New Jersey 'Jeopardy!' Champ Breaks State's Win Record

Jamie Ding surpasses previous record holder Cris Pannullo with 22 straight wins on the show.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:38pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered glass reflecting a bright spotlight, conceptually representing the prestige and glamour of game show success.The shattered remains of a trophy reflect the bright lights of fame, symbolizing the hard-won achievements of a 'Jeopardy!' champion from New Jersey.Lawrenceville Today

Jamie Ding, a law student from Lawrenceville, New Jersey, has officially become the greatest 'Jeopardy!' player the Garden State has ever seen. Ding won his 22nd straight game on Monday night, breaking the previous record held by Cris Pannullo, who had 21 wins in 2022. Ding has now won a total of $627,600 on the show, making him the sixth longest winner in 'Jeopardy!' history.

Why it matters

Ding's record-breaking run on 'Jeopardy!' has captured the attention of New Jersey residents and game show fans nationwide. His viral moment mocking neighboring states during an episode has also added to the local pride surrounding his success on the iconic quiz show.

The details

During his 22-game winning streak, Ding has solidified his status as the best 'Jeopardy!' player to ever come out of New Jersey. He surpassed the previous record held by Cris Pannullo, an Ocean City resident who won 21 games in 2022 and earned $748,286. Ding's current total winnings stand at $627,600, making him the sixth longest winner in 'Jeopardy!' history.

  • On March 23, Ding went viral for taking a dig at New Jersey's neighboring states during an episode.
  • On Monday, April 13, 2026, Ding won his 22nd straight game, breaking Pannullo's previous New Jersey record.

The players

Jamie Ding

A law student from Lawrenceville, New Jersey, who is now the greatest 'Jeopardy!' player the state has ever seen.

Cris Pannullo

An Ocean City, New Jersey resident who previously held the record for most wins by a New Jersey player on 'Jeopardy!' with 21 games in 2022.

Ken Jennings

The current host of 'Jeopardy!' and the player with the most wins (74) and highest total winnings ($2.5 million) in the show's history.

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What they’re saying

“New Jersey's doing really well, we're ahead of New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania. If you're from one of those states, then shame on you, build more housing.”

— Jamie Ding, Law student and 'Jeopardy!' champion

What’s next

Ding still has a long way to go if he wants to surpass Ken Jennings' records for most wins (74) and highest total winnings ($2.5 million) on 'Jeopardy!'. Those milestones remain months away, if they happen at all.

The takeaway

Jamie Ding's record-breaking run on 'Jeopardy!' has sparked immense pride in New Jersey, with his viral moment mocking neighboring states adding to the local enthusiasm surrounding his success. While he still has a long way to go to reach the show's all-time records, Ding's achievements have cemented his status as the greatest 'Jeopardy!' player to ever come out of the Garden State.