The Ultimate Tournament of Champions is a special 15-week single-elimination tournament involving a total of 145 contestants. It began airing on February 9, 2005, and concluded on May 25, 2005, covering 76 shows in total. The tournament, whose contestants had all been either winners of past tournaments or past five-time champions in the first 21 seasons of the program 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 at the time and who (entering the tournament) had set a new all-time television game show winnings record of $2,520,700 in 74 games; the three finalists would then play in a three-game final for a grand prize of $2,000,000, the largest cash prize the show has ever offered in a tournament. The tournament was won by Brad Rutter, with Jennings finishing second and collecting $500,000, while Jerome Vered finished third and took home $250,000 (plus $139,801 from victories in previous rounds). The tournament's contestants won a combined total of $5,604,413.
Tournament format[]
145 contestants participated in the Ultimate Tournament of Champions; they consisted of five-time champions and winners of the Tournament of Champions, College Championship, and Teen Tournament from the show's first 21 seasons. Contestants that did not win the above tournaments were invited in order of money won on the program until a full field was filled, with Bill Dickenson last invited with $48,401. Players who competed before the show doubled its prize amounts had their winnings adjusted as appropriate.
Despite the unofficial cutoff being at 5 wins and $48,401 ($96,802 pre-doubled), slots were given to Rachael Schwartz (4 wins, $74,998*), Ryan Holznagel (4 wins, $98,826*), Russ Schumacher (4 wins, $64,800) and Bob Verini (5 wins, $93,604*). All four players were given slots due to their victories in their respective Tournament of Champions.
Contestants who won more than five games and $48,401 in regular play ($96,802 inflated) or an annual tournament that did not compete in the event included 1988 Teen Tournament winner Michael Block, 1990 Tournament of Champions finalist Larry McKnight, 1993 ToC and Million Dollar Masters semifinalist Leslie Shannon (née Miller), 1996 Teen Tournament winner Amanda Goad, and all living Seniors Tournament winners. Two otherwise-qualified contestants had died before the tournament's inception, inaugural 1985 ToC winner Jerry Frankel and 1992 ToC semifinalist Richard Kaplan.
Note: Totals given are from regular play, five games unless noted. Tournament winnings are used instead of the 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.
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 |
$4,372,700 |
Contestants with bye to Round 2[]
Members of the "Nifty Nine" were selected based on records set in their Jeopardy! careers. Only Rutter and 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 |
Winner, 2000 Tournament of Champions from Atlanta Winner, 2001 International Tournament from Las Vegas All-time winnings leader (outside of Super Jeopardy!) and highest winning female contestant before the Million Dollar Masters Tournament |
Round 2 $25,000 |
$259,100 |
Chuck Forrest | 2 (September 30–October 4, 1985) |
$72,800 | Season 2 biggest winner Winner, 1986 Tournament of Champions All-time regular winnings leader before Bob Blake co-author, "Secrets of the Jeopardy! Champions" |
Round 2 $25,000 |
$252,800 |
Eric Newhouse | 5 (February 9, 15, 16, 17, 1989) |
$28,100 | Winner, 1989 Teen Tournament Winner, Teen Reunion Tournament from Boston (1998) Runner-Up, Million Dollar Masters from NYC (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 from NYC (2002) All-time winnings leader before Ken Jennings |
Winner $2,115,000 |
$4,953,435 |
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 | Season 6 biggest winner Set five-day record (still highest first five day record when adjusted for dollar values) Winner, 10th Anniversary Tournament (1993) |
Semifinalist $105,199 |
$274,596 |
Bob Verini | 3 (June 18–24, 1987) |
$46,802 | Winner, 1987 Tournament of Champions Runner-Up, Super Jeopardy! (1990) 3rd place, Million Dollar Masters from NYC |
Round 2 $25,000 |
