Host | |
Alex Trebek | |
Announcer | |
Johnny Gilbert | |
Broadcast | |
February 9~May 25, 2005 | |
Packager | |
Sony Pictures Television |
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. 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 US$2,000,000.
Schedule[]
Round | Airdate | Finale |
---|---|---|
1 | February 9, 2005 | April 12, 2005 |
2 | April 13, 2005 | May 6, 2005 |
3 | May 9, 2005 | May 16, 2005 |
4 | May 17, 2005 | May 20, 2005 |
5 | May 23, 2005 | May 25, 2005 |
Winnings[]
Round # | Second Runner-up | First Runner-up | Winner (minimum guarantees) |
---|---|---|---|
Round 1 | $5,000 | $15,000 | |
Round 2 | $10,000 | $20,000 | |
Quarterfinals | $15,000 | $30,000 | |
Semifinals | $20,000 (minimum guarantees) | $30,000 (minimum guarantees) | $50,000 |
Finals | $250,000 | $500,000 | $2,000,000 |
Tournament format[]
145 contestants participated in the Ultimate Tournament of Champions; they consisted of five-time champions and winners of the Tournament of Champions, College Championship, and Teen Tournament from the show's first 21 seasons. Contestants that did not win the above tournaments were invited in order of money won on the program until a full field was filled, with Bill Dickenson last invited with $48,401. Players who competed before the show doubled its prize amounts had their winnings adjusted as appropriate.
Contestants who won more than five games and $48,401 in regular play ($96,802 inflated) or an annual tournament that did not compete in the event included disqualified 1986 five-time champion Barbara Lowe, 1988 Teen Tournament winner Michael Block, 1990 Tournament of Champions finalist Larry McKnight, 1993 ToC and Million Dollar Masters semifinalist Leslie Shannon (née Miller), 1996 Teen Tournament winner Amanda Goad, and all living Seniors Tournament winners. Two otherwise-qualified contestants had died before the tournament's inception, inaugural 1985 ToC winner Jerry Frankel, 1992 ToC semifinalist Richard Kaplan, and all the Senior Tournament winners.
This was the only tournament that was played for cash from start to finish; winners of each round kept the money earned (with minimum guarantees).
Note: Totals given are from regular play, five games unless noted. Tournament winnings are used instead of the 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.
Jeopardy! went to a straight cash format in 2003 and eliminated automobile prizes for Season 20.
Contestant with bye to Final Round[]
As the most successful contestant in Jeopardy! regular-season history, Ken Jennings received a bye to the three-game championship.
Name | Season(s) | Regular Total Winnings |
Notes | Previous All-Time Total Winnings | UToC Finish & Winnings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ken Jennings | 20, 21 (June 2–July 23, September 6-17, October 4-15, October 25-November 9, November 24-30, 2004) |
$2,520,700 (74 wins) |
Biggest Money winner of Season 21. | $2,522,700 | Finalist $500,000 |
Contestants with bye to Round 2[]
Members of the "Nifty Nine" were selected based on records set in their Jeopardy! careers. Only Rutter and Spangenberg advanced beyond their initial round (they all received an extra $15,000 at the end of their games).
