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What was 'Jeopardy! Masters' 2023 winner James Holzhaeur secret diet on set? Game show executives left stunned

Jeopardy!’ executives have revealed that game show pro James Holzhaeur survived on just pizza and soda during his original winning streak in 2019

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: America’s most popular game show 'Jeopardy!' concluded its Masters tournament in May 2023. Self-appointed game show villain James Holzhaeur emerged victorious in the final, leaving Mattea Roach and Matt Amodio in his wake and taking home the prize money of $500,000. However, there is a new detail regarding James that has come out in the open, courtesy of the game show executives. And it’s not related to his impeccable knowledge or cocky behavior.

‘Jeopardy!’ executives have revealed that the game show pro survived on just pizza and soda during his original winning streak in 2019. This revelation was made on the 'Inside Jeopardy!' podcast when producer Sarah Whitcomb Foss joined former champion Buzzy Cohen to discuss the contestants' diet on the revered game show.

‘Two pieces of pizza and a soda’ 

In a recent ‘Jeopardy!’ podcast, Sarah mentioned that the executives are always eager to learn about contestants' diets when they are on a hot winning streak. She stressed that everyone on the set wants to learn about the diet that fuels the game show contestants.

‘Jeopardy!’ tapes five episodes daily and a meal between episodes three and four becomes all but necessary to allow the contestants a break and a chance to refocus. Given the scenario, Sarah remembered James’s unusual diet from 2019 when he was hot on his heels to break the all-time winnings record set by Ken Jennings. 

Buzzy said, “I want to know when we come back for a Thursday game after lunch what our three players had for lunch.” Sarah then revealed, "Well, it’s funny you say that; I was always curious about that when we’d have a big champion.” She continued, “James Holzhauer comes to mind. He would have two pieces of pizza and a soda.”

Sarah said she was curious about James’ diet and inquired, “'Wow, that is your brain food?' Like that’s working for you?” and eventually stated that if she had pizza and soda before a game, she would be lying flat on the podium. 

James Holzhaeur is a certified winner

James won 32 episodes in 2019 and finished $58,484 short of the all-time winnings record. Despite not beating Ken’s record of $2.5 million, James ushered in a new era of gameplay strategy. He now holds the record for the most money earned in a single episode ($131,127).

Praising for his intimidation tactic, contestant Andrew He once mentioned that James would take off his shoes and socks in the greenroom during his original run, which oddly James confirmed as he took off his shoes and socks, showing his bare in one of the episodes of 'Jeopardy! Masters'.