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Jeopardy! Ultimate Tournament of Champions

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File:Jeopardy! Ultimate Tournament of Champions title card.png
The title card for the Jeopardy! Ultimate Tournament of Champions

The Jeopardy! Ultimate Tournament of Champions was a special 15-week single-elimination tournament that aired during the 21st season of the syndicated game show Jeopardy! that began airing on February 9, 2005 and concluded on May 25, 2005, covering 76 shows in total.[1] The tournament involved 145 contestants, all of whom were winners of past tournaments or past five-time champions, and was designed to produce two contestants who would face off in a three-game, cumulative-score final against legendary Jeopardy! champion Ken Jennings, who had won the most money in Jeopardy! regular play history and who (entering the tournament) had set a new all-time television game show winnings record with US $2,522,700. Those three contestants would then play in a three-game final for the largest cash prize the show has ever offered: an unprecedented grand prize of U.S. $2,000,000.[2]

After four rounds, the tournament's field of 144 past champions was winnowed to two: Brad Rutter and Jerome Vered. Rutter had set the previous all-time Jeopardy! prize money record in the 2002 Million Dollar Masters tournament, while Vered had set a single-day winnings record in 1992 that (if adjusted for the doubling of clue values) stood for twelve years until Jennings (in his 38th game) broke it.

Rutter decisively won the three-game final, claiming the tournament title and the $2,000,000 prize, while Jennings finished second and collected $500,000, with Vered finishing third and taking home $250,000. Rutter also displaced Jennings as the all-time biggest game show money winner at the time, as a result of his victory.[3] All in all, the tournament's contestants won a combined grand total of $5,604,413.

Background[edit]

On December 28, 2004, Sony announced a 15-week, 75-show Jeopardy! Ultimate Tournament of Champions. It featured Tournament of Champions, College Championship, and Teen Tournament winners from the show's 21-year run, as well as over 100 five-time champions. Jeopardy!'s executive producer, Harry Friedman, explained:

"The 2003 rule change, which allows Jeopardy! players to keep playing until they're defeated, raised the question about how other five-time champions might have played under this rule. This tournament is an opportunity to give those past champions another chance to shine."[4]

Tournament format[edit]

145 contestants participated in the Ultimate Tournament of Champions; they consisted of five-time champions and tournament winners from the show's first 21 seasons. Contestants that were not tournament winners were invited in order of money won on the program until a full field was filled, with Bill Dickenson invited last with $48,401 won in his (pre-doubled) reign. Players who competed before the show doubled its prize amounts had their winnings adjusted as appropriate.

Contestants that won a tournament or more than $48,401 in a 5 day reign that did not compete in the UTOC included 5 day champions Larry McKnight and Leslie Shannon (Miller), Teen Tournament winners Michael Block & Amanda Goad, and all living Seniors Tournament winners. As well, 1985 Tournament Of Champions winner Jerry Frankel and 1992 5 day champion Richard Kaplan had previously died, hence their absence.

Note: Totals given are from regular play, five games unless noted. Tournament winnings are used instead if player initially appeared in a tournament. Undefeated champions from Seasons 14–19 won cars. From Seasons 14–17, undefeated champions had their choice of one or two Chevrolet cars. Seasons 18–19 undefeated champions won Jaguars.

College Champions won Dodge cars from 1993 until 1994, Volvo cars from 1995 until 2003, and a Volkswagen in 2004.

The winners of the 1999, 2001, 2002, and 2003 Teen Tournament won a Chevrolet Cavalier, a Chevrolet Tracker, a Mitsubishi Eclipse GS Convertible, and a Volkswagen New Beetle.

Jeopardy! went to a straight cash format in 2003 and eliminated automobile prizes for Season 20.

Contestant with bye to Final Round[edit]

As the most successful contestant in Jeopardy! regular season history, Ken Jennings received a bye to the three-game championship.

Name Season(s) Regular Play
Winnings
Notes UToC Finish
& Winnings
J! Career
Winnings
Ken Jennings 20, 21
(June 2–November 30, 2004)
$2,522,700
(74 wins)
Holder of nearly all Jeopardy! records at the time
Season 20/21 74-time champion
Finalist
$500,000
$3,022,700

Contestants with bye to Round 2[edit]

Members of the "Nifty Nine" were selected based on records set in their Jeopardy! careers. Only 2 of the 9 (Brad Rutter and Frank Spangenberg) advanced beyond their initial round (they all received an extra $15,000 at the end of their games).

Name Season(s) Regular Play
Winnings
Notes UToC Finish
& Winnings
J! Career
Winnings
Robin Carroll 16
(March 13–17, 2000)
$64,100
plus Chevrolet Tahoe (worth $40,000)
Winner, 2000 Tournament of Champions
Winner, 2001 International Tournament
All-time winnings leader (outside of Super Jeopardy!) before Brad Rutter
All-time winnings leader among female contestants at the time
Round 2
$25,000
$289,100
Chuck Forrest 2
(September 30–October 4, 1985)
$72,800 Winner, 1986 Tournament of Champions
Million Dollar Masters semifinalist (2002)
Season 2 biggest winner
All-time winnings leader (outside of Super Jeopardy!) before Bob Blake
co-author, "Secrets of the Jeopardy! Champions"
Round 2
$25,000
$227,800
Eric Newhouse 5
(February 9, 16, 17, 1989)
$28,100 Winner, 1989 Teen Tournament
Winner, Teen Reunion Tournament (1998)
1989 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Super Jeopardy! semifinalist (1990)
Million Dollar Masters finalist (2002)
Given the moniker "powerhouse" by Alex Trebek
Round 2
$25,000
$218,100
Brad Rutter 17
(October 30–November 3, 2000)
$55,102
plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros
Winner, 2001 Tournament of Champions
Winner, Million Dollar Masters (2002)
All-time winnings leader before Ken Jennings
Winner
$2,115,000
$3,270,102
Sean Ryan 20
(October 8–16, 2003)
$123,797
(6 wins)
First six-game winner Round 2
$25,000
$155,797
Frank Spangenberg 6
(January 9–15, 1990)
$102,597 Winner, 10th Anniversary Tournament (1993)
1990 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Season 6 biggest overall & single-day winner
All-time regular winnings leader before Brian Weikle
Record holder for highest regular winnings in the pre-doubled era
Semi-Finalist
$105,199
$269,596
Bob Verini 3
(June 18–24, 1987)
$46,802 Winner, 1987 Tournament of Champions
Super Jeopardy! finalist (1990)
Million Dollar Masters finalist (2002)
Round 2
$25,000
$271,802
Tom Walsh 20
(January 5–14, 2004)
$184,900
(7 wins)
2004 Tournament of Champions finalist
First seven-game winner
All-time regular winnings leader before Ken Jennings
Round 2
$25,000
$261,900
Brian Weikle 19
(April 10–16, 2003)
$149,200
plus Jaguar X-Type
2003 Tournament of Champions finalist
Set former one-day record of $52,000 (set after dollar values doubled)
All-time regular winnings leader before Tom Walsh
Season 19 biggest winner
Round 2
$25,000
$230,801