Name | Season(s) | Regular Total Winnings |
Notes | Previous All-Time Total Winnings | UToC Finish & Winnings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Robin Carroll | 16 (March 13–17, 2000) |
$64,100 plus Chevrolet Tahoe |
2000 Tournament of Champions winner. 2001 International Tournament winner. |
S224,100 | Round 2 $25,000 |
Chuck Forrest | 2 (September 30–October 4, 1985) |
$72,800 | Biggest Money winner of Season 2. 1986 Tournament of Champions winner. |
$202,800 | Round 2 $25,000 |
Eric Newhouse | 5 (February 9, 15-17, 1989) |
$28,100 | 1989 Teen Tournament winner. 1998 Teen Reunion Tournament winner. 2002 Million Dollar Masters Second runner-up. |
$193,100 | Round 2 $25,000 |
Brad Rutter | 17 (October 30–November 3, 2000) |
$55,102 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
2001 Tournament of Champions winner. 2002 Million Dollar Masters winner. |
$1,155,102 | Winner $2,115,000 |
Sean Ryan | 20 (October 8–16, 2003) |
$123,797 (6 wins) |
First 6-day champion. | $130,797 | Round 2 $25,000 |
Frank Spangenberg | 6 (January 9–15, 1990) |
$102,597 | Biggest Money winner of Season 6. 10th Anniversary Tournament winner. |
$164,397 | Semifinalist $105,199 |
Bob Verini | 3 (June 18–24, 1987) |
$46,802 | 1987 Tournament of Champions winner. 1990 Super Jeopardy! First runner-up. 2002 Million Dollar Masters Second runner-up. |
$246,802 | Round 2 $25,000 |
Tom Walsh | 20 (January 5–14, 2004) |
$184,900 (7 wins) |
First 7-day champion. Biggest Money winner of Season 20. 2004 Tournament of Champions First runner-up. |
$236,900 | Round 2 $25,000 |
Brian Weikle | 19 (April 10–16, 2003) |
$149,200 plus Jaguar X-Type |
Biggest Money winner of Season 19. 2003 Tournament of Champions First runner-up. |
$205,801 | Round 2 $25,000 |
Contestants who started in Round 1[]
135 of the 145 contestants involved in the tournament started in the first round.
Name | Season(s) | Regular Total Winnings |
Notes | Previous All-Time Total winnings | UToC Finish & Winnings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dave Abbott | 14 (June 16–22, 1998) |
$68,599 plus Chevrolet Suburban |
1999 Tournament of Champions winner. | $168,599 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Jack Archey | 16 (December 29, 1999–January 4, 2000) |
$51,302 plus Chevrolet Corvette |
2000 Tournament of Champions Quarterfinalist | $53,802 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Michael Arnone | 17 (January 9–15, 2001) |
$54,599 plus Chevrolet Suburban |
2001 Tournament of Champions quaterfinalist | $57,099 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Alan Bailey | 17 (July 12–18, 2001) |
$61,501 plus Chevrolet Suburban |
2003 Tournament of Champions semifinalist | $71,501 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Craig Barker | 13 (May 16, 20, 22-23, 1997) |
$25,000 plus Volvo GLT |
1997 College Championship winner. | $27,500 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Jeremy Bate | 16 (February 4, 21-24, 2000) |
$55,000 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
2000 Tournament of Champions 1st runner-up. | $70,000 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Billy Baxter | 8 (May 8, 11, 14-15, 1992) |
$26,200 | 1992 College Championship winner. | $27,200 | Round 1 $5,000 |
John Beck | 19 (June 13–19, 2003) |
$117,099 plus Jaguar X-Type |
Last five-time retired champion before the "sky's the limit" rule. | $122,099 | Round 2 $29,000 |
Steve Berman | 6 (October 24–30, 1989) |
$48,800 | 1990 Tournament of Champions 2nd-runner up. | $56,300 | Round 2 $30,801 |
Bob Blake | 6 (September 6–12, 1989) |
$82,501 | 1990 Tournament of Champions winner. First player to earn over $75,000 in regular games. Eighth-highest regular games winner of the pre-doubled era. Biggest overall winner from 1990-2001 (excluding Super Jeopardy!) |
$192,501 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Bruce Borchardt | 11 (March 27-31, 1995) |
$54,099 | $59,099 | Round 2 $29,201 | |
Mark Born | 7 (June 17-21, 1991) |
$82,899 | Biggest Money winner of Season 7. Seventh-highest regular games winner of the pre-doubled era. |
$87,899 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Paul Boymel | 1 (January 18-25, 1985) |
$56,200 | Biggest Money winner of Season 1. | $61,200 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Kurt Bray | 10 (January 3–7, 1994) |
$51,100 | $56,100 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Michael Braun | 21 (January 26, February 3, 7-8, 2005) |
