Brendan Liaw, a Vancouver resident, has been crowned the newest Jeopardy! champion after winning the title on Tuesday night in the show’s 40th season.
Journey to Jeopardy!
Liaw’s journey began at a young age when he started watching Jeopardy! around 9 or 10 years old. He realized he knew many of the answers, which sparked his interest in learning more about various subjects and ultimately led him to become a contestant.
Contestant Selection Process
To become a contestant on Jeopardy!, the following steps are required:
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Online Test:
- First, potential contestants take an online test consisting of 50 questions.
- If they pass, they are invited to take a second online test with another 50 questions.
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Audition:
- After passing the second test, candidates must audition by playing a mock game with other potential contestants.
The audition process can be lengthy and unpredictable, with contestants potentially waiting up to 18 months after their last audition before receiving an invitation from producers at Sony Pictures Television Studios in Culver City.
Liaw’s Preparation
Liaw’s first attempt to become a contestant was in 2018 when he was invited for an audition just four weeks before filming began. He dedicated every spare moment to studying for the gameplay.
When asked about preparation, Liaw explained that it involves using knowledge accumulated throughout one’s lifetime. He stated, "You just use knowledge you’ve accumulated from reading books, watching TV/movies/news, etc." He emphasized that participating in Jeopardy! is not about solving math problems or memorizing facts, but rather about utilizing general knowledge that most people possess without realizing it.
Gameplay Experience
On taping day, contestants like Liaw are called up onto the stage at random intervals during filming sessions that last approximately 40 minutes, including commercial breaks.
During the episode where Liaw competed, none of the players found Daily Double opportunities until the later rounds. Despite being behind initially, Liaw managed to win due to strategic wagering, as others wagered less than he did. He later discovered he had accidentally brought a Daily Double repulsor with him, although it was not relevant since he did not use it.
Future Competitions
It remains unclear whether Brendan Liaw will continue competing beyond Wednesday’s episode. Fans can look forward to upcoming episodes featuring new challengers vying for the top spot.
Final Thoughts
The final category of the episode was NFL Geography, where none of the contestants answered correctly. However, Liaw’s strategic wagering allowed him to secure the win despite being behind initially.
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