In a gripping display of wit and strategy, Liam Starnes emerged as the latest champion on Jeopardy! after a nailbiting finale on April 18, 2025. The undergraduate student from Barrington, Illinois, edged out fierce competition in a highstakes match that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
Starnes, who had already earned a reputation for his sharp knowledge and quick responses, faced off against seasoned contestant Steve Hoying and graduate student Rachael Gray in what would become one of the shows most intense episodes this season. The game was a rollercoaster, filled with twists and turns, where no one contestant maintained an iron grip on the lead for long.
A Close Contest: Starnes Takes Control
The first round began with all three players showing their strengths, but it was Gray who took an early lead. By the time the commercial break came around, Gray had established herself as a frontrunner, sitting with a solid 6,200. Starnes, meanwhile, was trailing behind with 4,400, and Hoying, the reigning champion, was in third with 4,200.
However, the tide quickly turned in the Double Jeopardy! round. Starnes came out swinging, answering the first six clues correctly and seizing control of the board. His sharp memory and confidence were on full display when he answered the first Daily Double of the round, correctly identifying the sculptor behind a 42ton stabile in Grand Rapids, MichiganAlexander Calder. Starnes wagered a hefty 6,000, propelling his score to 17,600 and into the lead.
Gray made her own mark by securing the second Daily Double, adding 4,000 to her total after correctly identifying the title of Demi Moores memoir, Inside Out. However, despite her impressive comeback, Starnes remained firmly ahead with 19,600, while Gray sat at 16,200. Hoying, though still in the mix, was trailing in third with 13,800.
The Final Showdown: Jeopardy! At Its Best
As the game reached its climax, it was clear that the final question would determine the winner. The Final Jeopardy! clue, categorized under Presidential Nominees, challenged the contestants to recall the year when the Democratic nominee delivered his famous cross of gold speech, while the GOP nominee backed the gold standard.
Starnes, Hoying, and Gray all wagered carefully, but it was Starnes who correctly identified William McKinley as the GOP nominee in 1896, securing a 12,801 boost to his score. With a total of 32,401, he clinched the victory, leaving Hoying in second place with 19,800 and Gray in third with 4,200.
The final moments were dramatic. While Starnes victory seemed secure after the Final Jeopardy! response, it was his consistent performance throughout the game that had set him up for success. His ability to recover from setbacks and strategically answer questions placed him in the perfect position to win.
The Road to Victory: Starnes Impressive Journey
This win marks a significant achievement in Starnes young career. At just 20 years old, Starnes is an undergraduate student at the University of Chicago and was previously the team captain of his high schools Scholastic Bowl team, which won the National Association of Quiz Tournaments High School National Championship in .
His victory on Jeopardy! is just the latest milestone in his academic and competitive journey. His performance on the show has already drawn praise from fans and fellow contestants alike, with many noting his calm under pressure and impressive breadth of knowledge.
Looking Ahead: Starnes Future on Jeopardy!
With his win on April 18, Starnes has firmly planted himself as a rising star in the Jeopardy! universe. His cumulative winnings now total over 81,000, and he is set to return for future matches. Fans are eager to see how he will perform in upcoming episodes, especially as he faces off against other top contenders in what promises to be a thrilling continuation of the season.
As Starnes prepares for his next game, its clear that he has all the makings of a Jeopardy! legend. With his sharp intellect, strategic gameplay, and unshakable focus, he is poised to continue dominating the iconic quiz show for the foreseeable future.
For now, fans are reveling in the excitement of his win and eagerly awaiting the next episode, where Starnes reign as champion will be put to the test once again.