$75,000 | 2005 Teen Tournament winner. | $75,000 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Tad Carithers | 16 (July 14–20, 2000) |
$60,400 plus Chevrolet Corvette |
2001 Tournament of Champions 1st runner-up. | $75,400 | Round 2 $41,300 |
Steve Chernicoff | 10, 11 (July 7-8, September 5-7, 1994) |
$83,902 | Sixth-highest regular games winner of the pre-doubled era. | $88,902 | Quarterfinalist $57,802 |
Larry Cloud | 17 (April 12–18, 2001) |
$66,100 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
$71,100 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Michelle Clum | 17 (September 13–19, 2000) |
$50,200 plus Chevrolet Corvette |
$52,700 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
India Cooper | 7, 8 (May 1, December 16–20, 1991) |
$68,400 | $98,400 | Round 2 $26,000 | |
Carolyn Cracraft | 15 (May 3, 11, 13-14, 1999) |
$25,000 plus Volvo C70 convertible |
1999 College Championship winner. | $30,000 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Tom Cubbage | 5 (May 8, 17-19, 1989) |
$26,600 | 1989 inaugural College Championship winner. 1989 Tournament of Champions winner. Only player to win both the College Championship and ToC. |
$131,600 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Bernie Cullen | 13 (September 2–6, 1996) |
$63,102 | Won $1 million on "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?". | $64,102 | Round 1 $5,000 |
John Cuthbertson | 10 (September 14-20, 1993) |
$82,400 | Biggest Money winner of Season 10. Ninth-highest regular games winner of the pre-doubled era. |
$87,400 | Semifinalist $97,900 |
Michael Daunt | 12 (November 30-December 6, 1995) |
$64,198 | 1996 Tournament of Champions 2nd runner-up. 1997 International Tournament winner. |
$107,398 | Quarterfinalist $62,602 |
Mark Dawson | 18 (September 14–20, 2001) |
$52,599 plus Chevrolet Corvette |
2003 Tournament of Champions winner. | $302,599 | Round 2 $31,250 |
Michael Day | 1 (April 9-15, 1985) |
$53,500 | $54,500 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Josh DenHartog | 13 (February 3, 12, 13, 14, 1997) |
$25,000 | 1997-A Teen Tournament winner. | $27,500 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Bill Dickenson | 12 (January 16–22, 1996) |
$48,401 | $53,401 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Lan Djang | 17 (June 20–26, 2001) |
$51,100 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
$56,100 | Quarterfinalist $63,100 | |
Dennis Donohue | 9 (December 2-8, 1992) |
$64,298 | $69,298 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Michael Dupée | 12 (April 9–15, 1996) |
$66,401 | 1996 Tournament of Champions winner. | $166,401 | Round 2 $32,500 |
Mark Eckard | 17 (June 8–14, 2001) |
$69,600 plus Chevrolet Suburban |
$74,600 | Round 2 $35,600 | |
Barbara-Anne Eddy | 4 (February 1–5, 1988) |
$52,000 | $53,000 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Frank Epstein | 8 (February 5-11, 1992) |
$73,400 | $74,400 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Amy Fine | 10 (March 11-17 1994) |
$72,803 | Top regular games winner among women players during the pre-doubled era. | $73,803 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Eugene Finerman | 3 (June 1-5, 1987) |
$57,902 Vacuum cleaner 14 bags of chocolate chips |
1987 Tournament of Champions 2nd runner-up. | $79,502 | Round 2 $25,600 |
Bob Fleenor | 17 (March 28–April 3, 2001) |
$55,700 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
$58,200 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Kermin Fleming | 21 (November 10, 19-23, 2004) |
$100,000 plus Volkswagen New Beetle |
2004 College Championship winner. | $100,000 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Leslie Frates | 7 (February 1–7, 1991) |
$56,099 | 10th Anniversary Tournament 2nd runner-up. 1998 Battle of the Bay Area Brains 2nd runner-up. |
$93,599 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Michael Galvin | 3 (February 17, 25-27, 1987) |
$25,000 | 1987 inaugural Teen Tournament winner. | $30,000 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Andrew Garen | 17 (September 20–26, 2000) |
$56,100 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
$58,600 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
John Genova | 1 (November 7-13, 1984) |
$50,595 | Earliest 5-time champion in the UToC | $51,595 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Chacko George | 16 (November 2, 9, 11-12, 1999) |
$25,000 plus Chevrolet Cavalier |
