It’s official: James Holzhauer now holds the title of second-longest winning streak in “Jeopardy!” history.
The 34-year-old professional gambler triumphed in Thursday night’s game – his 21st victory in a row — adding $80,615 to his coffers. His earnings now total $1,608,627.
Holzhauer has now outmatched Julia Collins, who completed a 20-game streak in 2014 and is the winningest woman in “Jeopardy!” history, and David Madden, who notched 19 straight wins in 2005.
Ken Jennings is now the only contestant left for Holzhauer to beat. His 74 consecutive victories in 2004 set the bar for future Jeopardy! contenders. In all those games — not his’ tournament play and other special appearances — the computer scientist turned author from Seattle racked up $2,520,700.
Holzhauer’s per-game average is much higher: $76,601 to Jennings’ 34,064.
So even though he has more than 50 games to go, Holzhauer just may have the chops to challenge Jennings’ legacy. The Las Vegas resident’s sports betting savvy — coupled with his determination to hunt down Daily Doubles and target on the highest-value clues — has allowed him to walk away with sizable sums almost every night.
In fact, on April 17, Holzhauer set the record for most money won in a single regular-season game: $131,127.
Previous champions also credit his success to encyclopedic knowledge base and quick-fingered buzzer skills.
Ken Jennings had better watch out.