Jeopardy! Contestant Dominates as Champ Aims for Three-Peat

James Hirsh from Toronto tries to secure his spot in the Tournament of Champions.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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On the February 26 episode of Jeopardy!, contestant James Hirsh from Toronto, Ontario, Canada earned a two-day total of $47,418 after defeating two-time champion Trey Hart. Hirsh was trying to secure his spot in the Tournament of Champions with his third win, playing against Elizabeth Hurd from West Bloomfield, Michigan, and Patrick Creech from Pink Hill, North Carolina. The game ended in Daily Double disasters for all the contestants, but Hirsh came out on top.

Why it matters

Jeopardy! is one of the most popular and long-running game shows on television, with contestants vying for a spot in the prestigious Tournament of Champions. Hirsh's dominant performance and potential three-peat win is noteworthy, as it could set him up for future success on the show.

The details

In the February 26 episode, Hirsh, a lawyer from Toronto, was trying to win his third game in a row and secure a spot in the Tournament of Champions. He played against Elizabeth Hurd from West Bloomfield, Michigan, and Patrick Creech from Pink Hill, North Carolina. The game saw Daily Double disasters for all the contestants, but Hirsh ultimately came out on top, earning a two-day total of $47,418.

  • The February 26 episode of Jeopardy! aired on 2026-02-26.

The players

James Hirsh

A lawyer from Toronto, Ontario, Canada who was the reigning Jeopardy! champion and trying to win his third game in a row to secure a spot in the Tournament of Champions.

Trey Hart

The two-time Jeopardy! champion that Hirsh defeated to earn his two-day total of $47,418.

Elizabeth Hurd

A contestant from West Bloomfield, Michigan who played against Hirsh and the other contestants on the February 26 episode.

Patrick Creech

A contestant from Pink Hill, North Carolina who played against Hirsh and the other contestants on the February 26 episode.

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What’s next

If Hirsh wins his third game, he will secure a spot in the upcoming Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions.

The takeaway

Hirsh's dominant performance on the February 26 episode of Jeopardy! showcases his skills and potential to make a deep run in the upcoming Tournament of Champions, one of the most prestigious events in the game show world.