1999-B Teen Tournament winner. Last Teen Tournament winner to participate in the ToC. |
$30,000 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Scott Gillispie | 7 (May 10, 15-17, 1991) |
$27,400 | 1991 College Championship winner. | $32,400 | Round 2 $25,000 |
Graham Gilmer | 17 (May 4-7, 10-11, 2001) |
$50,000 plus Chevrolet Tracker |
2001 Teen Tournament winner. | $50,000 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Sandra Gore | 4 (December 8-14, 1987) |
$53,507 | 1988 Tournament of Champions 2nd runner-up. First female to become a finalist in the ToC. |
$71,507 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Leah Greenwald | 4 (January 11–15, 1988) |
$58,802 | $64,802 | Round 2 $56,800 | |
Jeananne Grewe | 10 (December 20-24, 1993) |
$62,801 | $67,801 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Jonathan Groff | 11 (March 14-20, 1995) |
$60,500 | $65,500 | Round 2 $34,001 | |
Paul Gutowski | 13 (January 10–16, 1997) |
$51,301 | $53,802 | Round 2 $32,802 | |
Kyle Hale | 19 (November 15, 19, 21-22, 2002) |
$51,300 plus Volvo S60 Turbo |
2002 College Championship winner. | $56,300 | Round 2 $25,000 |
Tom Halpern | 7 (March 22-28, 1991) |
$63,602 | $64,602 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Bob Harris | 14 (October 31, November 24-27, 1997) |
$58,000 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
1998 ToC 2nd runner-up.
Author of "Prisoner of Trebekistan: A Decade in Jeopardy!" |
$93,000 | Round 2 $34,400 |
Pat Healy | 14 (March 31–April 6, 1998) |
$66,604 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
$71,604 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Roy Holliday | 4 (September 21-25, 1987) |
$57,200 | $67,200 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Bernard Holloway | 18 (February 6, 11, 14-15, 2002) |
$50,000 plus Mitsubishi Eclipse GS convertible |
2002 Teen Tournament winner. | $50,000 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Ryan Holznagel | 11 (November 3-4, 28–30, 1994) |
$49,413 (4 wins) |
1995 Tournament of Champions winner. First-ever male 4-time champion to become a ToC winner. |
$154,413 | Round 2 $25,000 |
Andrew Hutchings | 14 (May 7, 12, 14-15, 1998) |
$25,000 plus Volvo S70 GLT sedan |
1998 College Championship winner. | $27,500 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Bruce Ikawa | 7 (November 30-December 6, 1990) |
$80,699 | Tenth-highest regular games winner of the pre-doubled era. | $81,699 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Sahir Islam | 14 (November 5, 10, 13-14, 1997) |
$26,300 | 1997-B Teen Tournament winner. | $31,300 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Lance Johnson | 15 (September 16–22, 1998) |
$51,301 |
$56,301 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Phoebe Juel | 9 (May 6, 12-14, 1993) |
$28,000 plus Dodge Shadow candied yams electric razor |
1993 College Championship winner. First female to win the College Championship. |
$33,000 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Vinita Kailasanath | 18 (November 7, 14, 19-20, 2001) |
$50,000 plus Volvo V40 |
2001 College Championship winner. | $60,000 | Round 2 $25,000 |
Dan Katz | 6 (June 26-July 2, 1990) |
$48,803 | $49,803 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Kevin Keach | 17 (June 27–July 3, 2001) |
$50,703 plus Chevrolet Tahoe |
$53,203 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
John Kelly | 8 (June 1992) |
$84,701 | Fifth-highest regular games winner of the pre-doubled era. | $85,701 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Rick Knutsen | 17 (March 6–12, 2001) |
$57,300 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
2001 Tournament of Champions 2nd runner-up. | $67,300 | Round 2 $33,201 |
Doug Lach | 16 (July 6–12, 2000) |
$85,400 plus Chevrolet Corvette |
Biggest Money winner of Season 16. Fourth-highest regular games winner of the pre-doubled era. |
$87,900 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Erik Larsen | 6 (February 21-27, 1990) |
$54,400 | $59,400 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Lee Lassiter | 16 (January 25–31, 2000) |
$54,599 plus Chevrolet Tahoe |
$57,099 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
John LeDonne | 7 (December 7-13, 1990) |
$55,200 | $56,200 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Al Lin | 9 (June 10-16, 1993) |
$58,903 | $59,903 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Mark Lowenthal | 4 (May 4-6, 23-24, 1988) |
