25 Biggest Jeopardy! Winners Ever To Play

Posted by , Updated on March 23, 2024

Do you self-identify as incredibly intelligent? Like most people, you likely perceive yourself to be smarter than average, despite the statistical truth that only half can fit into that category. However, when it comes to Jeopardy, the individuals you’re on the brink of getting introduced to, operate at a genius level. Their proficiency in trivia has not only been demonstrated but it has also brought them considerable wealth! Meet the 25 Greatest Jeopardy! Winners Ever To Participate!

25

Bob Verini

Bob VeriniSource: j-archive.com

Verini’s career earnings on Jeopardy! were $276,802. Apparently, he used the money to finance theatre productions.

24

Frank Spangenberg

Frank SpangenbergSource: j-archive.com

Frank set a record in 1990 when he became the first person to win more than $100,000 on the show in less than a week.

23

Jerome Vered

Jerome VeredSource: j-archive.com

Jerome has won a total of $496,602 during all of his appearances on the show.

22

Michael George Dupée

Michael George DupéeSource: j-archive.com

After numerous time on the show, Michael’s total winnings came to $203,901.

21

Bob Harris

Bob HarrisSource: j-archive.com

Not only did Bob win $58,000 on Jeopardy!, he won $250,000 on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.

20

Arthur Phillips

Arthur PhillipsSource: theguardian.com, arthurphillips.info

While his total show earnings of $63,003 may not seem high compared to other winners, Phillips is a 5-time undefeated champion. He’s also an award winning novelist.

19

Eddie Timanus

Eddie TimanusSource: nytimes.com

The first blind contestant on the show, Eddie won $69,700 and two cars.

18

Watson

WatsonSource: bbc.com

A robot built by IBM, Watson beat both Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter (both coming up) to win $77,147.

17

Colby Burnett

Colby BurnettSource: j-archive.com

A teacher at Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Illinois, Colby took home the $250,000 grand prize.

16

Austin "Buzzy" Cohen

Austin "Buzzy" CohenSource: j-archive.com

A recording industry executive from LA, Buzzy won $164,603 over 9 games.

15

Seth Wilson

Seth WilsonSource: j-archive.com

A PhD candidate from Chicago, Seth won $265,002 over the course of 12 games.

14

Cindy Stowell

Cindy StowellSource: j-archive.com

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Cindy was diagnosed with terminal cancer after qualifying for the show. Since it was her lifelong dream to compete, the producers sped up the filming for her. She won $105,803 and donated it all to charity.

13

Ben Ingram

Ben IngramSource: huffingtonpost.com

Holding a degree in biology and working as an IT consultant, Ben had the knowledge to take home $176,534.

12

Tom Walsh

Tom WalshSource: j-archive.com

This former Senior Policy Adviser to the Senate Finance Committee made $184,900.

11

Joon Pahk

Joon PahkSource: j-archive.com

A freshman professor of physics at Harvard, Pahk netted himself $199,000.

10

Jason Keller

Jason KellerSource: jeopardy.com

As a fan of the show since childhood, Jason interviewed for a chance three times! His persistence finally paid off, and he didn’t do too bad when he walked away with $213,900.

9

Larissa Kelly

Larissa KellySource: j-archive.com

A science fiction writer, it’s clear Kelly also has a firm grasp on reality because she netted herself $222,597 on the show.

8

Tom Nissley

Tom NissleySource: j-archive.com

Tom used his PhD in English Literature to earn himself $235,405.

7

Dave Madden

Dave MaddenSource: j-archive.com

With 19 games, David comes in third for the most consecutive games won. He also didn’t make out too bad financially with $430,400 of winnings.

6

Arthur Chu

Arthur ChuSource: washingtonpost.com

Although his strategy of furiously pressing his signaling device was controversial, Chu walked away with a total of  $298,200.

5

Julia Collins

Julia CollinsSource: nytimes.com

At 20 games, Julia has won the second highest number of games in a row. She is also the 5th highest Jeopardy! winner with $478,100.

4

Matt Jackson

Matt JacksonSource: washingtonpost.com

In 2015, Matt beat Arthur Chu’s 11-game streak with his 12th win. His total earnings are $511,612.

3

Roger Craig

Roger CraigSource: jeopardy.com

At $530,200, Robert isn’t the richest Jeopardy! winner, but he didn’t do too bad!

2

Ken Jennings

Ken JenningsSource: jeopardy.com

With $3,270,700 Ken is the second biggest winner of all time. He also tops the list of most consecutive games won, with 74!

1

Brad Rutter

Brad RutterSource: nytimes.com

As the biggest all time winner, Rutter made $4,385,702.