'Jeopardy!': Ken Jennings wins his first tournament ever, becoming 'Greatest Of All Time'

Jennings came across a couple of daily doubles through the night and even copied Holzhauer's signature 'all in' move.
UPDATED JAN 15, 2020
Alex Trebek and Ken Jennings (ABC)
Alex Trebek and Ken Jennings (ABC)

Despite seemingly almost losing the second match of Tuesday night's episode of 'Jeopardy! Greatest Of All Time', Ken Jennings beat both James Holzhauer and Brad Rutter to win his first 'Jeopardy!' tournament ever.

But first, let's look at how Holzhauer and Rutter did tonight.

Rutter's performance was a disappointment yet again, ending the first match with zero points, leading fellow contestant Holzhauer to even take a jab at the most-successful 'Jeopardy!' contestant.

In the second match, while his opponents had five-figure scores, Rutter had just 1,400 points. In the Final Jeopardy round, he answered with "You're the best, Alex," while wagering nothing.

James Holzhauer fared much better than Rutter, and at one point, it looked like Holzhauer might walk away with the second match — and with his massive lead, it could have meant that Holzhauer would win the night.

Unfortunately, Holzhauer got the answer wrong, and since he wagered all 44,000+ points, the night — and therefore the tournament — had one clear winner, Ken Jennings.

Jennings came across a couple of daily doubles through the night and even copied Holzhauer's signature "all in" move, with Holzhauer piping in about claiming royalties from Jennings.

In fact, this was a move that Jennings regularly employed throughout the tournament. With Jennings' composure and his ability to wager everything on daily doubles and Final Jeopardy rounds, while answering the questions correctly meant that Jennings played a dominating game throughout the tournament.

That is not to say that neither Holzhauer and Rutter didn't employ the same techniques — it was Rutter repeatedly losing large amounts on wrong answers that meant that he performed poorly during the tournament.

Now that the 'Jeopardy! Greatest Of All Time' tournament has come to an end, no records have been broken. Rutter still remains the most successful and highest-earning contestant. Holzhauer still remains the contestant with the most records.

But for Ken Jennings, this is his first win. With Alex Trebek's health concerns, would also be quite special to him and the fans watching at home.

RELATED TOPICS JEOPARDY!

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

'Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat' features a fresh cast of colleagues as they head to the annual company retreat at Rockin’ Grandma’s.
2 hours ago
'Heated Rivalry's team behind the camera had positive updates for the show's fans as the feverish wait for Season 2 continues.
3 hours ago
BBC has confirmed that 'Doctor Foster' will return for a third and final season, with its central character reprising their role nearly a decade later.
3 hours ago
'Bridgerton' Season 4 differed significantly from the novel series by enlarging Lord John Stirling's presence in Francesca's life.
6 hours ago
With Benedict and Sophie's love story taking center stage in 'Bridgerton' Season 4, the fifth season will focus on the next set of single siblings.
7 hours ago
Molly Ringwald joins ‘Yellowjackets’ Season 4 in a recurring role as the hit survival thriller prepares to begin production on its final chapter.
7 hours ago
The exclusive clip from 'Bridgerton' Season 4 was released just before the premiere of Part 2, which will conclude the story of Benedict and Sophie.
7 hours ago
The soundtrack of 'Bridgerton' Season 4, part 2, brings together the choicest tracks from across the musical spectrum.
8 hours ago
Season 4's post-credits scene marks the first time that 'Bridgerton' has treated fans to a bonus scene
8 hours ago
A surprise announcement from the ‘Smiling Friends’ creators leaves the future of the animated series uncertain
10 hours ago