Fans of Jeopardy! are buzzing after contestant Jamie Ding sparked attention for a surprising connection to the show’s late, longtime host, Alex Trebek.
Ding, who is currently in the middle of a standout and closely-watched run on the quiz show, has drawn renewed interest not just for his performance on the game show stage, but for a lesser-known piece of trivia from his past.
Before appearing on Jeopardy! as an adult, Ding previously competed in the National Geographic Bee, a prestigious academic competition that Trebek hosted for many years.
His earlier appearance as a young contestant has now resurfaced online as fans connect the dots between the two moments in his life, saying it’s all come full circle.
During a recent Jeopardy! episode, Ding briefly acknowledged his momentary encounter with Trebek, with fans expressing that he recalled struggling to recognize Trebek at first because he’d shaved his iconic mustache.
The photo was shared on the Jeopardy! Reddit page, with many praising it for being “completely adorable.”
“He’s a really likable champion,” another viewer mused.
“Talk about meant to be. This is some full circle ish,” someone else declared.
Others couldn’t help but point out that Ding waited till he was at least 20 consecutive games in to drop the fun fact about Trebek, stating, “I’ll wait a few weeks. Then, on my 21st episode, BAM, I’ll hit ‘em with the Trebek anecdote,” as another emphasized of his confidence, “He knew he had time.”
A few also expressed that the date on the check is May 26, 2004, which is “exactly one week before Ken Jennings’s winning streak,” putting the timeline in perspective and making many feel “old.”
Legendary champ Jennings, who stepped behind the podium following Trebek’s death in 2020, holds the record for Consecutive Games Won, Highest Winnings in Regular-Season play and is in the number 2 spot for All-Time winnings, per the Jeopardy Leaderboardof Legends.
So far, Ding has tied Jennings’ record for the most-correct responses in a single game, as they are the only two players to get 45 clues right, per People.
Jennings had a 74-game run for a total of $2,520,700, which the late Trebek told PEOPLE in 2019 made him “shed a tear” when it was finally over.
“This marvelous streak had suddenly come to an end. And it will never be matched. By anybody,” he said at the time.
As Ding’s winning streak continues—he’s currently won 22 consecutive games, bringing his total winnings to $627,600 as of April 13—audiences are watching closely to see where he’ll rank and what records he’ll beat, including whether he’ll have what it takes to overthrow Jennings for the top spot.
Related: Where Jamie Ding Ranks Among ‘Jeopardy!’s Top 10 All-Time Winners
