Opinion: Jeopardy!’s James Holzhauer is a menace
By Charles Lane Charles Lane Editorial writer and columnist specializing in economic and fiscal policy Email Bio Follow Opinion writer April 29 at 6:26 PM Night after night for more than two weeks, “Jeopardy!” champion James Holzhauer has crushed two opponents on the venerable game show like a pair of bugs. By the time you read this, his streak may have ended, but it doesn’t seem likely: As of Monday, he had won 18 games in a row, amassing more than $1.
People seem not to care that Holzhauer’s streak reflects the same grim, data-driven approach to competition that has spoiled baseball, where it has given us the “shift,” “wins above replacement,” “swing trajectories” and other statistically valid but unholy innovations. In short, this professional gambler from Las Vegas does not so much play the game as beat the system. What’s entertaining about that? And beyond a certain point, what’s admirable?
I took comfort not only in the consolation prizes but also in knowing that late-20th-century “Jeopardy!” was an amateur event, open to everyman and everywoman, governed by rules both written and unwritten . Okay, okay: There are more of you than there are of me. Viewers like “Jeopardy!” prodigies, which is why the show advertises them even as they drain its prize-money reserves. The show’s Nielsen ratings were 22 percent higher during Jennings’s 2004 run than during the same period in 2003.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
James Holzhauer chases 'Jeopardy!' history: Live updatesRecord-setting contestant James Holzhauer is appearing on his 18th episode of 'Jeopardy!' Follow here for the latest.
Read more »
How fast can Jeopardy champ James Holzhauer break Ken Jennings’ all-time winnings record?Holzhauer has amassed more than $1.2 million through 16 games. He could break the Jeopardy winnings record within three weeks.
Read more »
'Jeopardy!' champ James Holzhauer passes $1 million markThe show's most hallowed records, set in 2004 when Ken Jennings won 74 games in a row and earned more than $2.5 million, seem like a plausible goal.
Read more »
'Jeopardy' star James Holzhauer barely gets 18th win by just $18 and fans freaked out'Jeopardy' star James Holzhauer kept his incredible run alive with his 18th win Monday night by his closest margin yet.
Read more »
Is ‘Jeopardy’ winner James Holzhauer making more per episode than host Alex Trebek?Is record-breaking Jeopardy! contestant James Holzhauer now making more per episode than host Alex Trebek?
Read more »
Jeopardy champ James Holzhauer wins another $73,000, now has won $1.1 million through 15 games“They knew the answer, I guessed,” Holzhauer said Wednesday about getting it right on Final Jeopardy.
Read more »
James Holzhauer wins again — by $18Professional sports bettor James Holzhauer is chasing Jeopardy's overall winnings record. Here's where he stands after tonight's game:
Read more »
'Jeopardy!' champion James Holzhauer continues winning streak with 15th winHolzhauer, 34, won over $73,000 on Wednesday's show, bringing his 15-day winning streak total to more than $1.1M.
Read more »
'Jeopardy!' champion James Holzhauer becomes only the second player to cross $1M markJames Holzhauer became only the second contestant in 'Jeopardy!' history to win $1 million in non-tournament competition, all in just 14 appearances on the long-running game show.
Read more »
What it’s like to lose to unstoppable ‘Jeopardy!’ champion James HolzhauerWe spoke to more than 10 unlucky — but good-humored — contestants about competing against Holzhauer, who has made history with $1.2 million in 16 games.
Read more »