$49,901 | 1988 Tournament of Champions winner. | $154,901 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Ben Lyon | 11 (May 5, 8, 11-12, 1995) |
$25,000 plus Volvo 850 GLT |
1995 College Championship winner | $26,000 | Round 1 $5,000 |
April McManus | 8 (February 28, March 4-6, 1992) |
$25,000 | 1992 Teen Tournament winner. First female to win the Teen Tournament. |
$30,000 | Quarterfinalist $57,801 |
Dan Melia | 13, 14 (July 18, September 1-4, 1997) |
$75,600 plus Chevrolet Corvette |
Biggest Money winner of Season 14. 1998 Tournament of Champions winner. |
$175,600 | Quarterfinalist $72,201 |
Chris Miller | 20 (April 1–8, 2004) |
$123,597 | $135,597 | Semifinalist $93,844 | |
Brian Moore | 10 (September 7–13, 1993) |
$62,002 | $67,002 | Quarterfinalist $72,200 | |
Matt Morris | 10 (February 16, 22, 24-25, 1994) |
$29,601 | 1994 Teen Tournament winner. | $30,601 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Pam Mueller | 17 (November 10, 14, 20-21, 2000) |
$50,000 plus Volvo S60 |
2000-B College Championship winner. | $55,000 | Semifinalist $102,201 |
Bruce Naegeli | 4 (July 14-20, 1988) |
$64,200 | Biggest Money winner of Season 4. 1988 Tournament of Champions 1st runner-up. |
$87,999 | Round 2 $31,600 |
Steve Newman | 8 (September 4-10, 1991) |
$75,502 | $76,502 | Round 2 $48,700 | |
Tom Nichols | 10, 11 (January 31-February 4, October 10, 1994) |
$57,680 | Initially lost 5th game on February 4, 1994; invited back on October 10, 1994 because of "clue discrepancy". | $58,680 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Trevor Norris | 18 (November 5–6, 21-23, 2001) |
$54,604 plus Chevrolet Tahoe |
Last 5-time champion before the clues values were doubled. | $64,604 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Tom Nosek | 9 (November 3-6, 23, 1992) |
$65,640 | 1993 Tournament of Champions winner. 10th Anniversary Tournament 1st runner-up. |
$179,240 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Leszek Pawlowicz | 8 (October 10–16, 1991) |
$75,400 | 1992 Tournament of Champions winner. | $175,400 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Arthur Phillips | 13 (June 10–16, 1997) |
$63,003 | $65,503 | Round 2 $25,000 | |
Bill Pitassy | 11 (October 24–28, 1994) |
$72,702 | $77,702 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Brad Plovan | 12 (December 11–15, 1995) |
$61,402 | $62,402 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Steven Popper | 4 (March 28-April 1, 1988) |
$55,600 | $60,600 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Catherine Ramen | 14 (September 5–11, 1997) |
$61,000 plus Chevrolet Corvette |
$66,000 | Round 2 $44,000 | |
Michael Rankins | 4 (June 3-9, 1988) |
$52,098 | 1998 Battle of the Bay Area Brains winner. | $69,798 | Round 2 $41,601 |
Jeff Richmond | 5 (December 23-29, 1988) |
$58,302 | Only player in the tournament to play in 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-player Final Jeopardy! rounds, | $69,302 | Round 2 $33,300 |
Lara Robillard | 14 (May 26–June 1, 1998) |
$59,500 plus Chevrolet Tahoe |
$62,000 | Round 2 $25,000 | |
Steve Robin | 7 (November 20-26, 1990) |
$51,901 | 1991 Tournament of Champions 1st runner-up. | $64,501 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Michael Rooney | 15 (April 28-30, May 24-25, 1999) |
$50,201 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
$55,201 | Quarterfinalist $70,201 | |
Jay Rosenberg | 2 (September 13-19, 1985) |
$49,600 | $54,600 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
John Ryan | 3 (March 12-18, 1987) |
$61,800 | Biggest Money winner of Season 3. | $66,800 | Round 1 $5,000 |
David Sampugnaro | 12 (April 1–5, 1996) |
$72,101 | $73,101 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Ed Schiffer | 9 (July 5–9, 1993) |
$65,903 | Biggest Money winner of Season 9. | $70,903 | Round 2 $27,400 |
Russ Schumacher | 20 (October 17–23, 2003) |
$64,800 (4 wins) |
2004 Tournament of Champions winner. | $315,800 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Rachael Schwartz | 10 (October 22-28, 1993) |
$37,499 (4 wins) |
1994 Tournament of Champions winner. First female and 4-time champion to win the ToC. |
$147,499 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Bev Schwartzberg | 9 (April 30, May 17-20, 1993) |
$65,900 | 1993 Tournament of Champions 1st runner-up. | $85,000 | Round 2 $25,000 |
Jim Scott | 7 (September 25-October 1, 1990) |
$49,300 | 1991 Tournament of Champions winner.
