'Jeopardy!' champ Ryan Long stunned after challenger's mistake leads to 14-win streak
'Jeopardy!' champ Ryan Long stunned viewers after winning his 14th straight game on Wednesday, June 1.
Philadelphia-based Uber driver and returning champ Long was triumphant "by a hair" in a sensational final round after another contender's mistake led to his victory. The show is currently being hosted by 46-year-old Mayim Bialik for the fourth week in a row, returning after fan-favorite 'Jeopardy!' alum Ken Jennings spent three weeks at the helm. After a 13-win streak, Long was having a tough run. Portland, Oregon real estate manager Meagan Morrow had taken the lead during Double Jeopardy.
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Morrow held on to her lead going into Final Jeopardy, with $16.8K to Long's $15.4K as it seemed she would dethrone the beloved streak-holder with the ninth-longest run ever on the reality game show. However, the episode eventually ended in a stunning manner. The category in question was 'The Early 19th Century' and was asking about a battle. "Admiral Prince Charles Villeneuve signaled 'engage the enemy' around noon & surrendered at 1:45 pm during this battle," the question read.
Long, who was the second player to reveal his response and wager, incorrectly wrote, "What is: Waterloo," and wagered a whopping $8000. Morrow, who was now in a huge lead, revealed she also wrote "Waterloo," but hadn't revealed her wager. However, it would emerge she had swung too hard after betting an even bigger $10,000, keeping Long's reign intact as he stood on stage in utter shock. Long had won the Tuesday, June 2 game rather easily, getting 31 correct answers and 2 incorrect, according to Daily box scores. Audiences were stunned as he swept three categories in what was called a "Triple Stumper" by box scores. The following night, however, would take the cake.
Ryan Long's investment in himself has certainly paid off! pic.twitter.com/6JJtPlcqpN
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) June 1, 2022
It's worth noting that Long has been a hit with viewers due to his big personality and even bigger wagers, coupled with his quirky Q&A stories that have kept fans glued to the screen. Long is reportedly just nine games shy of Canadian tutor Mattea Roach's 23-game record that ended when she lost by $1 just last month, according to The Sun.
Long pumped out an Arnold Schwarzenegger impression during his first Q&A three weeks ago. The contestant has since shared how he grew up watching the popular show with his mom, who allegedly thought "Alex Trebek was so handsome." He also revealed how he fostered "four baby kittens" and "bottle-fed them" before his mom adopted them. Earlier this week, he shared that he once fought off a raccoon while working as a bouncer at a Philly bar.
Ryan Long has earned his place on the Leaderboard of Legends! Check out the full list here: https://t.co/BKWm5ytty0 pic.twitter.com/OG6KbkB8zF
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) May 31, 2022
Speaking to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Long said he was living paycheck-to-paycheck for over a year before he was able to afford a flight to Culver City. He said he only carried two dress shirts because he couldn't afford anything more. “I didn’t study or anything. I probably should have perused something, but I just didn’t,” Ryan said of his preparation as a contestant on the show. “I just kind of went in and did my thing. I want to take my kid fishing. That’s really where my head is at," he added.