Contestants who started in Round 1[edit]

135 of the 145 contestants involved in the tournament started in the first round.

Name Season(s) Regular Play
Winnings
Notes UToC Finish
& Winnings
J! Career
Winnings
Dave Abbott 14
(June 16–22, 1998)
$68,599
plus Chevrolet Suburban
Winner, 1999 Tournament of Champions
Season 14 biggest winner
Round 1
$5,000
$173,599
Jack Archey 16
(December 29, 1999–January 4, 2000)
$51,302
plus Chevrolet Corvette
Round 1
$5,000
$58,802
Michael Arnone 17
(January 9–15, 2001)
$54,599
plus Chevrolet Suburban
Season 17 biggest single-day winner Round 1
$5,000
$101,999
Alan Bailey 17
(July 12–18, 2001)
$61,501
plus Chevrolet Suburban
2003 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Round 1
$5,000
$76,501
Craig Barker 13
(May 16, 20, 22, 23, 1997)
$25,000
plus Volvo S70 GLT
Winner, 1997 College Championship Round 1
$5,000
$32,500
Jeremy Bate 16
(February 4–24, 2000)
$55,000
plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros
2000 Tournament of Champions finalist Round 1
$5,000
$75,000
Billy Baxter 8
(May 14, 15, 1992)
$26,200
trophy
Jeopardy/Wheel of Fortune video games for Super NES/Sega Genesis + Jeopardy Challenge Book
Winner, 1992 College Championship Round 1
$5,000
$32,200
John Beck 19
(June 13–19, 2003)
$117,099
plus Jaguar X-Type
Last retired five-time champion Round 2
$29,000
$151,099
Steve Berman 6
(October 24–30, 1989)
$48,800 1990 Tournament of Champions finalist Round 2
$30,801
$87,101
Bob Blake 6
(September 6–12, 1989)
$82,501 Winner, 1990 Tournament of Champions
Super Jeopardy! semifinalist (1990)
All-time winnings leader (outside of Super Jeopardy!) before Robin Carroll
All-time regular winnings leader before Frank Spangenberg
All-time winnings leader among Canadian contestants
Round 1
$5,000
$197,501
Bruce Borchardt 11
(March 27-31, 1995)
$54,099
Jeopardy sports edition
1995 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Round 2
$29,201
$88,300
Mark Born 7
(June 1991)
$82,899
Jeopardy! 25th Anniversary home game or computer version
1991 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Season 7 biggest overall & single-day winner
Round 1
$5,000
$92,899
Paul Boymel 1
(January 18-24, 1985)
$56,200 1985 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Season 1 biggest winner
All-time regular winnings leader before Chuck Forrest
Round 1
$5,000
$66,200
Kurt Bray 10
(January 3–7, 1994)
$51,100 1994 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Round 1
$5,000
$61,100
Michael Braun 21
(January 26, February 3, 7, 8, 2005)
$75,000
a computer package
Winner, 2005 Teen Tournament Round 1
$5,000
$80,000
Tad Carithers 16
(July 14–20, 2000)
$60,400
plus Chevrolet Corvette
2001 Tournament of Champions finalist Round 2
$41,300
$116,700
Steve Chernicoff 10, 11
(July 27-September 7, 1994)
$83,902 1994 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Season 10 biggest single-day winner
Quarter-Finalist
$57,802
$146,704
Larry Cloud 17
(April 12–18, 2001)
$66,100
plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros
2001 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Round 1
$5,000
$76,100
Michelle Clum 17
(September 13–19, 2000)
$50,200
plus Chevrolet Corvette
Round 1
$5,000
$57,700
India Cooper 8
(May 1, December 16–20, 1991)
$68,400
Jeopardy!/Wheel of Fortune video games for Super NES/Sega Genesis + Jeopardy! Challenge book
1992 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Million Dollar Masters semifinalist (2002)
Round 2
$26,000
$124,400
Carolyn Cracraft 15
(May 3, 11, 13, 14, 1999)
$25,000
plus Volvo C70 convertible
trophy
Winner, 1999 College Championship
2000 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Round 1
$5,000
$35,000
Tom Cubbage 5
(May 8, 18, 19, 1989)
$26,600
trophy
Winner of first College Championship, 1989
Winner, 1989 Tournament of Champions
Only College Champion to win a Tournament of Champions
Round 1
$5,000
$136,600
Bernie Cullen 13
(September 2–6, 1996)
$63,102
Jeopardy! video games from GameTek choices of First Sports Deluxe edition
Jeopardy! Tiger Electronic game
Jeopardy! score keeper
Jeopardy! roll-a-puzzle system from Crossword Companion
Season 13 biggest winner
Won $1,000,000 on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in 2001
Round 1
$5,000
$69,102
John Cuthbertson 10
(November 1993)
$82,400 1994 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Season 10 biggest winner
Semi-Finalist
$97,900
$185,300
Michael Daunt 12
(November 1-December 6, 1995)
$64,198 1996 Tournament of Champions finalist
Winner, 1997 International Tournament
Season 12 biggest single-day winner
Quarter-Finalist
$62,602
$170,000
Mark Dawson 18
(September 14–20, 2001)
$52,599
plus Chevrolet Corvette worth $42,000
Winner, 2003 Tournament of Champions Round 2
$31,250
$375,849
Michael Day 1
(April 9-15, 1985)
$53,500 Round 1
$5,000
$59,500
Josh DenHartog 13
(February 3, 12, 13, 14, 1997)
$25,000 Winner, Spring 1997 Teen Tournament Round 1
$5,000
$32,500
Bill Dickenson 12
(January 16–22, 1996)
$48,401
GameTek Jeopardy! video games
Scorekeeper
1996 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Won $64,000 on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in 2003
Round 1
$5,000
$58,401
Lan Djang 17
(June 20–26, 2001)
$51,100
plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros
2001 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Quarter-Finalist