Youngest player to win the ToC. |
$149,300 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Melissa Seal (Sexstone) | 15 (February 22, March 1, 4-5, 1999) |
$25,000 | 1999-A Teen Tournament winner. | $27,500 | Round 1 $5,000 |
David Siegel | 11 (June 27–July 3, 1995) |
$86,200 | Biggest Money winner of Season 11. 1995 Tournament of Champions 1st runner-up. Third-highest regular games winner of the pre-doubled era. |
$110,800 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Diane Siegel | 9 (January 25-29, 1993) |
$65,479 | $66,479 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Robert Slaven | 8 (March 24-30, 1992) |
$53,202 | $63,202 | Quarterfinalist $66,201 | |
Bill Sloan | 12 (January 29–February 2, 1996) |
$62,800 | $67,800 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Babu Srinivasan | 17 (May 16–22, 2001) |
$75,100 plus Chevrolet Corvette |
Biggest Money winner of Season 17. | $90,100 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Jeff Stewart | 10 (May 6, 11-13, 1994) |
$25,000 plus Dodge |
1994 College Championship winner. 1994 Tournament of Champions 1st runner-up. |
$45,800 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Eric Terzuolo | 6 (June 15-21, 1990) |
$64,302 | $69,302 | Round 2 $29,801 | |
Michael Thayer | 6 (May 7, 16-18, 1990) |
$25,000 | 1990 College Championship winner. | $26,000 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Paul Thompson | 12 (October 13–19, 1995) |
$72,199 | Biggest Money winner of Season 12. | $77,199 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Eddie Timanus | 16 (October 20–26, 1999) |
$69,700 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
First blind Jeopardy! contestant. | $74,700 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Dave Traini | 3 (October 10–16, 1986) |
$54,502 | 1987 Tournament of Champions 1st runner-up. 1990 Super Jeopardy! 2nd runner-up. First player to defeat Chuck Forrest on Jeopardy!. |
$95,502 | Round 2 $25,000 |
Grace Veach | 13 (February 17–21, 1997) |
$51,601 | $56,601 | Quarterfinalist $64,700 | |
David Venderbush | 10 (October 15-21, 1993) |
$50,800 | $51,800 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Jerome Vered | 8 (May 18–22, 1992) |
$96,801 | Biggest Money winner of Season 8. 1992 Tournament of Champions 2nd runner-up. Top one-day winner of the pre-doubled era. |
$104,301 | Finalist $389,801 |
Brian Wangsgard | 5 (January 20-26, 1989) |
$62,398 | Biggest Money winner of Season 5. 1989 Tournament of Champions 2nd runner-up. |
$74,898 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Chris Ward | 14 (February 24-27, March 3, 1998) |
$63,301 plus 2 Chevrolet Camaros |
$65,801 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Jamie Weiss | 6 (February 8, 13, 15-16, 1990) |
$26,000 | 1990 Teen Tournament winner. | $31,000 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Andrew Westney | 7 (February 13, 20-22, 1991) |
$25,000 | 1991 Teen Tournament winner. | $26,000 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Lynne Wexler | 7 (January 23–29, 1991) |
$70,351 | First woman to win over $70,000 in regular games. | $71,351 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Shane Whitlock | 12 (February 14, 19, 22-23, 1996) |
$32,800 plus Volvo 850 Turbo |
1996 College Championship winner. | $37,800 | Quarterfinalist $55,400 |
Keith Williams | 20 (November 12, 18, 20-21, 2003) |
$50,000 plus Volvo S60R |
2003 College Championship winner. | $55,000 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Dave Willis | 8 (January 24-30, 1992) |
$58,001 | $59,001 | Round 1 $5,000 | |
Janet Wong | 16 (February 7, 15, 17-18, 2000) |
$50,000 plus Volvo S40 sedan |
2000-A College Championship winner. | $52,500 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Fraser Woodford | 9 (February 19, 22, 24-25, 1993) |
$28,999 | 1993 Teen Tournament winner. | $29,999 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Jennifer Wu | 20 (February 9, 17, 19-20, 2004) |
