James Holzhauer has climbed to second place on Jeopardy!’s all-time cash-winning list after just eight games. Holzhauer, 34, is now second only to Ken Jennings, who won 74 games in a row in 2004 to take home $2,520,700.
Holzhauer, 34, is a professional sports gambler from Las Vegas. That “go big or go home” philosophy helped shoot him to the top of the rankings, so far winning $460,479. He achieved that by placing huge wagers on the Daily Doubles.
“When I watch at home, I always root for the contestants to bet big on Daily Doubles. They get them right most of the time, and it can give them a big leg up on the competition,” Holzhauer said. “I’m proud of myself for sticking to that attitude when it was my money on the line.”
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Dave Madden was the previous holder of the number-two spot behind Jennings, earning $430,400 over the course of 19 games.
Jeopardy!, which is produced by Sony Pictures Television and distributed by CBS Television Distribution, is in its 35th season.
