Ben Ganger, the data analyst from Goshen, Indiana, extended his Jeopardy! winning streak to four games on Friday, adding another $20,000 to his now-impressive total of $96,415. While Ganger’s gameplay remained sharp throughout, even he couldn’t escape the perils of Final Jeopardy!, a category that proved to be a surprising stumbling block for all three contestants.
Facing off against attorney Sam Sabulis from Atlanta, Georgia, and marketing manager Shweta Balasubramanian from Pomona, California, Ganger maintained a comfortable lead for most of the game. He displayed a particular knack for the Daily Doubles, correctly answering all three. His successful wagers on questions about “The War of the Worlds,” Nikki Haley’s father, and Ankara, Turkey further solidified his position. Sabulis finished the Double Jeopardy! round with $5,189, while Balasubramanian trailed with $320.
However, Final Jeopardy!, with its “Boats & Ships” category, held a surprise. The clue, “What is America?,” stumped all three contestants. Ganger wagered $2,500, a relatively conservative bet given his substantial lead. Sabulis and Balasubramanian’s also responded incorrectly.
Despite the Final Jeopardy! misstep, Ganger’s earlier performance ensured his victory. He’ll return next week to continue his run, looking to add to his winnings and extend his reign as Jeopardy! champion. Jeopardy! airs weekdays in syndication; check your local listings.