$63,100
$119,200
Dennis Donohue 9
(December 1992)
$64,298 1993 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Round 1
$5,000
$74,298
Michael Dupée 12
(April 9–15, 1996)
$66,401 Winner, 1996 Tournament of Champions
author, How To Get on Jeopardy! and Win!
Round 2
$32,500
$198,901
Mark Eckard 17
(June 8–14, 2001)
$69,600
plus Chevrolet Suburban
2001 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Round 2
$35,600
$110,200
Barbara-Anne Eddy 4
(February 1–5, 1988)
$52,000
either the Jeopardy! box game or computer game
Appeared on The $128,000 Question with Alex Trebek in the 1970s Round 1
$5,000
$58,000
Frank Epstein 8
(February 5-11, 1992)
$73,400 Round 1
$5,000
$79,400
Amy Fine 10
(March 1994)
$72,803 All-time regular winnings leader among female contestants in the pre-doubled era Round 1
$5,000
$78,803
Eugene Finerman 3
(May 25-29, 1987)
$57,902
vacuum cleaner
14 bags of chocolate chips
1987 Tournament of Champions finalist
Super Jeopardy! semifinalist (1990)
Round 2
$25,600
$105,102
Bob Fleenor 17
(March 28–April 3, 2001)
$55,700
plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros
Round 1
$5,000
$63,200
Kermin Fleming 21
(November 10, 19, 22, 23, 2004)
$100,000
plus Volkswagen New Beetle
trophy
Winner, 2004 College Championship
Last Jeopardy! tournament winner to win a new car
Round 1
$5,000
$105,000
Leslie Frates 7
(February 1–7, 1991)
$56,099
Jeopardy! 25th Anniversary home game or computer version
1991 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
10th Anniversary Tournament finalist (1993)
Million Dollar Masters semifinalist (2002)
Round 1
$5,000
$98,599
Michael Galvin 3
(February 17, 24 26, 27, 1987)
$25,000 Winner of first Teen Tournament, 1987
1987 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Round 1
$5,000
$35,000
Andrew Garen 17
(September 20–26, 2000)
$56,100
plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros
Round 1
$5,000
$63,600
John Genova 1
(November 1984)
$50,595 Second five-time Jeopardy! champion
All-time regular winnings leader before Paul Boymel
Round 1
$5,000
$56,595
Chacko George 16
(November 2, 9, 11, 12, 1999)
$25,000
plus Chevrolet Cavalier
Winner, Fall 1999 Teen Tournament
2000 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Last Teen Tournament winner invited to the Tournament of Champions
Round 1
$5,000
$35,000
Scott Gillispie 7
(May 15, 16, 17, 1991)
$27,400
trophy
Jeopardy! 25th Anniversary home game or computer version
Winner, 1991 College Championship
1991 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Round 2
$25,000
$57,400
Graham Gilmer 17
(May 4, 7, 10, 11, 2001)
$50,000
plus Chevrolet Tracker
Winner, 2001 Teen Tournament Round 1
$5,000
$55,000
Sandra Gore 4
(December 8-14, 1987)
$53,507 1988 Tournament of Champions finalist
First female Tournament of Champions finalist
Round 1
$5,000
$76,507
Leah Greenwald 4
(January 11–15, 1988)
$58,802 Round 2
$56,800
$121,602
Jean Grewe 10
(December 20-24, 1993)
$62,801 1994 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Round 1
$5,000
$72,801
Jeopardy! '92 home game
Jonathan Groff 11
(March 1995)
$60,500
garlique tablets
1995 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Round 2
$34,001
$99,501
Paul Gutowski 13
(January 10–16, 1997)
$51,301 Round 2
$32,802
$86,603
Kyle Hale 19
(November 15, 19, 21, 22, 2002)
$51,300
plus Volvo S60 Turbo
trophy
Winner, 2002 College Championship Round 2
$25,000
$81,300
Tom Halpern 7
(March 1991)
$63,602
Jeopardy! 25th Anniversary home game or computer version
Round 1
$5,000
$69,602
Bob Harris 14
(October 31–November 27, 1997)
$58,000
plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros worth $42,000
various parting gifts
1998 Tournament of Champions finalist
Million Dollar Masters semifinalist (2002)
Won $200,000 on Greed in 2000
author, Prisoner of Trebekistan
Round 2
$34,400
$169,400
Pat Healy 14
(March 31–April 6, 1998)
$66,604
plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros
1999 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Round 1
$5,000
$76,604
Roy Holliday 4
(September 1987)
$57,200 1988 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
10th Anniversary Tournament semifinalist (1993)
Round 1
$5,000
$72,200
Bernard Holloway 18
(February 6; 11, 14, 15, 2002)
$50,000
plus Mitsubishi Eclipse GS convertible
Winner, 2002 Teen Tournament Round 1
$5,000
$55,000
Ryan Holznagel 11
(November 3–30, 1994)
$49,413
(4 wins)
Winner, 1995 Tournament of Champions
1996 Olympic Games Tournament semifinalist
Round 2
$25,000
$154,413
Andrew Hutchings 14
(May 7, 12, 14, 15, 1998)
$25,000
plus Volvo S70 GLT sedan
trophy
Winner, 1998 College Championship Round 1
$5,000
$32,500
Bruce Ikawa 7
(November 30-December 5, 1990)
$80,699
Jeopardy! 25th Anniversary home game or computer version
Round 1
$5,000
$86,699
Sahir Islam 14
(November 5, 10, 13, 14, 1997)
$26,300 Winner, Fall 1997 Teen Tournament
1998 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Round 1
$5,000
$36,300
Lance Johnson 15
(September 16–22, 1998)
$51,301 1999 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Season 15 biggest winner
Round 1
$5,000
$61,301
Phoebe Juel 9
(May 13, 14, 1993)
$28,000
plus Dodge Shadow
trophy
candied yams
electric razor
Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune video games for the Super NES and Sega Genesis
Jeopardy! '92 home game
