LOS ANGELES — All good things must come to an end.
For “Jeopardy!” superstar James Holzhauer, it means walking away with just under $2.5 million. It could be worse!
Holzhauer fell short during Monday’s episode, losing to contestant Emma Boettcher with the correct response: “Who is Kit Marlowe?” – the 16th-century English playwright.
But Holzhauer bet just $1,399 – a low wager for him – to increase his day’s total from $23,400 to $24,799, while Boettcher put down $20,201 of her $26,600, making her the winner at $46,801.
“Oh, gosh,” exclaimed host Alex Trebek and the rest of America. “What a payday!”
Holzhauer’s incredible run wasn’t enough to beat Ken Jennings' non-tournament record of $2,520,700 set in 74 games in 2004. A dominating win Monday could have done it, as Holzhauer was just $58,485 from breaking Jennings' record.
Including "Jeopardy!" tournaments, Brad Rutter remains the all-time earnings champ with $4,688,436 in winnings.
Holzhauer tweeted Sunday his daughter used to cry over the possibility of him losing. After telling her they’d have a party once he lost, she started crying with every win.
It wouldn't be surprising to catch this contestant on a tournament version of "Jeopardy!" sometime in the future. "Who is James Holzhauer" is the correct response.
Catch "Jeopardy!" every day at 7:30 p.m. on 10News WTSP!
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