'Jeopardy!' Champ Paolo Pasco Reflects on Tournament of Champions Win

San Diego puzzle writer discusses his Jeopardy! success and plans for the upcoming Masters tournament

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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After winning the Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions in three consecutive games, puzzle writer Paolo Pasco from San Diego, California spoke out about his experience on the game show, his preparation for the upcoming Jeopardy! Masters tournament, and more.

Why it matters

Pasco's Tournament of Champions victory has made him a rising star in the Jeopardy! community, and his insights provide a rare behind-the-scenes look at the intense preparation and strategy required to succeed on the iconic quiz show.

The details

Pasco, a puzzle writer from San Diego, California, dominated the Tournament of Champions, winning three straight games and earning a spot in the upcoming Jeopardy! Masters tournament. In his post-victory interview, Pasco discussed the rigorous studying and practice regimen he undertook to prepare for the high-stakes competition, as well as the mental focus and quick reflexes needed to excel on the show.

  • Pasco won the Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions in February 2026.
  • He is set to compete in the Jeopardy! Masters tournament in the coming months.

The players

Paolo Pasco

A puzzle writer from San Diego, California who won the Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I'd been preparing for this moment for years, studying up on every topic imaginable and honing my buzzer skills. It's an incredible feeling to have all that hard work pay off on the Jeopardy! stage.”

— Paolo Pasco (New Albany Gazette)

What’s next

Pasco is set to compete in the upcoming Jeopardy! Masters tournament, where he will face off against other top Jeopardy! champions.

The takeaway

Pasco's Tournament of Champions victory demonstrates the intense dedication and preparation required to succeed at the highest levels of Jeopardy!, inspiring aspiring quiz show contestants to follow in his footsteps.