$276,802 |
Tom Walsh | 20 (January 5–14, 2004) |
$184,900 (7 wins) |
First seven-game winner Season 20 biggest winner 2004 Tournament of Champions finalist Regular season winnings record holder 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) Regular season winnings record holder before Tom Walsh |
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 | Round 1 $5,000 |
$178,599 |
Jack Archey | 16 (December 29, 1999–January 4, 2000) |
$51,302 plus Chevrolet Corvette |
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 |
$62,099 |
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 GLT |
Winner, 1997 College Championship | Round 1 $5,000 |
$32,500 |
Jeremy Bate | 16 (February 4, 21-24, 2000) |
$55,000 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
2000 Tournament of Champions finalist | Round 1 $5,000 |
$75,000 |
Billy Baxter | 8 (May 8, 11, 14, 15, 1992) |
$26,200 | 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
1990 Super Jeopardy semifinalist First player to earn over $75,000 in regular games Top overall winner from 1990-2001 (not counting Super Jeopardy!) Eighth-highest regular games winner of the pre-doubled era |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$197,501 |
Bruce Borchardt | 11 (March 27-31, 1995) |
$54,099 | 1995 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Round 2 $29,201 |
$88,300 |
Mark Born | 7 (June 20-26, 1991) |
$82,899 | Season 7 biggest winner 1991 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Seventh-highest regular games winner of the pre-doubled era |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$92,899 |
Paul Boymel | 1 (January 18-25, 1985) |
$56,200 | Season 1 biggest winner 1985 Tournament of Champions semifinalist |
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 | 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 |
Stephen Chernicoff | 10, 11 (July 7-8, September 5-7, 1994) |
$83,902 | 1994 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Sixth-highest regular games winner of the pre-doubled era |
Quarterfinalist $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 | 7, 8 (May 1, December 16–20, 1991) |
$68,400 | 1992 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Million Dollar Masters semifinalist |
Round 2 $26,000 |
$129,400 |
Carolyn Cracraft | 15 (May 3, 11, 13, 14, 1999) |
$25,000 plus Volvo C70 convertible |
Winner, 1999 College Championship from Chicago
2000 Tournament of Champions semifinalist |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$35,000 |
Tom Cubbage | 5 (May 8, 17, 18, 19, 1989) |
$26,600 | Winner of inaugural 1989 College Championship Winner, 1989 Tournament of Champions Only player to win both the College Championship and Tournament of Champions |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$161,600 |
Bernie Cullen | 13 (September 2–6, 1996) |
$63,102 | 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 | Season 10 biggest winner 1994 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Ninth-highest regular games winner of the pre-doubled era |
Semifinalist $97,900 |
$185,300 |
Michael Daunt | 12 (November 1-December 6, 1995) |
$64,198 | 1996 Tournament of Champions finalist Winner, 1997 International Tournament |
Quarterfinalist $62,602 |
$170,000 |
Mark Dawson | 18 (September 14–20, 2001) |
$52,599 plus Chevrolet Corvette |
2003 Tournament of Champions winner
Second highest earning player overall prior to Ken Jennings’ streak |
Round 2 $31,250 |
$343,849 |
Michael Day | 1 (April 9-15, 1985) |
$53,500 | His 5-game winning streak led to the establishment of the signaling lockout system introduced in season 2. | Round 1 $5,000 |
$59,500 |
Josh DenHartog | 13 (February 3, 12, 13, 14, 1997) |
$25,000 | Winner, Winter 1997 Teen Tournament | Round 1 $5,000 |
$32,500 |
Bill Dickenson | 12 (January 16–22, 1996) |
$48,401 | 1996 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Round 1 $5,000 |
$58,401 |
Lan Djang | 17 (June 20–26, 2001) |
$51,100 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
2001 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Quarterfinalist $63,100 |
$119,200 |
