for the non-winners; it was "win or go home".
| Game | Air Date | 1st Place (Min. $15,000) | 2nd Place ($5,000) | 3rd Place ($5,000) | Clues and Summary (from the J! Archive) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Score | Name | Score | Name | Score | |||
| 4708 | February 9, 2005 | Eric Terzuolo | $19,801 | Michael Galvin | $10,600 | Leslie Frates | $0 | Game Summary |
| 4709 | February 10, 2005 | Michael Rankins | $31,601 | Rachael Schwartz | $20,600 | John Genova | $800 | Game Summary |
| 4710 | February 11, 2005 | Arthur Phillips | $8,800 | Babu Srinivasan | $8,700 | Melissa Seal | $1,200 | Game Summary |
| 4711 | February 14, 2005 | David Traini | $12,800 | Alan Bailey | $12,000 | Janet Wong | $6,000 | Game Summary |
| 4712 | February 15, 2005 | Bob Harris | $24,400 | Tom Cubbage | $15,201 | Frank Epstein | $12,600 | Game Summary |
| 4713 | February 16, 2005 | Vinita Kailasanath | $10,800 | David Sampugnaro | $10,799 | Steve Robin | $0 | Game Summary |
| 4714 | February 17, 2005 | Bev Schwartzberg | $11,709 | Sahir Islam | $11,500 | Michael Arnone | $0 | Game Summary |
| 4715 | February 18, 2005 | Dan Melia | $19,601 | Jeremy Bate | $0 | Brian Wangsgard | $0[4] | Game Summary |
| 4716 | February 21, 2005 | Mark Eckard | $25,600 | Lance Johnson | $10,400 | Kermin Fleming | $1,599 | Game Summary |
| 4717 | February 22, 2005 | Michael Dupée | $22,500 | Sandra Gore | $10,000 | Jack Archey | $0 | Game Summary |
| 4718 | February 23, 2005 | Jeff Richmond | $23,300 | Billy Baxter | [5]–$600 | Bernard Holloway | [5]–$3,000 | Game Summary |
| 4719 | February 24, 2005 | John Beck | $19,000 | Tom Nosek | $0 | Carolyn Cracraft | $0 | Game Summary |
| 4720 | February 25, 2005 | Tad Carithers | $31,300 | Leszek Pawlowicz | $17,201 | Al Lin | $3,201 | Game Summary |
| 4721 | February 28, 2005 | Jerome Vered | $27,601 | Michelle Clum | $21,501 | Jim Scott | $14,400 | Game Summary |
| 4722 | March 1, 2005 | Bruce Borchardt | $19,201 | Kevin Keach | $19,200 | Diane Siegel | [5]–$1,200 | Game Summary |
| 4723 | March 2, 2005 | Fred Ramen | $34,000 | Lee Lassiter | $0 | Jennifer Wu | $0 | Game Summary |
| 4724 | March 3, 2005 | Ed Schiffer | $17,400 | Andrew Garen | $10,399 | Paul Boymel | $1,600 | Game Summary |
| 4725 | March 4, 2005 | Grace Veach | $26,200 | Keith Williams | $13,600 | John LeDonne | $0 | Game Summary |
| 4726 | March 7, 2005 | Ryan Holznagel | $8,224 | John Kelly | $100 | Barbara-Anne Eddy | $0 | Game Summary |
| 4727 | March 8, 2005 | Mark Dawson | $21,250 | Chris Ward | $15,700 | Elaine Zollner | $11,800 | Game Summary |
| 4728 | March 9, 2005 | Michael Rooney | $35,201 | Erik Larsen | $32,600 | Mark Lowenthal | $1 | Game Summary |
| 4729 | March 10, 2005 | Pam Mueller | $32,201 | Michael Day | $30,601 | Jay Rosenberg | $4,400 | Game Summary |