Winner, 1993 College Championship
First female College Champion
1993 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Round 1
$5,000
$38,000
Vinita Kailasanath 18
(November 7, 14, 19, 20, 2001)
$50,000
plus Volvo V40
trophy
Winner, 2001 College Championship
2004 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Round 2
$25,000
$85,000
Dan Katz 6
(June 26-July 2, 1990)
$48,803 Round 1
$5,000
$54,803
Kevin Keach 17
(June 27–July 3, 2001)
$50,703
plus Chevrolet Tahoe
Round 1
$5,000
$58,203
John Kelly 8
(June 1992)
$84,701
Jeopardy!/Wheel of Fortune video games for Super NES/Sega Genesis + Jeopardy! Challenge book
Round 1
$5,000
$90,701
Rick Knutsen 17
(March 6–12, 2001)
$57,300
plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros
2001 Tournament of Champions finalist Round 2
$33,201
$110,501
Doug Lach 16
(July 6–12, 2000)
$85,400
plus Chevrolet Corvette
Season 16 biggest overall & single-day winner Round 1
$5,000
$92,900
Erik Larsen 6
(February 21-27, 1990)
$54,400 1990 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Round 1
$5,000
$64,400
Lee Lassiter 16
(January 25–31, 2000)
$54,599
plus Chevrolet Tahoe
Round 1
$5,000
$62,099
John LeDonne 7
(December 1990)
$55,200
Jeopardy! 25th Anniversary home game or computer version
Round 1
$5,000
$61,200
Al Lin 9
(June 10-16, 1993)
$58,903
Jeopardy! '92 home game
Round 1
$5,000
$64,903
Mark Lowenthal 4
(May 4-10, 1988)
$49,901 Winner, 1988 Tournament of Champions
co-author, Secrets of the Jeopardy! Champions
Round 1
$5,000
$159,901
Ben Lyon 11
(May 11, 12, 1995)
$25,000
plus Volvo 850 GLT
trophy
Winner, 1995 College Championship Round 1
$5,000
$31,000
April McManus 8
(February 28, March 4, 5, 6, 1992)
$25,000
Jeopardy/Wheel of Fortune video games for Super NES/Sega Genesis + Jeopardy! challenge book
Winner, 1992 Teen Tournament
First female Teen Tournament winner
1992 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Quarter-Finalist
$57,801
$87,801
Dan Melia 13, 14
(July 18–September 4, 1997)
$75,600
plus Chevrolet Corvette
Winner, 1998 Tournament of Champions Quarter-Finalist
$72,201
$247,801
Chris Miller 20
(April 1–8, 2004)
$123,597 2004 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Semi-Finalist
$93,844
$229,441
Brian Moore 10
(September 7–13, 1993)
$62,002 1994 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Quarter-Finalist
$72,200
$139,202
Matt Morris 10
(February 17, 18, 1994)
$29,601 Winner, 1994 Teen Tournament Round 1
$5,000
$35,601
Pam Mueller 17
(November 10, 16, 20, 21, 2000)
$50,000
plus Volvo S60
trophy
Winner, Fall 2000 College Championship
2001 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Semi-Finalist
$102,201
$157,201
Bruce Naegeli 4
(July 14-20, 1988)
$64,200 1988 Tournament of Champions finalist
Season 4 biggest winner
Round 2
$31,600
$119,599
Steve Newman 8
(September 1991)
$75,502
Jeopardy/Wheel of Fortune video games for Super NES/Sega Genesis + Jeopardy Challenge book
Round 2
$48,700
$125,202
Tom Nichols 10, 11
(January 31-February 4 & October 10, 1994)
$57,860
Jeopardy! '92 home game
Initially lost 5th game on February 4, 1994; invited back on October 10, 1994 because of "clue discrepancy" Round 1
$5,000
$63,680
Trevor Norris 18
(November 5–23, 2001)
$54,604
plus Chevrolet Tahoe
2003 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Season 18 biggest winner
Round 1
$5,000
$69,604
Tom Nosek 9
(November 3-23, 1992)
$65,640 Winner, 1993 Tournament of Champions
10th Anniversary Tournament finalist (1993)
Round 1
$5,000
$184,240
Leszek Pawlowicz 8
(October 10–16, 1991)
$75,400
Jeopardy!/Wheel of Fortune video games for Super NES/Sega Genesis + Jeopardy Challenge book
Winner, 1992 Tournament of Champions
Runner-Up, History IQ Season Two Tournament
Round 1
$5,000
$180,400
Arthur Phillips 13
(June 10–16, 1997)
$63,003 Round 2
$25,000
$90,503
Bill Pitassy 11
(October 24–28, 1994)
$72,702 1994 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Round 1
$5,000
$82,702
Brad Plovan 12
(December 11–15, 1995)
$61,402 Round 1
$5,000
$67,402
Steven Popper 4
(March 28-April 1, 1988)
$55,600 1988 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Round 1
$5,000
$65,600
Fred Ramen 14
(September 5–11, 1997)
$61,000
plus Chevrolet Corvette
Jeopardy! scorekeeper
1998 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Round 2
$44,000
$110,000
Michael Rankins 4
(June 3-9, 1988)
$52,098 1988 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Winner, Battle of the Bay Area Brains (1998)
Round 2
$41,601
$103,699
Jeff Richmond 5
(December 23-29, 1988)
$58,302 Super Jeopardy! semifinalist (1990) Round 2
$33,300
$102,602
Lara Robillard 14
(May 26–June 1, 1998)
$59,500
plus Chevrolet Tahoe
Round 2
$25,000
$87,000
Steve Robin 7
(November 20-26, 1990)
$51,901 1991 Tournament of Champions finalist Round 1
$5,000
$69,501
Michael Rooney 15
(April 28–May 25, 1999)
$50,201
plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros
2000 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Quarter-Finalist
$70,201
$125,402
Jay Rosenberg 2
(September 13-19, 1985)
$49,600 1986 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Round 1
$5,000
$59,600
John Ryan 3
(March 12-18, 1987)
$61,800 1987 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Season 3 biggest winner
Round 1
$5,000
$71,800
David Sampugnaro 12
(April 1–5, 1996)
$72,101 Round 1
$5,000
$78,101