Dennis Donohue | 9 (December 2-8, 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 |
$203,901 |
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 | Round 1 $5,000 |
$58,000 | |
Frank Epstein | 8 (February 5-11, 1992) |
$73,400 | Round 1 $5,000 |
$79,400 | |
Amy Fine | 10 (March 11-17 1994) |
$72,803 | Top female winner in the pre-doubled era | Round 1 $5,000 |
$78,803 |
Eugene Finerman | 3 (June 1-5, 1987) |
$57,902 Vacuum cleaner 14 bags of chocolate chips |
1987 Tournament of Champions Finalist 1990 Super Jeopardy! Semifinalist First player to defeat Frank Spangenberg |
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 |
Winner, 2004 College Championship from Pittsburgh | Round 1 $5,000 |
$105,000 |
Leslie Frates | 7 (February 1–7, 1991) |
$56,099 | 1991 Tournament of Champions semifinalist 10th Anniversary Tournament finalist (1993) Millions Dollars Master semifinalist |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$103,599 |
Michael Galvin | 3 (February 17, 25, 26, 27, 1987) |
$25,000 | Winner of inaugural 1987 Teen Tournament 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 7-13, 1984) |
$50,595 | Second five-time Jeopardy! champion | 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 from NYC 2000 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Last Teen Tournament winner to play in the Tournament of Champions |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$35,000 |
Scott Gillispie | 7 (May 10, 15, 16, 17, 1991) |
$27,400 | 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 from Philadelphia | Round 1 $5,000 |
$55,000 |
Sandra Gore | 4 (December 8-14, 1987) |
$53,507 | 1988 Tournament of Champions finalist
First female finalist in the Tournament of Champions |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$76,507 |
Leah Greenwald | 4 (January 11–15, 1988) |
$58,802 | 1988 Tournament of Champions and Super Jeopardy! quarterfinalist Highest one-day total in the Ultimate Tournament, of $46,800 Third-highest money earner in regular play at the time of her 5-game run |
Round 2 $56,800 |
$121,602 |
Jeananne Grewe | 10 (December 20-24, 1993) |
$62,801 | 1994 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Round 1 $5,000 |
$72,801 |
Jonathan Groff | 11 (March 14-20, 1995) |
$60,500 | 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 |
Winner, 2002 College Championship from Columbus, OH | Round 2 $25,000 |
$81,300 |
Tom Halpern | 7 (March 22-28, 1991) |
$63,602 | Round 1 $5,000 |
$69,602 | |
Bob Harris | 14 (October 31–November 27, 1997) |
$58,000 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
1998 Tournament of Champions finalist Million Dollar Masters tournament (2002) semifinalist author, Prisoner of Trebekistan |
Round 2 $34,400 |
$142,400 |
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 21-25, 1987) |
$57,200 | 1988 Tournament of Champions semifinalist 10th Anniversary Tournament semifinalist |
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 3-4, 28–30, 1994) |
$49,413 (4 wins) |
Winner, 1995 Tournament of Champions 1996 International Tournament semifinalist |
Round 2 $25,000 |
$184,413 |
Andrew Hutchings | 14 (May 7, 12, 14, 15, 1998) |
$25,000 plus Volvo S70 GLT sedan |
Winner, 1998 College Championship from U.C. Berkeley | Round 1 $5,000 |
$32,500 |
Bruce Ikawa | 7 (November 30-December 6, 1990) |
$80,699 | Tenth-highest regular games winner of the pre-doubled era | Round 1 $5,000 |
$86,699 |
Sahir Islam | 14 (November 5, 10, 13, 14, 1997) |
$26,300 | Winner, Fall 1997 Teen Tournament from D.C. 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 | Round 1 $5,000 |
$61,301 |
Phoebe Juel | 9 (May 6, 12, 13, 14, 1993) |
$28,000 plus Dodge Shadow candied yams electric razor |
Winner, 1993 College Championship 1993 Tournament of Champions semifinalist First female winner of the College Championship |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$43,000 |
Vinita Kailasanath | 18 (November 7, 14, 19, 20, 2001) |
$50,000 plus Volvo V40 |
Winner, 2001 College Championship from UCLA | 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 | Fifth-highest regular games winner of the pre-doubled era | Round 1 $5,000 |
$90,701 |
Rick Knutsen | 17 (March 6–12, 2001) |
$57,300 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
2001 Tournament of Champions finalist
(Then) the only person to have finished a game against Brad Rutter with more money |
Round 2 $33,201 |
$110,501 |
Doug Lach | 16 (July 6–12, 2000) |
$85,400 plus Chevrolet Corvette |
Season 16 biggest winner
Fourth-highest regular games winner of the pre-doubled era |
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 7-13, 1990) |
$55,200 | Round 1 $5,000 |
$61,200 | |
Al Lin | 9 (June 10-16, 1993) |
$58,903 | Round 1 $5,000 |
$64,903 | |
Mark Lowenthal | 4 (May 18-24, 1988) |
$49,901 | Winner, 1988 Tournament of Champions Co-author, Secrets of the Jeopardy! Champions |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$169,901 |
Ben Lyon | 11 (May 5, 8, 11, 12, 1995) |
$25,000 plus Volvo 850 GLT |
Winner, 1995 College Championship
First college freshman to win the College Championship |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$31,000 |
April McManus | 8 (February 28, March 4, 5, 6, 1992) |
$25,000 | Winner, 1992 Teen Tournament 1992 Tournament of Champions semifinalist First female winner of the Teen Tournament |
Quarterfinalist $57,801 |
$87,801 |
Dan Melia | 13, 14 (July 18, September 1-4, 1997) |
$75,600 plus Chevrolet Corvette |
Season 14 biggest winner Winner, 1998 Tournament of Champions |
Quarterfinalist $72,201 |
$252,801 |
Chris Miller | 20 (April 1–8, 2004) |
$123,597 | 2004 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Semifinalist $93,844 |
$229,441 |
Brian Moore | 10 (September 7–13, 1993) |
$62,002 | 1994 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Quarterfinalist $72,200 |
$139,202 |
Matt Morris | 10 (February 16, 22, 24, 25, 1994) |
$29,601 | Winner, 1994 Teen Tournament | Round 1 $5,000 |
$35,601 |
Pam Mueller | 17 (November 10, 14, 20, 21, 2000) |
$50,000 plus Volvo S60 |
2000-B College Championship winner | Semifinalist $102,201 |
$215,534 |
Bruce Naegeli | 4 (July 14-20, 1988) |
$64,200 | Season 4 biggest winner 1988 Tournament of Champions finalist |
Round 2 $31,600 |
$119,599 |
Steve Newman | 8 (September 1991) |
$75,502 | Round 2 $48,700 |
$125,202 | |
Tom Nichols | 10, 11 (January 31-February 3, October 10, 1994) |
$57,950 | Initially lost 5th game on February 4, 1994; invited back on October 10, 1994 because of "clue discrepancy" | Round 1 $5,000 |
$63,680 |
Trevor Norris | 18 (November 5–23, 2001) |
$54,604 plus Chevrolet Tahoe |
2003 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Last 5-time champion before clues were doubled |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$69,604 |
Tom Nosek | 9 (November 17-23, 1992) |
$65,640 | Winner, 1993 Tournament of Champions 10th Anniversary Tournament finalist (1993) Oldest Tournament of Champions winner |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$194,240 |
Leszek Pawlowicz | 8 (October 10–16, 1991) |
$75,400 | Winner, 1992 Tournament of Champions Runner-Up, History IQ Season Two Tournament |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$205,400 |
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 |
Bradley 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 |
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 | Round 2 $41,601 |
$103,699 |
Jeff Richmond | 5 (December 23-29, 1988) |
$58,302 | 1990 Super Jeopardy! Semifinalist Only player in the tournament to have played in 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-player Final Jeopardy rounds |
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 28-30, May 24-25, 1999) |
$50,201 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
2000 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Quarterfinalist $70,201 |
$125,402 |
Jay Rosenberg | 2 (September 13-19, 1985) |
$49,600 | 1986 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Round 1 $5,000 |
$59,600 |
John Ryan | 3 (March 12-18, 1987) |
$61,800 | Season 3 biggest winner 1987 Tournament of Champions semifinalist |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$71,800 |
David Sampugnaro | 12 (April 1–5, 1996) |
$72,101 | Round 1 $5,000 |
$78,101 | |
Edward Schiffer | 9 (July 5–9, 1993) |
$65,903 | Season 9 biggest winner 1993 Tournament of Champions semifinalist |
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 |
$345,800 |
Rachael Schwartz | 10 (October 22-28, 1993) |
$37,499 (4 wins) |
Winner, 1994 Tournament of Champions First woman and 4-time champion to win the Tournament of Champions |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$162,499 |
Beverly 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 | Winner, 1991 Tournament of Champions
Youngest Tournament of Champions winner |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$159,300 |
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 | Season 11 biggest winner 1995 Tournament of Champions finalist Third-highest regular games winner of the pre-doubled era |
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 24-30, 1992) |
$53,202 | 1992 Tournament of Champions semifinalist 1993 10th Anniversary Tournament semifinalist |
Quarterfinalist $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 |
Season 17 biggest winner 2001 Tournament of Champions semifinalist |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$100,100 |
Jeff Stewart | 10 (May 6, 11, 12, 13, 1994) |
$25,000 plus Dodge |
Winner, 1994 College Championship 1994 Tournament of Champions finalist |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$50,800 |
Eric Terzuolo | 6 (June 15-21, 1990) |
$64,302 | 1990 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Round 2 $29,801 |
$99,103 |
Michael 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 | Season 12 biggest winner 1995 Tournament of Champions semifinalist |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$82,199 |
Eddie Timanus | 16 (October 20–26, 1999) |
$69,700 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
First blind contestant
2000 Tournament of Champions semifinalist |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$94,700 |
David Traini | 3 (October 10–16, 1986) |
$54,502 | 1987 Tournament of Champions finalist 3rd place, Super Jeopardy! First person to defeat Chuck Forrest |
Round 2 $25,000 |
$120,502 |
Grace Veach | 13 (February 17–21, 1997) |
$51,601 | 1998 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | Quarterfinalist $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 | Set pre-doubled one-day record of $34,000 Season 8 biggest winner 1992 Tournament of Champions finalist |
Finalist $389,801 |
$499,102 |
Brian Wangsgard | 5 (January 20-26, 1989) |
$62,398 | Season 5 biggest winner 1989 Tournament of Champions finalist |
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, 19, 20, 22, 1991) |
$25,000 | Winner, 1991 Teen Tournament | Round 1 $5,000 |
$31,000 |
Lynne Wexler | 7 (January 23–29, 1991) |
$70,351 | First woman to win over $70,000 in regular games | Round 1 $5,000 |
$76,351 |
Shane Whitlock | 12 (February 14, 19, 22, 23, 1996) |
$32,800 plus Volvo 850 Turbo |
Winner, 1996 College Championship 1996 Tournament of Champions semifinalist |
Quarterfinalist $55,400 |
$98,200 |
Keith Williams | 20 (November 12, 18, 20, 21, 2003) |
$50,000 plus Volvo S60R |
Winner, 2003 College Championship from Yale | Round 1 $5,000 |
$60,000 |
Dave Willis | 8 (January 24-30, 1992) |
$58,001 | Round 1 $5,000 |
$64,001 | |
Janet Wong | 16 (February 7, 15, 17, 18, 2000) |
$50,000 plus Volvo S40 sedan |
Winner, Winter 2000 College Championship | Round 1 $5,000 |
$57,500 |
Fraser Woodford | 9 (February 19, 22, 24, 25, 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 Youngest competitor in any Jeopardy! Tournament at 17. |
Round 1 $5,000 |
$80,000 |
Phil Yellman | 8 (March 13-19, 1992) |
$60,400 | Quarterfinalist $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 10, 14, 16, 17, 1995) |
$42,300 | Winner, 1995 Teen Tournament 1995 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Held highest-winning score of any tournament in the pre-doubled era |
Quarterfinalist $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 | Stephen 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). Also, for each round, there were no "wild card" spots for the non-winners; it was "win or go home".
Game | Air Date | Name | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Score | Name | Score | Name | Score | Clues and Summary (from the J! Archive) | |||
4708 | February 9, 2005 | Leslie Frates | $0 | Michael Galvin | $10,600 | Eric Terzuolo | $19,801 | Game Summary |
4709 | February 10, 2005 | Michael Rankins | $31,601 | Rachael Schwartz | $20,600 | John Genova | $800 | Game Summary |
4710 | February 11, 2005 | Melissa Seal | $1,200 | Babu Srinivasan | $8,700 | Arthur Phillips | $8,800 | Game Summary |
4711 | February 14, 2005 | David Traini | $12,800 | Alan Bailey | $12,000 | Janet Wong | $6,000 | Game Summary |
4712 | February 15, 2005 | Frank Epstein | $12,600 | Bob Harris | $24,400 | Tom Cubbage | $15,201 | Game Summary |
4713 | February 16, 2005 | David Sampugnaro | $10,799 | Vinita Kailasanath | $10,800 | 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 | Brian Wangsgard | $0 | Jeremy Bate | $0 | Dan Melia | $19,601 | Game Summary |
4716 | February 21, 2005 | Kermin Fleming | $1,599 | Mark Eckard | $25,600 | Lance Johnson | $10,400 | Game Summary |
4717 | February 22, 2005 | Michael Dupée | $22,500 | Sandra Gore | $10,000 | Jack Archey | $0 | Game Summary |
4718 | February 23, 2005 | Bernard Holloway | -$3,000 | Billy Baxter | -$600 | Jeff Richmond | $23,300 | 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 | Jim Scott | $14,400 | Jerome Vered | $27,601 | Michelle Clum | $21,501 | Game Summary |
4722 | March 1, 2005 | Diane Siegel | -$1,200 | Bruce Borchandt | $19,201 | Kevin Keach | $19,200 | Game Summary |
4723 | March 2, 2005 | Lee Lassiter | $0 | Jennifer Wu | $0 | Catherine Ramen | $34,000 | Game Summary |
4724 | March 3, 2005 | Ed Schiffer | $17,400 | Andrew Garen | $10,399 | Paul Boymel | $1,600 | Game Summary |
4725 | March 4, 2005 | John LeDonne | $0 | Keith Williams | $13,600 | Grace Veach | $26,200 | Game Summary |
4726 | March 7, 2005 | John Kelly | $100 | Ryan Holznagel | $8,224 | Barbara-Anne Eddy | $0 | Game Summary |
4727 | March 8, 2005 | Mark Dawson | $21,250 | Elaine Zollner | $11,800 | Chris Ward | $15,700 | Game Summary |
4728 | March 9, 2005 | Erik Larsen | $32,600 | Mark Lowenthal | $1 | Michael Rooney | $35,201 | Game Summary |
4729 | March 10, 2005 | Jay Rosenberg | $4,400 | Pam Mueller | $32,201 | Michael Day | $30,601 | Game Summary |
4730 | March 11, 2005 | David Siegel | $19,500 | Andrew Westney | $10,600 | Steve Newman | $38,700 | Game Summary |
4731 | March 14, 2005 | Chris Miller | $21,799 | Mike Thayer | $5 | Dennis Donohue | $6,000 | Game Summary |
4732 | March 15, 2005 | Matt Morris | $0 | Leah Greenwald | $46,800 | Doug Lach | $2,400 | Game Summary |
4733 | March 16, 2005 | Jonathan Groff | $24,001 | Eddie Timanus | $19,200 | Jean Grewe | $4,000 | Game Summary |
4734 | March 17, 2005 | John Zhang | $0 | Dan Katz | $20,000 | Brian Moore | $32,000 | Game Summary |
4735 | March 18, 2005 | Robert Slaven | $28,801 | Bill Pitassy | $6,000 | Russ Schumacher | $12,299 | Game Summary |
4736 | March 21, 2005 | Lynne Wexler | $19,600 | John Ryan | $0 | Shane Whitlock | $20,400 | Game Summary |
4737 | March 22, 2005 | Michael Daunt | $24,801 | Jeff Stewart | $24,800 | Jamie Weiss | $4,400 | Game Summary |
4738 | March 23, 2005 | Bradley Plovan | $4,401 | Steve Berman | $20,801 | Phoebe Juel | $400 | Game Summary |
4739 | March 24, 2005 | Tom Nichols | $13,999 | Eugene Finerman | $15,600 | Chacko George | $6,799 | Game Summary |
4740 | March 25, 2005 | Bruce Ikawa | $1 | John Cuthbertson | $11,500 | Bob Blake | $10,200 | Game Summary |
4741 | March 28, 2005 | Fraser Woodford | $0 | India Cooper | $16,000 | Bill Sloan | $100 | Game Summary |
4742 | March 29, 2005 | Bernie Cullen | $3,966 | Pat Healy | $7,800 | Kyle Hale | $14,999 | Game Summary |
4743 | March 30, 2005 | Amy Fine | $18,800 | Craig Barker | $21,599 | Rick Knutsen | $23,201 | Game Summary |
4744 | March 31, 2005 | Tom Halpern | $6,799 | Graham Gilmer | $100 | Bruce Naegeli | $21,600 | Game Summary |
4745 | April 1, 2005 | Bob Fleenor | $13,600 | Matt Zielenski | $35,601 | Kurt Bray | $5,500 | Game Summary |
4746 | April 4, 2005 | Paul Thompson | $10,400 | April McManus | $22,801 | 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 | Dave Abbott | $17,599 | Mark Born | $2,799 | Paul Gutowski | $22,802 | Game Summary |
4749 | April 7, 2005 | Lara Robillard | $11,200 | Michael Braun | $9,109 | Bill Dickenson | $6,799 | Game Summary |
4750 | April 8, 2005 | Josh DenHartog | $25,600 | Trevor Norris | $15,600 | Phil Yellman | $25,601 | Game Summary |
4751 | April 11, 2005 | Steven Popper | $299 | Scott Gillispie | $7,100 | David Venderbush | $6,500 | Game Summary |
4752 | April 12, 2005 | Ben Lyon | $0 | Steve Chernicoff | $21,201 | Roy Holliday | $1,200 | 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 | Name | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Score | Name | Score | Name | Score | Clues and Summary (from the J! Archive) | |||
4753 | April 13, 2005 | Kyle Hale | $3,601 | Rick Knutsen | $9,600 | Dan Melia | $37,600 | 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 | Tom Walsh[1] | $1,405 | Catherine Ramen | $9,103 | Game Summary |
4756 | April 18, 2005 | Bruce Borchardt | $8,400 | Bob Harris | $2,200 | Michael Daunt | $22,801 | Game Summary |
4757 | April 19, 2005 | Steve Berman | $1,999 | Eric Newhouse[2] | $5 | Shane Whitlock | $7,600 | Game Summary |
4758 | April 20, 2005 | Mark Eckard | $100 | Vinita Kailasanath | $2,873 | Brian Moore | $25,200 | Game Summary |
4759 | April 21, 2005 | Leah Greenwald | $15,999 | Sean Ryan[3] | $18,000 | Jerome Vered | $30,000 | Game Summary |
4760 | April 22, 2005 | Robert Slaven | $22,400 | Eugene Finerman | $0 | Michael Dupée | $16,999 | Game Summary |
4761 | April 25, 2005 | Robin Carroll[4] | $9,599 | Matt Zielenski | $9,601 | Steve Newman | $7,199 | Game Summary |
4762 | April 26, 2005 | Ryan Holznagel | $3,905 | Chris Miller | $22,045 | David Traini | $6,000 | Game Summary |
4763 | April 27, 2005 | Mark Dawson | $21,200 | Lan Djang | $21,250 | Jeff Richmond | $3,200 | Game Summary |
4764 | April 28, 2005 | John Beck | $0 | Brad Rutter[5] | $18,200 | Bruce Naegeli | $14,000 | Game Summary |
4765 | April 29, 2005 | Grace Veach | $23,500 | Michael Rankins | $2,000 | Brian Weikle[6] | $400 | Game Summary |
4766 | May 2, 2005 | Eric Terzuolo | $12,400 | Pam Mueller | $18,699 | Arthur Phillips | $5 | Game Summary |
4767 | May 3, 2005 | Bob Verini[7] | $3,000 | Tad Carithers | $13,900 | John Cuthbertson | $22,900 | Game Summary |
4768 | May 4, 2005 | Frank Spangenberg[8] | $25,800 | Bev Schwartzberg | $4,700 | Paul Gutowski | $9,197 | Game Summary |