| 4730 | March 11, 2005 | Steve Newman | $38,700 | David Siegel | $19,500 | Andrew Westney | $10,600 | Game Summary |
| 4731 | March 14, 2005 | Chris Miller | $21,799 | Dennis Donohue | $6,000 | Mike Thayer | $5 | Game Summary |
| 4732 | March 15, 2005 | Leah Greenwald | $46,800 | Doug Lach | $2,400 | Matt Morris | $0 | Game Summary |
| 4733 | March 16, 2005 | Jonathan Groff | $24,001 | Eddie Timanus | $19,200 | Jean Grewe | $4,000 | Game Summary |
| 4734 | March 17, 2005 | Brian Moore | $32,000 | Dan Katz | $20,000 | John Zhang | $0 | Game Summary |
| 4735 | March 18, 2005 | Robert Slaven | $28,801 | Russ Schumacher | $12,299 | Bill Pitassy | $6,000 | Game Summary |
| 4736 | March 21, 2005 | Shane Whitlock | $20,400 | Lynne Wexler | $19,600 | John Ryan | $0 | Game Summary |
| 4737 | March 22, 2005 | Michael Daunt | $24,801 | Jeff Stewart | $24,800 | Jamie Weiss | $4,400 | Game Summary |
| 4738 | March 23, 2005 | Steve Berman | $20,801 | Brad Plovan | $4,401 | Phoebe Juel | $400 | Game Summary |
| 4739 | March 24, 2005 | Eugene Finerman | $15,600 | Tom Nichols | $13,999 | Chacko George | $6,799 | Game Summary |
| 4740 | March 25, 2005 | John Cuthbertson | $11,500 | Bob Blake | $10,200 | Bruce Ikawa | $1 | Game Summary |
| 4741 | March 28, 2005 | India Cooper | $16,000 | Bill Sloan | $100 | Fraser Woodford | $0 | Game Summary |
| 4742 | March 29, 2005 | Kyle Hale | $14,999 | Pat Healy | $7,800 | Bernie Cullen | $3,966 | Game Summary |
| 4743 | March 30, 2005 | Rick Knutsen | $23,201 | Craig Barker | $21,599 | Amy Fine | $18,800 | Game Summary |
| 4744 | March 31, 2005 | Bruce Naegeli | $21,600 | Tom Halpern | $6,799 | Graham Gilmer | $100 | Game Summary |
| 4745 | April 1, 2005 | Matt Zielenski | $35,601 | Bob Fleenor | $13,600 | Kurt Bray | $5,500 | Game Summary |
| 4746 | April 4, 2005 | April McManus | $22,801 | Paul Thompson | $10,400 | Larry Cloud | $5,400 | Game Summary |
| 4747 | April 5, 2005 | Lan Djang | $26,850 | Andrew Hutchings | $2,000 | Dave Willis | $0 | Game Summary |
| 4748 | April 6, 2005 | Paul Gutowski | $22,802 | Dave Abbott | $17,599 | Mark Born | $2,799 | Game Summary |
| 4749 | April 7, 2005 | Lara Robillard | $11,200 | Michael Braun | $9,109 | Bill Dickenson | $6,799 | Game Summary |
| 4750 | April 8, 2005 | Phil Yellman | $25,601 | Josh DenHartog | $25,600 | Trevor Norris | $15,600 | Game Summary |
| 4751 | April 11, 2005 | Scott Gillispie | $7,100 | David Venderbush | $6,500 | Steven Popper | $299 | Game Summary |
| 4752 | April 12, 2005 | Steve Chernicoff | $21,201 | Roy Holliday | $1,200 | Ben Lyon | $0 | Game Summary |
Round 2 results
Round 2, which started on April 13 and finished on May 6, featured the 45 winners from Round 1 as well as nine new contestants.
