‘Jeopardy!’ Fans Lose It Over ‘Best Game’ Of The Year

Ken Jennings - Jeopardy!

Jeopardy! fans love a good game. When all the stars align it is hard not to celebrate. Likewise, Ken Jennings always brings a layer of fun to the screen. Now fans are going wild after watching a match some are coining as the “best game” of 2024.

‘Best Game’ Of The Year

Jeopardy! fans are losing it after watching an extremely exciting match on Friday, November 8. After seeing the competition, fans are calling it the “best game” they have seen so far in 2024. Rachel Marcus, a writer and consultant from New York City; Ross Dickson, a research consultant from Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Susan Stumme, a journalist from Arlington, Virginia faced each other for a fun and eventful night. Fans enjoyed the players’ sense of humor and competitive play during the show.

Ken Jennings | YouTube
Ken Jennings | YouTube

Susan Stumme was off to a great start with an early lead. She kept the top spot ahead of Ross and Rachel for most of the Jeopardy and Double Jeopardy rounds. However, she missed a Daily Double when she didn’t identify the opera Don Giovanni by the protagonist’s Spanish name, Don Juan. It took her $14,200 winnings down by $4,000. She was still keeping Rachel and Ross on their toes, but her miss gave hope for Ross and Rachel. Furthermore, Ross took a risk with a big wager during the last Daily Double and it paid off. He added $6,400 after knowing that Charles de Gaulle presided over France’s Fifth Republic. At the end of Double Jeopardy, Susan and Ross were tied at $14,600, with Rachel not far behind at $12,200.

Final Jeopardy! Settled The Score

Although the competitors were neck and neck during the entire game, Final Jeopardy! settled the score. Ken Jennings read, “In a letter he wrote, ‘On August 7, 1501… we determined that the new land was not an island but a continent.’” Both Susan and Ross incorrectly guessed Christopher Columbus. However, Rachel Marcus brought home the victory with her correct response, Amerigo Vespucci.

Rachel Marcus - Jeopardy!
Rachel Marcus – Jeopardy!

Since Susan wagered everything she ended the game with $0. Ross left himself a chance to steal Jeopardy! with $10 on the board. However, Rachel’s wager gave her the commanding lead she needed with $20,600.

Susan prepares to show her answer after Rachel Marcus got it correct. - Jeopardy!
Susan prepares to show her answer after Rachel Marcus gets it correct. – Jeopardy!

Fans Think It Was Incredible

On Reddit, several Jeopardy! fans discussed the big match between Susan, Ross, and Rachel.

  • Someone says, “I didn’t really want anyone to lose that game, honestly.”
  • Another person adds, “Honestly, one of the most fun games to watch I’ve ever seen. … This would be a great game to show someone who hasn’t seen a lot of Jeopardy! before or hasn’t watched in a while. It’s a good balance between the super old-school style of play and some of the recent tournaments, where every [Daily Double] is an all-in bet.”
  • “Looked like Susan was going to run away with it, but Rachel picked up a bunch of high value clues in Double Jeopardy and Ross nearly doubled up on a DD.”
  • “Ross clutching his chest after that DD had me giggling. I could feel his relief.”

Jeopardy! discussion thread for Fri., Nov. 8
byu/jaysjep2 inJeopardy

Susan Reflects On Her Time On Jeopardy!

During the discussion, Susan popped into the chat and shared some of her experiences from Jeopardy!

  •  In the comments she said, here are “just a few thoughts on the highs and lows of being a one-day champ.” Then, she says, “I wasn’t kidding; being on Jeopardy! was a dream come true.” Although she didn’t get to stay as long as she hoped, she truly loved the chance to play. She adds, “Winning my first game was exhilarating, but I played so much better in game two… and lost. I got great categories for my strengths and had the buzzer timing nailed. In the end, you gotta get [Final Jeopardy]. And I didn’t. Kudos to Rachel for the win, and congrats to Ross on a great comeback. Our contestant group overall was lovely, and I had an amazing day meeting them and competing with them.”
Susan Stumme - Jeopardy!
Susan Stumme – Jeopardy!

Friendly Coincidence

Another Redditor picked up on a Friends-coincidence. Not only were Ross and Rachel together on Jeopardy! Friday night but Wheel Of Fortune helped make the reunion bigger.

On Redditor recognizes a surprise 'Friends' reunion with Phoebe, Rachel, and Ross. - Friends - YouTube
On Redditor recognizes a surprise ‘Friends’ reunion with Phoebe, Rachel, and Ross. – Friends – YouTube

What did you think about Susan, Ross, and Rachel’s time on Jeopardy!? Did you enjoy the gameplay as much as some of the fans declaring it the “best game”? Did you catch the “Reunion” of Friends? Drop your comments below.

Bonnie Kaiser-Gambill

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