Ed Schiffer 9
(July 5–9, 1993)
$65,903 1993 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Season 9 biggest winner
Won $125,000 on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in 2004
Round 2
$27,400
$98,303
Russ Schumacher 20
(October 17–23, 2003)
$64,800
(4 wins)
Winner, 2004 Tournament of Champions Round 1
$5,000
$320,800
Rachael Schwartz 10
(October 24-28, 1993)
$37,499
(4 wins)
Jeopardy! '92 home game
Winner, 1994 Tournament of Champions
First female Tournament of Champions winner
First 4 day champion to win a Tournament of Champions
Round 1
$5,000
$152,499
Bev Schwartzberg 9
(April 30–May 20, 1993)
$65,900 1993 Tournament of Champions finalist Round 2
$25,000
$110,000
Jim Scott 7
(September 25-October 1, 1990)
$49,300
Jeopardy 25th Anniversary home game or computer version
Winner, 1991 Tournament of Champions Round 1
$5,000
$154,300
Melissa Seal (Sexstone) 15
(February 22, March 1, 4, 5, 1999)
$25,000 Winner, Spring 1999 Teen Tournament Round 1
$5,000
$32,500
David Siegel 11
(June 27–July 3, 1995)
$86,200 1995 Tournament of Champions finalist
Season 11 biggest winner
Round 1
$5,000
$115,800
Diane Siegel 9
(January 25-29, 1993)
$65,479 Round 1
$5,000
$71,479
Robert Slaven 8
(March 24–30, 1992)
$53,202
Jeopardy!/Wheel of Fortune video games for Super NES/Genesis + Jeopardy! Challenge book
1992 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
10th Anniversary Tournament semifinalist (1993)
Quarter-Finalist
$66,201
$129,403
Bill Sloan 12
(January 29–February 2, 1996)
$62,800 1996 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Round 1
$5,000
$72,800
Babu Srinivasan 17
(May 16–22, 2001)
$75,100
plus Chevrolet Corvette
2001 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Season 17 biggest winner
Round 1
$5,000
$95,100
Jeff Stewart 10
(May 12, 13, 1994)
$25,000
plus Dodge
trophy
Winner, 1994 College Championship
1994 Tournament of Champions finalist
Round 1
$5,000
$50,800
Eric Terzuolo 6
(June 1990)
$64,302 1990 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Round 2
$29,801
$99,103
Mike Thayer 6
(May 7, 16, 17, 18, 1990)
$25,000 Winner, 1990 College Championship Round 1
$5,000
$31,000
Paul Thompson 12
(October 13–19, 1995)
$72,199 1995 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Season 12 biggest winner
Round 1
$5,000
$82,199
Eddie Timanus 16
(October 20–26, 1999)
$69,700
plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros
2000 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
First blind contestant
Won $50,000 on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in 2004
Round 1
$5,000
$89,700
David Traini 3
(October 10–16, 1986)
$54,502 1987 Tournament of Champions finalist
Super Jeopardy! finalist (1990)
Round 2
$25,000
$120,502
Grace Veach 13
(February 17–21, 1997)
$51,601 1998 Tournament of Champions semifinalist Quarter-Finalist
$64,700
$121,301
David Venderbush 10
(October 1993)
$50,800 Round 1
$5,000
$56,800
Jerome Vered 8
(May 18–22, 1992)
$96,801
Jeopardy! 25th Anniversary game
Jeopardy!/Wheel of Fortune video games for Super Nintendo Entertainment System/Sega Genesis + Jeopardy! Challenge book
1992 Tournament of Champions finalist
Season 8 biggest winner
Set pre-doubled one-day record of $34,000
Finalist
$389,801
$494,102
Brian Wangsgard 5
(January 20-26, 1989)
$62,398 1989 Tournament of Champions finalist
Season 5 biggest winner
Round 1
$5,000
$79,898
Chris Ward 14
(February 24–March 3, 1998)
$63,301
plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros
Round 1
$5,000
$70,801
Jamie Weiss 6
(February 8, 13, 15, 16, 1990)
$26,000 Winner, 1990 Teen Tournament
1990 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Round 1
$5,000
$36,000
Andrew Westney 7
(February 13, 20, 21, 22, 1991)
$25,000
Jeopardy! 25th Anniversary home game or computer version
Winner, 1991 Teen Tournament Round 1
$5,000
$31,000
Lynne Wexler 7
(January 23–29, 1991)
$70,351
Jeopardy! 25th Anniversary home game or computer version
Round 1
$5,000
$76,351
Shane Whitlock 12
(February 19, 22, 23, 1996)
$32,800
plus Volvo 850 Turbo
trophy
Winner, 1996 College Championship
1996 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Quarter-Finalist
$55,400
$93,200
Keith Williams 20
(November 12, 18, 20, 21, 2003)
$50,000
plus Volvo S60R
trophy
Winner, 2003 College Championship Round 1
$5,000
$60,000
Dave Willis 8
(January 1992)
$58,001
Jeopardy!/Wheel of Fortune video games for Super NES/Sega Genesis + Jeopardy! Challenge book
Round 1
$5,000
$64,001
Janet Wong 16
(February 7, 15, 17, 18, 2000)
$50,000
plus Volvo S40 sedan
trophy
Winner, Winter 2000 College Championship Round 1
$5,000
$57,500
Fraser Woodford 9
(February 5, 8, 11, 12, 1993)
$28,999 Winner, 1993 Teen Tournament Round 1
$5,000
$34,999
Jennifer Wu 20
(February 9, 17, 19, 20, 2004)
$75,000 Winner, 2004 Teen Tournament Round 1
$5,000
$80,000
Phil Yellman 8
(March 12-18, 1992)
$60,400
Jeopardy!/Wheel of Fortune video games for Super NES/Sega Genesis + Jeopardy! challenge book
Quarter-Finalist
$68,801
$130,201
John Zhang 19
(February 4, 12; 13, 14, 2003)
$50,000
plus Volkswagen New Beetle
Winner, 2003 Teen Tournament Round 1
$5,000
$55,000
Matt Zielenski 11
(February 16, 17, 1995)
$42,300 Winner, 1995 Teen Tournament
1995 Tournament of Champions semifinalist
Quarter-Finalist
$70,601
$112,901
Elaine Zollner 6
(March 2–8, 1990)
$52,800 Round 1
$5,000
$58,800

