There are three things guaranteed in the world today: Death, taxes, and Jeopardy! being on. Believe it or not, the iconic game show has been on the air for over 60 years (though the modern incarnation we know and love technically debuted in 1984). Under the watchful eye of Ken Jennings (who himself was a record-breaking champion), Jeopardy! puts three people’s trivia skills and reflexes to the ultimate test. And so many of the greats to grace those podiums started by simply watching the show as it aired on weekdays, as millions have done for over half a century.
Here’s a spoiler-filled recap of who won Jeopardy! today, plus the answer to Final Jeopardy.
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Who won Jeopardy today?
Matthew Riggle
Dean Zach was dethroned as the one-day champ as Matthew Riggle became the new champion with $48,001.
Who are the Jeopardy contestants today?
Dean Zach
Dean Zach is a creative writing graduate student from Pearland, Texas.
Jacqueline Ziegler
Jacqueline Ziegler is a set designer from New York, New York.
Matthew Riggle
Matthew Riggle is a community college math instructor from Madison, Alabama.
Related: Sam Heughan Surprises ‘Jeopardy!’ Fans With an ‘Outlander’ Category – Can You Answer the Clues?
What was Final Jeopardy today?
Final Jeopardy today was in the category “AUTHORS“
The clue: “She sometimes signed letters “Charles Thunder”
The answer: “Who is Charlotte Brontë?”
Another day, another new champion.
It was a close game, as Zach and Riggle were head-to-head at the end of the final DJ round, with $24,000 each, while Ziegler trailed behind with $12,800.
The scores meant that anything could happen in the FJ round, coming down to the wagers and correct answers.
Ultimately, Riggle, who wagered $23,801 and was the only contestant who answered correctly, nearly doubled his score for the winning total of $48,000 and the “new champion” title, defeating Zach, who wagered $1,601 and got it wrong (“Who is George Eliot”), dropping down to a second-place spot with $22,399.
Ziegler wagered $12,800, got it wrong with the same answer as Zach, and left with $0.
Riggle will be back on Friday for attempt number 2.
Did you get the answer? Sound off in the comments!
When is Jeopardy on next?
Jeopardy! will come back on Friday, July 24, with a new episode. Check your local listings to find out when to watch.
Where is Jeopardy streaming?
Jeopardy! is available on both Hulu and Peacock. Subscribers can enjoy watching new episodes the next day, as well as access a vault of many classic episodes to enjoy at a moment’s notice.
Related: Ken Jennings Reveals If ‘Celebrity Jeopardy!’ Questions Are Easier