Goshen Man Talks About 'Jeopardy!' Run, Opera Singing

Ben Ganger discusses his 'Jeopardy!' success, return to Tournament of Champions, and passion for opera performance.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 4:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ben Ganger, a Goshen, Indiana resident and Goshen College graduate, recently appeared on 'Jeopardy!' as a five-time champion, winning $109,000. He has now returned to the show for the Tournament of Champions, though he did not make the finals. In addition to his 'Jeopardy!' success, Ganger is also an opera singer who performs with the South Bend Lyric Opera, including an upcoming 10th anniversary gala. Ganger discusses the pressure of competing on 'Jeopardy!', his love of opera, and how his musical background helped him on the game show.

Why it matters

Ganger's story highlights the diverse talents and interests of individuals, blending his success on a popular game show with his passion for opera performance. His journey showcases how skills and experiences in one area can translate to success in another, and how individuals can pursue multiple creative outlets. Ganger's local celebrity status in Goshen also reflects the community's pride in supporting one of their own who has achieved national recognition.

The details

Ganger, a Goshen resident and Goshen College graduate, won five episodes of 'Jeopardy!' in 2025, taking home $109,000. He was then invited back to compete in the Tournament of Champions, where he placed second in his episode, earning an additional $3,000. Ganger says the categories and questions were much more difficult in the tournament, with topics like identifying the highest mountain in the Atlas range in Morocco. While he never had an opera category on 'Jeopardy!', Ganger says his background in music and performance helped him deal with the stress and timing of the buzzer. Ganger is also an active opera singer, performing with the South Bend Lyric Opera, including an upcoming 10th anniversary gala.

  • In the spring of 2025, Ganger was a five-time winner on 'Jeopardy!'.
  • Ganger returned to 'Jeopardy!' for the Tournament of Champions, which was taped near Thanksgiving and aired in late 2025 and early 2026.
  • The South Bend Lyric Opera 10th anniversary gala is scheduled for February 13, 2026.

The players

Ben Ganger

A Goshen, Indiana resident and Goshen College graduate who was a five-time winner on 'Jeopardy!' in 2025, earning $109,000, and later competed in the Tournament of Champions.

South Bend Lyric Opera

A local opera company in South Bend, Indiana that Ganger performs with, including an upcoming 10th anniversary gala.

Nathan Gunn

A renowned operatic baritone and South Bend native who will be honored at the South Bend Lyric Opera's 10th anniversary gala.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I enjoyed the experience both times. There is lots of pressure. The best part is the good friends I have made.”

— Ben Ganger

“We were in the green room watching a taping and the question was the highest mountain in the Atlas range. That's in Morocco, for those of us who aren't sure and that is most of us. The mountain is Toubkal. The contestant gave the Arabic name. 'We all said to each other, 'What did we get ourselves into?'”

— Ben Ganger

What’s next

Ganger says he will now take a break from competing on 'Jeopardy!' and return to focusing on his opera singing and other personal and professional commitments.

The takeaway

Ganger's story demonstrates how individuals can excel in multiple creative pursuits, blending success on a popular game show with a passion for the performing arts. His journey highlights how skills and experiences in one area can translate to success in another, and how local communities can take pride in supporting their own who achieve national recognition.