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Jeopardy! Ultimate Tournament of Champions title card

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
Also won $50,000 on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" in 2004

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

[5]

$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[]

  1. 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
  2. Eric Newhouse received first round bye for getting second place in the Jeopardy! Million Dollar Masters tournament. More detailed statistics
  3. Sean Ryan received first round bye for being the first six-time champion. More detailed statistics
  4. 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. 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
  6. 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
  7. Bob Verini received first round bye for getting third place in the Jeopardy! Million Dollar Masters tournament. More detailed statistics
  8. 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
  9. Chuck Forrest received first round bye as the record holder in regular winnings until Season 6. More detailed statistics
  10. Ken Jennings received a bye to the final round for his numerous Jeopardy! records.
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