$75,000 | 2004 Teen Tournament winner. | $75,000 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Phil Yellman | 8 (March 13-19, 1992) |
$60,400 | $61,400 | Quarterfinalist $68,801 | |
John Zhang | 19 (February 4, 12-14, 2003) |
$50,000 plus Volkswagen New Beetle |
2003 Teen Tournament winner. | $50,000 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Matt Zielenski | 11 (February 10, 14, 16-17, 1995) |
$42,300 | 1995 Teen Tournament winner. Held highest-winning score of any tournament in the pre-doubled era. |
$47,300 | Quarterfinalist $70,601 |
Elaine Zollner | 6 (March 2–8, 1990) |
$52,800 | $53,800 | Round 1 $5,000 |
Tournament results[]
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 | $389,801 | |
4 | Frank Spangenberg | Semifinalist | $105,199 |
5 | Pam Mueller | $102,201 | |
6 | John Cuthbertson | $97,900 | |
7 | Chris Miller | $93,844 | |
8 | Dan Melia | Quarterfinalist | $72,201 |
9 | Brian Moore | $72,200 | |
10 | Matt Zielenski | $70,601 | |
11 | Michael Rooney | $70,201 | |
12 | Phil Yellman | $68,801 | |
13 | Robert Slaven | $66,201 | |
14 | Grace Veach | $64,700 | |
15 | Lan Djang | $63,100 | |
16 | Michael Daunt | $62,602 | |
17 | Steve Chernicoff | $57,802 | |
18 | April McManus | $57,801 | |
19 | Leah Greenwald | Round 2 | $56,800 |
20 | Shane Whitlock | Quarterfinalist | $55,400 |
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). Also, 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 | Beverly 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 | 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 | –$600 | Bernard Holloway | –$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 | –$1,200 | Game Summary |
4723 | March 2, 2005 | Catherine Ramen | $34,000 | Lee Lassiter | $0 | Jennifer Wu | $0 | Game Summary |
4724 | March 3, 2005 | Edward 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 | Michael 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 | Bradley 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 | Philip 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 | Stephen Chernicoff | $21,201 | Roy Holliday | $1,200 | Ben Lyon | $0 | Game Summary |
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 | Stephen Chernicoff | $21,601 | Scott Gillispie | $21,500 | India Cooper | $13,200 | Game Summary |
4755 | April 15, 2005 | Michael Rooney | $10,500 | Catherine Ramen | $9,103 | Tom Walsh[1] | $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[2] | $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[3] | $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[4] | $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[5] | $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[6] | $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[7] | $3,000 | Game Summary |
4768 | May 4, 2005 | Frank Spangenberg[8] | $25,800 | Paul Gutowski | $9,197 | Beverly Schwartzberg | $4,700 | Game Summary |
4769 | May 5, 2005 | Philip Yellman | $28,200 | Lara Robillard | $12,999 | Chuck Forrest[9] | $0 | Game Summary |
4770 | May 6, 2005 | April McManus | $18,001 | Edward Schiffer | $600 | Jonathan Groff | $0 | Game Summary |
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 | $6,400 | Stephen Chernicoff | $6,399 | Michael Rooney | $5,601 | Game Summary |
4772 | May 10, 2005 | Pam Mueller | $25,201 | Philip Yellman | $8,000 | Brian Moore | $0 | Game Summary |
4773 | May 11, 2005 | Frank Spangenberg | $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 | Michael Daunt | $18,400 | Dan Melia | $18,400 | Game Summary |
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 | First 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 | $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 | $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, 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, under 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). But after winning the Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time tournament in January 2020, Jennings once again reclaimed the distinction from Rutter.