| Game | Air Date | 1st Place (Min. $20,000) | 2nd Place ($10,000) | 3rd Place ($10,000) | Clues and Summary (from the J! Archive) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Score | Name | Score | Name | Score | |||
| 4753 | April 13, 2005 | Dan Melia | $37,600 | Rick Knutsen | $9,600 | Kyle Hale | $3,601 | Game Summary |
| 4754 | April 14, 2005 | Steve Chernicoff | $21,601 | Scott Gillispie | $21,500 | India Cooper | $13,200 | Game Summary |
| 4755 | April 15, 2005 | Michael Rooney | $10,500 | Fred Ramen | $9,103 | Tom Walsh[6] | $1,405 | Game Summary |
| 4756 | April 18, 2005 | Michael Daunt | $22,801 | Bruce Borchardt | $8,400 | Bob Harris | $2,200 | Game Summary |
| 4757 | April 19, 2005 | Shane Whitlock | $7,600 | Steve Berman | $1,999 | Eric Newhouse[7] | $5 | Game Summary |
| 4758 | April 20, 2005 | Brian Moore | $25,200 | Vinita Kailasanath | $2,873 | Mark Eckard | $100 | Game Summary |
| 4759 | April 21, 2005 | Jerome Vered | $30,000 | Sean Ryan[8] | $18,000 | Leah Greenwald | $15,999 | Game Summary |
| 4760 | April 22, 2005 | Robert Slaven | $22,400 | Michael Dupée | $16,999 | Eugene Finerman | $0 | Game Summary |
| 4761 | April 25, 2005 | Matt Zielenski | $9,601 | Robin Carroll[9] | $9,599 | Steve Newman | $7,199 | Game Summary |
| 4762 | April 26, 2005 | Chris Miller | $22,045 | David Traini | $6,000 | Ryan Holznagel | $3,905 | Game Summary |
| 4763 | April 27, 2005 | Lan Djang | $21,250 | Mark Dawson | $21,200 | Jeff Richmond | $3,200 | Game Summary |
| 4764 | April 28, 2005 | Brad Rutter[10] | $18,200 | Bruce Naegeli | $14,000 | John Beck | $0 | Game Summary |
| 4765 | April 29, 2005 | Grace Veach | $23,500 | Michael Rankins | $2,000 | Brian Weikle[11] | $400 | Game Summary |
| 4766 | May 2, 2005 | Pam Mueller | $18,699 | Eric Terzuolo | $12,400 | Arthur Phillips | $5 | Game Summary |
| 4767 | May 3, 2005 | John Cuthbertson | $22,900 | Tad Carithers | $13,900 | Bob Verini[12] | $3,000 | Game Summary |
| 4768 | May 4, 2005 | Frank Spangenberg[13] | $25,800 | Paul Gutowski | $9,197 | Bev Schwartzberg | $4,700 | Game Summary |
| 4769 | May 5, 2005 | Phil Yellman | $28,200 | Lara Robillard | $12,999 | Chuck Forrest[14] | $0 | Game Summary |
| 4770 | May 6, 2005 | April McManus | $18,001 | Ed Schiffer | $600 | Jonathan Groff | $0 | Game Summary |
Round 3 (Quarterfinal) results
Round 3, which began on May 9 and ended on May 16, featured the "Elite 18" (Round 2 winners) competing for entry into the semifinals.
| Game | Air Date | 1st Place (Min. $30,000) | 2nd Place ($15,000) | 3rd Place ($15,000) | Clues and Summary (from the J! Archive) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Score | Name | Score | Name | Score | |||
| 4771 | May 9, 2005 | Brad Rutter [10] | $6,400 | Steve Chernicoff | $6,399 | Michael Rooney | $5,601 | Game Summary |
| 4772 | May 10, 2005 | Pam Mueller | $25,201 | Phil Yellman | $8,000 | Brian Moore | $0 | Game Summary |
| 4773 | May 11, 2005 | Frank Spangenberg [13] | $34,399 | Shane Whitlock | $2,399 | Grace Veach | $0 | Game Summary |
| 4774 | May 12, 2005 | John Cuthbertson | $22,401 | April McManus | $22,300 | Robert Slaven | $4,399 | Game Summary |
| 4775 | May 13, 2005 | Chris Miller | $19,201 | Lan Djang | $950 | Matt Zielenski | $0 | Game Summary |
| 4776 | May 16, 2005 | Jerome Vered | $32,200 | Michael Daunt | $18,400 | Dan Melia | $18,400 | Game Summary |
Round 4 (Semifinal) results
Round 4, which began on May 17 and ended on May 20, featured the six winners from Round 3 competing in two-game matches for entry into the finals.
