Tyler Griffith, a criminal forensic scientist from Michigan, emerged as the new “Jeopardy” champion in a close match on May 27. Competing against returning champion Judith Friedman and Jackie Yang, Griffith initially led but struggled with some clues, finishing the Jeopardy Round with a slim $200 lead. During Double Jeopardy, he doubled his money on a Daily Double, securing a narrow first place with $11,200. In Final Jeopardy, despite all competitors answering incorrectly, Griffith’s final total of $799 was enough to clinch victory. He will face Alice Welch and Thomas Sweeney in the next episode.
Although he won little, a forensic scientist from Michigan has become the new champion of “Jeopardy.”
Tyler Griffith, hailing from Sturgis in St. Joseph County, faced off against returning champion Judith Friedman from California and Jackie Yang from New York in the episode that aired on Tuesday, May 27.
JEOPARDY ROUND
Griffith started strong with $1,600, hitting the only Daily Double of the round and betting all of it, successfully answering the clue and doubling his total.
However, his lead slipped away as he missed several clues. By the end of the Jeopardy Round, he held a narrow lead of just $200, with $3,600 compared to Yang’s $3,400 and Friedman’s $3,200.
DOUBLE JEOPARDY ROUND
In the Double Jeopardy Round, Yang quickly took the lead and struck first on the Daily Double, more than doubling her advantage over second place.
Griffith, in third place, landed on the second Daily Double and went all in, successfully doubling his total and briefly taking the lead.
Similar to the first round, Griffith’s lead was extremely slim, finishing with $11,200 compared to Yang’s $10,800 and Friedman’s $6,400.
FINAL JEOPARDY
Category: American History
The Answer: In 1847, a decade prior to gaining national attention, he was the plaintiff in a Missouri case against Irene Emerson.
The Clue: Who was Dred Scott.
Friedman bet everything but made an incorrect guess. Yang also guessed incorrectly, wagering all but $300. Griffith also answered incorrectly, ultimately finishing with $799, which was still enough to claim the title of “Jeopardy” champion.
Griffith will contest against Alice Welch from New York and Thomas Sweeney from Ohio in the next episode.