In the first game of the finals, Ken, Brad, and Jerome tricked Alex Trebek into emerging onstage without trousers, saying they would do the same; they did not.
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 | $18,400 | Ken Jennings | $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 |
Evaluation[]
It was a tournament for Ken Jennings, for Ken Jennings, for Ken Jennings, but it can be said that it was a tournament that proved that there are many hidden talents with the birth of a new strongest player. Perhaps, if the unlimited winning streak system had been introduced from the beginning, many people showed excellent skills, winning more than 6 consecutive wins, and many participants like Ken Jennings winning more than 10 consecutive wins.
Through Utoc, which lasted for three months, two people were decided to meet Ken, and Brad and Jerome were selected as the main characters. Even in the beginning, there were many viewers who expected Ken to win, and the first match continued with a similar confrontation. However, in the 2nd match, Brad opened up a score gap with his terrifying skills, and in the 3rd match, he maintained the gap and eventually won, establishing himself as a celebrity next to Ken.
Perhaps a bye could have been poisonous, and there would be some benefits to a bye, but since he hadn't been able to practice the buzzer for a while, he wasn't used to pressing the buzzer, and because of that, Ken was defeated by Brad, who played before.
Jerome, in particular, was also forgotten between the two, but received a lot of attention by taking third place, and Brad and Ken subsequently won 5 times, including 2011 IBM challenge, 2014 Battles of the Decade, 2019 All-star games, and 2020 Greatest of all-time. As we met together, we continued our rivalry.
Now, 15 years of confrontation has come to an end with All-star games, and the two are maintaining a good relationship, taking on the role of Chaser in The Chase a year later.
Through this UtoC competition, it was proved that there is no eternal strongest player, and the ToC victory of the super champion is a competition that proves why Jeopardy is still gaining popularity, just like the nickname of the Quiz World Cup, as James Holzhauer won only in 2019.
Trivia[]
- After this competition, a two-way structure between Ken and Brad was formed. After that, they met and played a rematch a total of four times: 2011 IBM Challenge, 2014 Battle of the Decades, 2019 All-Star Games, and 2020 The Greatest of All Time. Brad also established himself as Ken's rival in Jeopardy!. This two-way system has brought about a new change with the advent of James Holzhauer in 2019.
- During this season, only 55 regular games were played due to various tournaments including this tournament. Also, in this season, there are only two champions with more than 5 consecutive wins, Kerry Breitenbach and David Madden, because Ken's solo system in the first half, there were few winning streak matches with several tournaments, and David's solo in the second half.
- Later, a similar method to this tournament is being held in S40 (Second chance → Champion wildcard → ToC → invitation champion → Masters). The difference is that S40's tournament system features a variety of participants and is long in duration.
- Leslie Shannon, Larry McKnight, Amanda Goad, Michael Block, Richard Kaplan, and Jerry Frankel couldn't participate in this tournament.
References[]
- ↑ 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
- ↑ Eric Newhouse received first round bye for getting second place in the 2002 Jeopardy! Million Dollar Masters tournament. More detailed statistics
- ↑ Sean Ryan received first round bye for being the first six-time champion. More detailed statistics
- ↑ 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
- ↑ Brad Rutter received first round bye for winning the 2002 Jeopardy! Million Dollar Masters tournament, as well as the most money won on Jeopardy! until Ken Jennings. More detailed statistics
- ↑ 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
- ↑ Bob Verini received first round bye for getting third place in the Jeopardy! Million Dollar Masters tournament. More detailed statistics
- ↑ Frank Spangenberg received first round bye as the record holder in regular winnings from Season 6 until Season 19. More detailed statistics
- ↑ Chuck Forrest received first round bye as the record holder in regular winnings until Season 6. More detailed statistics
- ↑ Ken Jennings received a bye to the final round for his numerous Jeopardy! records.