Tournament results[edit]

The tournament's twenty highest finishers are shown below in order of prize money won.

Rank Contestant UToC Finish Winnings
1 Brad Rutter Winner $2,115,000
2 Ken Jennings Finalist $500,000
3 Jerome Vered Finalist $389,801
4 Frank Spangenberg Semifinalist $105,199
5 Pam Mueller Semifinalist $102,201
6 John Cuthbertson Semifinalist $97,900
7 Chris Miller Semifinalist $93,844
8 Dan Melia Quarterfinalist $72,201
9 Brian Moore Quarterfinalist $72,200
10 Matt Zielenski Quarterfinalist $70,601
11 Michael Rooney Quarterfinalist $70,201
12 Phil Yellman Quarterfinalist $68,801
13 Robert Slaven Quarterfinalist $66,201
14 Grace Veach Quarterfinalist $64,700
15 Lan Djang Quarterfinalist $63,100
16 Michael Daunt Quarterfinalist $62,602
17 Steve Chernicoff Quarterfinalist $57,802
18 April McManus Quarterfinalist $57,801
19 Leah Greenwald Round 2 $56,800
20 Shane Whitlock Quarterfinalist $55,400

Round 1 results[edit]

Round 1, which started on February 9, 2005 and ended on April 12, 2005, featured 135 contestants competing for entry into Round 2.

Unlike most Jeopardy! tournaments, in which only the final rounds are played for cash equal to the value of winners' scores, the winners of every match received their scores as winnings (or the guaranteed minimum for that round, whichever was greater). In addition, for each round, there were no "wild card" spots for the non-winners; it was "win or go home".

