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Greg Shahade Ends Ding’s 31-Game Jeopardy Streak

4/28/2026

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Summary

Shahade Ends Streak

International Master Greg Shahade ended Jamie Ding’s 31-game Jeopardy! streak by taking a $10,800 lead and winning Final Jeopardy.
Ding entered with over $880,000, earned $33,002 to reach $882,605, wagered $198 on the “Literary Year” clue and missed it while Shahade’s bankroll was twice his.
Ken Jennings suggested Ding could join a Tournament of Champions while Ding said he misses playing as he studies for finals.

Summary

Ding Breaks Barriers

Jamie Ding’s 31-game run was hailed as a breakthrough for immigrant and people-of-color visibility on national TV.
Millions of families watched each night, turning Ding’s streak into a national phenomenon.
Despite the loss, Ding earned a Tournament of Champions spot, extending his story into the next season.
Greg Shahade earned the International Master title, linked to his buzzer reflexes and Daily Double bets.

History

Historical Context

In 2003 Jeopardy! lifted its five-win limit, allowing Ken Jennings to set a 74-game streak in 2004 that lifted ratings by about 30 %. The rule change created a template for later champions, and in April 2026 Jamie Ding posted a 31-game run worth $880,000, becoming the fifth-longest streak and echoing Jennings’ impact on the show’s format.

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Shahade Ends Streak

International Master Greg Shahade ended Jamie Ding’s 31-game Jeopardy! streak by taking a $10,800 lead and winning Final Jeopardy.
Ding entered with over $880,000, earned $33,002 to reach $882,605, wagered $198 on the “Literary Year” clue and missed it while Shahade’s bankroll was twice his.
Ken Jennings suggested Ding could join a Tournament of Champions while Ding said he misses playing as he studies for finals.

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