It’s not every day a software designer from Seattle waltzes onto Jeopardy! and schools a returning champion, but Evan Jones, proving some coding skills translate surprisingly well to trivia, did just that. Facing off against one-day champ Susan Beachy (with winnings of $9,300) and fellow challenger Mike Ross, a teacher, Jones dominated the game like a seasoned pro, racking up a healthy $17,199.
The game kicked off with “Florida Woman” and other categories like “Anagrammed Occupations.” Jones, demonstrating early mastery, seized control with an impressive run in the anagram category. Beachy, meanwhile, stumbled out of the gate, missing the first clue and landing in the red. While she rallied slightly, she never fully recovered. Ross put up a respectable fight, executing a crucial Double Jeopardy! wager that momentarily put him within striking distance.
Jones, however, proved unfazed. Even a curious Shakespearean opera Daily Double, highlighting a seemingly early same-sex wedding (Who is Falstaff?), couldn’t throw him off his game. He deftly handled the clue, further cementing his lead. Going into Final Jeopardy!, the scores painted a clear picture: Jones comfortably ahead, Ross trailing but still hopeful, and Beachy, alas, facing the inevitable.
The Final Jeopardy! category, “Poetic Characters,” presented a deceptively tricky clue about a certain legendary figure’s “quaint attire.” The answer, “Who is the Pied Piper?” eluded all three contestants, making for an awkward but suspense-free conclusion. Jones wagered conservatively, enough to secure the win but not enough to cause any real damage had he been the only one to answer correctly.
While the Final Jeopardy! flub was a collective misstep, it didn’t diminish Jones’ impressive performance. His command of the board and strategic wagering set him apart. For Beachy, it was a tough break, her reign ending after just one day. As for Ross, he fought valiantly but ultimately couldn’t match Jones’ trivia prowess.
Jeopardy! airs weekdays on syndicated television. Check your local listings.