Game Air Date 1st Place (Min. $15,000) 2nd Place ($5,000) 3rd Place ($5,000) Clues and Summary
(from the J! Archive)
Name Score Name Score Name Score
4708 February 9, 2005 Eric Terzuolo $19,801 Michael Galvin $10,600 Leslie Frates $0 Game Summary
4709 February 10, 2005 Michael Rankins $31,601 Rachael Schwartz $20,600 John Genova $800 Game Summary
4710 February 11, 2005 Arthur Phillips $8,800 Babu Srinivasan $8,700 Melissa Seal $1,200 Game Summary
4711 February 14, 2005 David Traini $12,800 Alan Bailey $12,000 Janet Wong $6,000 Game Summary
4712 February 15, 2005 Bob Harris $24,400 Tom Cubbage $15,201 Frank Epstein $12,600 Game Summary
4713 February 16, 2005 Vinita Kailasanath $10,800 David Sampugnaro $10,799 Steve Robin $0 Game Summary
4714 February 17, 2005 Bev Schwartzberg $11,709 Sahir Islam $11,500 Michael Arnone $0 Game Summary
4715 February 18, 2005 Dan Melia $19,601 Jeremy Bate $0 Brian Wangsgard $0[5] Game Summary
4716 February 21, 2005 Mark Eckard $25,600 Lance Johnson $10,400 Kermin Fleming $1,599 Game Summary
4717 February 22, 2005 Michael Dupée $22,500 Sandra Gore $10,000 Jack Archey $0 Game Summary
4718 February 23, 2005 Jeff Richmond $23,300 Billy Baxter [6]–$600 Bernard Holloway [6]–$3,000 Game Summary
4719 February 24, 2005 John Beck $19,000 Tom Nosek $0 Carolyn Cracraft $0 Game Summary
4720 February 25, 2005 Tad Carithers $31,300 Leszek Pawlowicz $17,201 Al Lin $3,201 Game Summary
4721 February 28, 2005 Jerome Vered $27,601 Michelle Clum $21,501 Jim Scott $14,400 Game Summary
4722 March 1, 2005 Bruce Borchardt $19,201 Kevin Keach $19,200 Diane Siegel [6]–$1,200 Game Summary
4723 March 2, 2005 Fred Ramen $34,000 Lee Lassiter $0 Jennifer Wu $0 Game Summary
4724 March 3, 2005 Ed Schiffer $17,400 Andrew Garen $10,399 Paul Boymel $1,600 Game Summary
4725 March 4, 2005 Grace Veach $26,200 Keith Williams $13,600 John LeDonne $0 Game Summary
4726 March 7, 2005 Ryan Holznagel $8,224 John Kelly $100 Barbara-Anne Eddy $0 Game Summary
4727 March 8, 2005 Mark Dawson $21,250 Chris Ward $15,700 Elaine Zollner $11,800 Game Summary
4728 March 9, 2005 Michael Rooney $35,201 Erik Larsen $32,600 Mark Lowenthal $1 Game Summary
4729 March 10, 2005 Pam Mueller $32,201 Michael Day $30,601 Jay Rosenberg $4,400 Game Summary
4730 March 11, 2005 Steve Newman $38,700 David Siegel $19,500 Andrew Westney $10,600 Game Summary
4731 March 14, 2005 Chris Miller $21,799 Dennis Donohue $6,000 Mike Thayer $5 Game Summary
4732 March 15, 2005 Leah Greenwald $46,800 Doug Lach $2,400 Matt Morris $0 Game Summary
4733 March 16, 2005 Jonathan Groff $24,001 Eddie Timanus $19,200 Jean Grewe $4,000 Game Summary
4734 March 17, 2005 Brian Moore $32,000 Dan Katz $20,000 John Zhang $0 Game Summary
4735 March 18, 2005 Robert Slaven $28,801 Russ Schumacher $12,299 Bill Pitassy $6,000 Game Summary
4736 March 21, 2005 Shane Whitlock $20,400 Lynne Wexler $19,600 John Ryan $0 Game Summary
4737 March 22, 2005 Michael Daunt $24,801 Jeff Stewart $24,800 Jamie Weiss $4,400 Game Summary
4738 March 23, 2005 Steve Berman $20,801 Brad Plovan $4,401 Phoebe Juel $400 Game Summary
4739 March 24, 2005 Eugene Finerman $15,600 Tom Nichols $13,999 Chacko George $6,799 Game Summary
4740 March 25, 2005 John Cuthbertson $11,500 Bob Blake $10,200 Bruce Ikawa $1 Game Summary
4741 March 28, 2005 India Cooper $16,000 Bill Sloan $100 Fraser Woodford $0 Game Summary
4742 March 29, 2005 Kyle Hale $14,999 Pat Healy $7,800 Bernie Cullen $3,966 Game Summary
4743 March 30, 2005 Rick Knutsen $23,201 Craig Barker $21,599 Amy Fine $18,800 Game Summary
4744 March 31, 2005 Bruce Naegeli $21,600 Tom Halpern $6,799 Graham Gilmer $100 Game Summary
4745 April 1, 2005 Matt Zielenski $35,601 Bob Fleenor $13,600 Kurt Bray $5,500 Game Summary
4746 April 4, 2005 April McManus $22,801 Paul Thompson $10,400 Larry Cloud $5,400 Game Summary
4747 April 5, 2005 Lan Djang $26,850 Andrew Hutchings $2,000 Dave Willis $0 Game Summary
4748 April 6, 2005 Paul Gutowski $22,802 Dave Abbott $17,599 Mark Born $2,799 Game Summary
4749 April 7, 2005 Lara Robillard $11,200 Michael Braun $9,109 Bill Dickenson $6,799 Game Summary
4750 April 8, 2005 Phil Yellman $25,601 Josh DenHartog $25,600 Trevor Norris $15,600 Game Summary
4751 April 11, 2005 Scott Gillispie $7,100 David Venderbush $6,500 Steven Popper $299 Game Summary
4752 April 12, 2005 Steve Chernicoff $21,201 Roy Holliday $1,200 Ben Lyon $0 Game Summary

Round 2 results[edit]

Round 2, which started on April 13 and finished on May 6, featured the 45 winners from Round 1 as well as nine new contestants.

Game Air Date 1st Place (Min. $20,000) 2nd Place ($10,000) 3rd Place ($10,000) Clues and Summary
(from the J! Archive)
Name Score Name Score Name Score
4753 April 13, 2005 Dan Melia $37,600 Rick Knutsen $9,600 Kyle Hale $3,601 Game Summary
4754 April 14, 2005 Steve Chernicoff $21,601 Scott Gillispie $21,500 India Cooper $13,200 Game Summary
4755 April 15, 2005 Michael Rooney $10,500 Fred Ramen $9,103 Tom Walsh[7] $1,405 Game Summary
4756 April 18, 2005 Michael Daunt $22,801 Bruce Borchardt $8,400 Bob Harris $2,200 Game Summary
4757 April 19, 2005 Shane Whitlock $7,600 Steve Berman $1,999 Eric Newhouse[8] $5 Game Summary
4758 April 20, 2005 Brian Moore $25,200 Vinita Kailasanath $2,873 Mark Eckard $100 Game Summary
4759 April 21, 2005 Jerome Vered $30,000 Sean Ryan[9] $18,000 Leah Greenwald $15,999 Game Summary
4760 April 22, 2005 Robert Slaven $22,400 Michael Dupée $16,999 Eugene Finerman $0 Game Summary
4761 April 25, 2005 Matt Zielenski $9,601 Robin Carroll[10] $9,599 Steve Newman $7,199 Game Summary
4762 April 26, 2005 Chris Miller $22,045 David Traini $6,000 Ryan Holznagel $3,905 Game Summary
4763 April 27, 2005 Lan Djang $21,250 Mark Dawson $21,200 Jeff Richmond $3,200 Game Summary
4764 April 28, 2005 Brad Rutter[11] $18,200 Bruce Naegeli $14,000 John Beck $0 Game Summary
4765 April 29, 2005 Grace Veach $23,500 Michael Rankins $2,000 Brian Weikle[12] $400 Game Summary
4766 May 2, 2005 Pam Mueller $18,699 Eric Terzuolo $12,400 Arthur Phillips $5 Game Summary
4767 May 3, 2005 John Cuthbertson $22,900 Tad Carithers $13,900 Bob Verini[13] $3,000 Game Summary
4768 May 4, 2005 Frank Spangenberg[14] $25,800 Paul Gutowski $9,197 Bev Schwartzberg $4,700 Game Summary
4769 May 5, 2005 Phil Yellman $28,200 Lara Robillard $12,999 Chuck Forrest[15] $0 Game Summary
4770 May 6, 2005 April McManus $18,001 Ed Schiffer $600 Jonathan Groff $0 Game Summary

Round 3 (Quarterfinal) results[edit]

Round 3, which began on May 9 and ended on May 16, featured the "Elite 18" (Round 2 winners) competing for entry into the semifinals.