4769 | May 5, 2005 | Chuck Forrest[9] | $0 | Phil Yellman | $28,200 | Lara Robillard | $12,999 | Game Summary |
4770 | May 6, 2005 | April McManus | $18,001 | Ed Schiffer | $600 | Jonathan Groff | $0 | Game Summary |
Quarterfinals results[]
Quarterfinals, 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 | Name | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Score | Name | Score | Name | Score | Clues and Summary (from the J! Archive) | |||
4771 | May 9, 2005 | Steve Chernicoff | $6,399 | Brad Rutter[5] | $6,400 | 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 | Shane Whitlock | $2,399 | Grace Veach | $0 | Frank Spangenberg[8] | $34,399 | Game Summary |
4774 | May 12, 2005 | John Cuthbertson | $22,401 | Robert Slaven | $4,399 | April McManus | $22,300 | Game Summary |
4775 | May 13, 2005 | Matt Zielenski | $0 | Chris Miller | $19,201 | Lan Djang | $950 | Game Summary |
4776 | May 16, 2005 | Jerome Vered | $32,200 | Dan Melia | $18,400 | Michael Daunt | $18,400 | Game Summary |
Semifinals results[]
Semifinals, 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 | Name | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Score | Name | Score | Name | Score | Clues and Summary (from the J! Archive) | |||
4777 | May 17, 2005 | Frank Spangenberg[8] | $13,500 | Pam Mueller | $10,000 | Jerome Vered | $23,100 | 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[5] | $10,000 | Chris Miller | $10,000 | John Cuthbertson | $13,500 | Game Summary |
4780 | May 20, 2005 | $26,600 | $200 | $1,699 | Game Summary | |||
Total | $36,600 | $13,700 | $11,699 |
Finals results[]
Finals, 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, under 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). But after winning the Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time tournament in January 2020, Jennings once again reclaimed the distinction from Rutter.
In the first game of the finals, Ken, Brad, and Jerome tricked Alex Trebek into emerging onstage without trousers, saying they would do the same; they did not.
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 | $18,400 | Ken Jennings[10] | $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 |
Trivia[]
- After this competition, a two-way structure between Ken and Brad was formed. After that, they met and played a rematch a total of four times: 2011 IBM Challenge, 2014 Battle of the Decades, 2019 All-Star Games, and 2020 The Greatest of All Time. Brad also established himself as Ken's rival in Jeopardy!. This two-way system has brought about a new change with the advent of James Holzhauer in 2019.
- During this season, only 55 regular games were played due to various tournaments including this tournament. Also, in this season, there are only two champions with more than 5 consecutive wins, Kerry Breitenbach and David Madden, because Ken's solo system in the first half, there were few winning streak matches with several tournaments, and David's solo in the second half.
References[]
- ↑ 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
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 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
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 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.