Jeopardy! Contestant's Cheeky Final Jeopardy Move Leads to Surprise Victory

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Jeopardy! contestant Alison Betts pulled off a stunning comeback in the show's quarterfinals, going from third place to winning the game by making a cheeky wager in Final Jeopardy. Betts, a creative executive from San Jose, California, was competing against Isaac Hirsch and Josh Hill when she wrote "Who is I hope they both bet everything?" as her response, knowing the other two contestants would wager all their winnings and lose.

Why it matters

Betts' move highlighted the importance of strategic betting in Jeopardy!, where contestants must balance risk and reward to secure a victory. Her unorthodox approach captivated viewers and sparked discussions about optimal gameplay in the iconic quiz show.

The details

Going into Final Jeopardy, Betts had $3,200, while Hirsch and Hill each had $7,600. The clue was about a character from a 1960s novel, and no one got the correct answer of Boo Radley from "To Kill a Mockingbird." Betts then wrote her cheeky response, which prompted host Ken Jennings to note that the "getting (it) wrong part is kind of key to my plan." Hirsch and Hill both then wagered all their winnings, leaving them with nothing and making Betts the winner.

• The episode aired on February 11, 2026.

What’s next

Betts will advance to the semifinals of the Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament.