The Washington Post had a tragic scoop this morning. Record breaking Jeopardy! contestant James Holzhauer will fall during tonight's episode, leaving him just $60,000 short of surpassing Ken Jennings' iconic winning streak.
A leaked clip confirms the news.
BREAKING: Jeopardy! champ James Holzhauer loses on Monday’s episode: pic.twitter.com/yqRqdl2zp0
— Random Intel (@TheRandomIntel) June 2, 2019
As you can see, Holzhauer got the final answer right. He just didn't wager enough. Even host Alex Trebek was surprised the contestant wagered a "modest" $1,399.
His opponent, Chicago librarian Emma Boettcher, on the other hand, went into Final Jeopardy with $26,600 and wagered $20, 201, giving her a massive payday and some serious bragging rights.
Trebek spoke for everyone when he said, "What a game! Oh my gosh!”
Holzhauer was on a 32-day winning streak and had amassed $2.4 million. The professional gambler was candid about how he kept pulling it off, explaining to sports media that the key was betting big in both the Daily Double and Final Jeopardy. Ken Jennings still has the most consecutive game wins to his name. He won 74 games in a row in 2004, along with $2,520,700. Yet, for the past few months he was supportive of Holzhauer giving him a run for his money.
Holzhauer confirmed his loss on Monday, joking that rapper Drake is to blame.
Knew I shouldn’t have invited @Drake to the @Jeopardy taping.
— James Holzhauer (@James_Holzhauer) June 3, 2019
While it's a bummer Holzhauer couldn't keep his run going, we should also celebrate Boettcher's epic win, especially because it wasn't even close. Good for her!
Holzhauer recognized the achievement. He walked over and high fived Boettcher after her win. Now it's her turn to start breaking some records.
You can learn a bit more about the new champion below.
James, Jay, and Emma face off #TodayOnJ! Here are their stories! pic.twitter.com/LIRiDsbFOM
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) June 3, 2019