Game Air Date 1st Place (Min. $30,000) 2nd Place ($15,000) 3rd Place ($15,000) Clues and Summary
(from the J! Archive)
Name Score Name Score Name Score
4771 May 9, 2005 Brad Rutter [11] $6,400 Steve Chernicoff $6,399 Michael Rooney $5,601 Game Summary
4772 May 10, 2005 Pam Mueller $25,201 Phil Yellman $8,000 Brian Moore $0 Game Summary
4773 May 11, 2005 Frank Spangenberg [14] $34,399 Shane Whitlock $2,399 Grace Veach $0 Game Summary
4774 May 12, 2005 John Cuthbertson $22,401 April McManus $22,300 Robert Slaven $4,399 Game Summary
4775 May 13, 2005 Chris Miller $19,201 Lan Djang $950 Matt Zielenski $0 Game Summary
4776 May 16, 2005 Jerome Vered $32,200 Dan Melia $18,400 Michael Daunt $18,400 Game Summary

Round 4 (Semifinal) results[edit]

Round 4, which began on May 17 and ended on May 20, featured the six winners from Round 3 competing in two-game matches for entry into the finals.

Game Air Date 1st Place ($50,000) 2nd Place ($30,000) 3rd Place ($20,000) Clues and Summary
(from the J! Archive)
Name Score Name Score Name Score
4777 May 17, 2005 Jerome Vered $23,100 Frank Spangenberg [14] $13,500 Pam Mueller $10,000 Game Summary
4778 May 18, 2005 $7,800 $5,800 $4,899 Game Summary
Total $30,900 $19,300 $14,899  
4779 May 19, 2005 Brad Rutter [11] $10,000 John Cuthbertson $13,500 Chris Miller $10,000 Game Summary
4780 May 20, 2005 $26,600 $200 $1,699 Game Summary
Total $36,600 $13,700 $11,699  

Round 5 (Final) results[edit]

Round 5, which aired on May 23, 24, and 25, featured Round 4 champions Brad Rutter and Jerome Vered competing against Ken Jennings in a three-game final for $2,000,000. Rutter won the match in a runaway and displaced Jennings as television's largest game show winner in history at the time (Rutter, by virtue of the tournament set up and the elimination of Bernie Cullen in the first round, was the only player who could have done so). However, Jennings later reclaimed that distinction by winning $500,000 on Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? in October 2008, only to lose it again after coming in second to Rutter in the Jeopardy! Battle of the Decades (May 2014).

Game Air Date 1st Place ($2,000,000) 2nd Place ($500,000) 3rd Place ($250,000) Clues and Summary
(from the J! Archive)
Name Score Name Score Name Score
4781 May 23, 2005 Brad Rutter[11] $18,400 Ken Jennings[16] $16,000 Jerome Vered $16,400 Game Summary
4782 May 24, 2005 $20,000 $10,000 $3,200 Game Summary
4783 May 25, 2005 $23,600 $8,599 $1,000 Game Summary
Total $62,000 $34,599 $20,600  

Reruns[edit]

During the offseason between Seasons 21 and 22, select matches from the Ultimate Tournament of Champions were aired as part of the slate of Jeopardy! summer reruns. In addition to its then-recent acquisition of episodes from seasons 20 & 21, GSN also acquired the rights to air the entire Ultimate Tournament of Champions, with the episodes beginning their airings on December 11, 2008. The 2006 DVD release Jeopardy!: An Inside Look at America's Favorite Quiz Show features all three final round games of the Ultimate Tournament of Champions in their entirety.

Notes and references[edit]

  1. "Jeopardy! Seeking Tournament of Champions Alumni". TVLatest.com. May 20, 2013. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  2. Brooks, Tim; Marsh, Earle (2009). The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946-Present. Random House. p. 696. Search this book on
  3. "Jennings Has No Regret Despite Second-Place Finish: Utah's Jeopardy! Legend Has Plenty of Irons in Fire". Deseret News. May 26, 2005. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
  4. http://www.gameshownewsnet.com/extra/extra020905.html
  5. Did not qualify to play Final Jeopardy because contestant had $0 at the end of Double Jeopardy!
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 Did not qualify to play Final Jeopardy! because contestant finished with a negative score.
  7. Tom Walsh received first round bye as the first seven-time champion, and the record holder in regular winnings until Ken Jennings. More detailed statistics
  8. Eric Newhouse received first round bye for getting second place in the Jeopardy! Million Dollar Masters tournament. More detailed statistics
  9. Sean Ryan received first round bye for being the first six-time champion. More detailed statistics
  10. Robin Carroll received first round bye for the most cumulative money won on Jeopardy! (including all tournaments except Super Jeopardy!) until the Jeopardy! Million Dollar Masters tournament. More detailed statistics
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Brad Rutter received first round bye for winning the Jeopardy! Million Dollar Masters tournament, as well as the most money won on Jeopardy! until Ken Jennings. More detailed statistics
  12. Brian Weikle received first round bye for being the record holder in regular winnings from Season 19 until five-day rule change. More detailed statistics
  13. Bob Verini received first round bye for getting third place in the Jeopardy! Million Dollar Masters tournament. More detailed statistics
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 Frank Spangenberg received first round bye as the record holder in regular winnings from Season 6 until Season 19. More detailed statistics
  15. Chuck Forrest received first round bye as the record holder in regular winnings until Season 6. More detailed statistics
  16. Ken Jennings received a bye to the final round for his numerous Jeopardy! records.

See also[edit]

External links[edit]


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