| Game | Air Date | 1st Place ($50,000) | 2nd Place ($30,000) | 3rd Place ($20,000) | Clues and Summary (from the J! Archive) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Score | Name | Score | Name | Score | |||
| 4777 | May 17, 2005 | Jerome Vered | $23,100 | Frank Spangenberg [13] | $13,500 | Pam Mueller | $10,000 | Game Summary |
| 4778 | May 18, 2005 | $7,800 | $5,800 | $4,899 | Game Summary | |||
| Total | $30,900 | $19,300 | $14,899 | |||||
| 4779 | May 19, 2005 | Brad Rutter [10] | $10,000 | John Cuthbertson | $13,500 | Chris Miller | $10,000 | Game Summary |
| 4780 | May 20, 2005 | $26,600 | $200 | $1,699 | Game Summary | |||
| Total | $36,600 | $13,700 | $11,699 | |||||
Round 5 (Final) results
Round 5, which aired on May 23, 24, and 25, featured Round 4 champions Brad Rutter and Jerome Vered competing against Ken Jennings in a three-game final for $2,000,000. Rutter won the match in a runaway and displaced Jennings as television's largest game show winner in history at the time (Rutter, by virtue of the tournament set up and the elimination of Bernie Cullen in the first round, was the only player who could have done so). However, Jennings later reclaimed that distinction by winning $500,000 on Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? in October 2008, only to lose it again after coming in second to Rutter in the Jeopardy! Battle of the Decades (May 2014).
| Game | Air Date | 1st Place ($2,000,000) | 2nd Place ($500,000) | 3rd Place ($250,000) | Clues and Summary (from the J! Archive) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Score | Name | Score | Name | Score | |||
| 4781 | May 23, 2005 | Brad Rutter[10] | $18,400 | Ken Jennings[15] | $16,000 | Jerome Vered | $16,400 | Game Summary |
| 4782 | May 24, 2005 | $20,000 | $10,000 | $3,200 | Game Summary | |||
| 4783 | May 25, 2005 | $23,600 | $8,599 | $1,000 | Game Summary | |||
| Total | $62,000 | $34,599 | $20,600 | |||||
Reruns
During the offseason between Seasons 21 and 22, select matches from the Ultimate Tournament of Champions were aired as part of the slate of Jeopardy! summer reruns. In addition to its then-recent acquisition of episodes from seasons 20 & 21, GSN also acquired the rights to air the entire Ultimate Tournament of Champions, with the episodes beginning their airings on December 11, 2008. The 2006 DVD release Jeopardy!: An Inside Look at America's Favorite Quiz Show features all three final round games of the Ultimate Tournament of Champions in their entirety.
Notes and references
- ↑ "Jeopardy! Seeking Tournament of Champions Alumni". TVLatest.com. May 20, 2013. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
- ↑ Brooks, Tim; Marsh, Earle (2009). The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946-Present. Random House. p. 696.
- ↑ "Jennings Has No Regret Despite Second-Place Finish: Utah's Jeopardy! Legend Has Plenty of Irons in Fire". Deseret News. May 26, 2005. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
- ↑ Did not qualify to play Final Jeopardy because contestant had $0 at the end of Double Jeopardy!
- 1 2 3 Did not qualify to play Final Jeopardy! because contestant finished with a negative score.
- ↑ Tom Walsh received first round bye as the first seven-time champion, and the record holder in regular winnings until Ken Jennings. More detailed statistics
- ↑ Eric Newhouse received first round bye for getting second place in the Jeopardy! Million Dollar Masters tournament. More detailed statistics
- ↑ Sean Ryan received first round bye for being the first six-time champion. More detailed statistics
- ↑ Robin Carroll received first round bye for the most cumulative money won on Jeopardy! (including all tournaments except Super Jeopardy!) until the Jeopardy! Million Dollar Masters tournament. More detailed statistics
- 1 2 3 4 Brad Rutter received first round bye for winning the Jeopardy! Million Dollar Masters tournament, as well as the most money won on Jeopardy! until Ken Jennings. More detailed statistics
- ↑ Brian Weikle received first round bye for being the record holder in regular winnings from Season 19 until five-day rule change. More detailed statistics
- ↑ Bob Verini received first round bye for getting third place in the Jeopardy! Million Dollar Masters tournament. More detailed statistics
- 1 2 3 Frank Spangenberg received first round bye as the record holder in regular winnings from Season 6 until Season 19. More detailed statistics
- ↑ Chuck Forrest received first round bye as the record holder in regular winnings until Season 6. More detailed statistics
- ↑ Ken Jennings received a bye to the final round for his numerous Jeopardy! records.
See also
External links
| Tournaments | |
|---|---|
| Notable references in culture | |
| Adaptations | |
| Related articles | |
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