In the episode of Jeopardy! that aired on Monday, September 30, 2024, three new contestants stepped up to the challenge, ready to test their knowledge and quick thinking. They were: Ryan Manton, a systems administrator from Columbus, Ohio. Alison Prelusky, a copywriter from Lindenhurst, New York, and Kate Roesch, a data visualization developer from Indianapolis, Indiana, who entered the competition as a one-day champion with winnings of $28,200.
The game began with the Jeopardy! round, featuring the following categories: Central Americana, Let’s Play Some Music, Hot Cross Bunnies, Venture Bros., Hit the Track, and Starts with Silent “K.”
Ryan Manton faced an early setback, losing $5,000 on the first Daily Double question in the Hot Cross Bunnies category. The clue pertained to two Latin-named constellations that symbolize Canus Major and Canus Minor, known as Orion’s hounds. Despite this loss, he maintained his composure and continued the game.
As the round progressed, Kate Roesch took an early lead with $2,800, followed by Alison Prelusky with $1,600, while Ryan Manton was yet to make a positive score. However, entering the Double Jeopardy! round, the standings shifted, with Ryan Manton now in the lead at $3,400, Kate Roesch close behind at $2,600, and Alison Prelusky at $3,200.
The Double Jeopardy! round introduced new categories: Pennsylvania Literary History, Women on TV, It Happened on September 30, Up, Up & Away, Put Some Respect on My Name, and 7-Syllable Words. Ryan Manton continued to showcase his knowledge, doubling his score to $14,000 on a Daily Double question in the 7-Syllable Words category, which pertained to the decriminalization of marijuana.
However, he faced another challenge when answering the third Daily Double question, this time in the Pennsylvania Literary History category. With a substantial lead of $22,800, he wagered $5,000 and provided the correct response, identifying the playwright August Wilson and his childhood home in Pittsburgh’s historically Black Hill district, which has since become an arts center.
As the game progressed towards its climax, Ryan Manton maintained a strong lead of $22,200, while Kate Roesch and Alison Prelusky trailed with $4,200 and $4,000, respectively, setting the stage for a competitive Final Jeopardy! round.
The final category was Biblical Places, and the clue read: “The name of this, actually a not very tall hill, became a symbol of Jewish national aspiration and was used in spirituals and reggae.” All three contestants answered correctly, identifying the place as “What is Mount Zion?” Ryan Manton, demonstrating a strategic mindset, wagered only what was necessary to secure his victory, ultimately winning the game with a final score of $22,178.
Kate Roesch finished in second place with $8,200, and Alison Prelusky took third place with $8,000.
