In an intense and gripping finale of “Jeopardy!” Masters Season Two, reigning Masters Season One champion James Holzhauer faced a surprising defeat. While competing against Victoria Groce and Yogesh Raut, Holzhauer ultimately lost his title as Groce won the championship and the $500,000 grand prize.
The finale aired on May 22, 2024, and saw Holzhauer, Groce, and Raut in a fiercely competitive match. Victoria Groce, who had previously appeared on “Jeopardy!” in 2005, demonstrated remarkable prowess throughout the tournament. Her victory came after correctly answering a Final “Jeopardy!” clue about Henrietta Lacks, securing her win and cementing her status as one of the top quizzers in the country.
Holzhauer, known for his aggressive and strategic gameplay, finished in third place, taking home $150,000. Raut secured second place with a prize of $250,000. Despite his disappointment, Holzhauer took to X to congratulate his opponents, particularly Groce. “Huge congrats to Yogesh and especially Victoria for a brilliantly played final match,” he wrote. “The trivia community and followers of The Chase have long recognized Victoria as the nation’s top quizzer—now “Jeopardy!”Masters fans share that sentiment.”
James Holzhauer’s reaction highlighted his sportsmanship and commitment to the community. He expressed his disappointment at not winning the top prize, which he had hoped to donate to Project 150, a Nevada-based charity supporting homeless and disadvantaged high school students. “I’m bummed that I couldn’t win the $100K donation for @project150 this time,” Holzhauer posted, “but I’m sending a donation anyway to fund this year’s scholarships, and I hope you will join me if you’re able.”
Fans responded to Holzhauer’s posts with overwhelming support. “Way to go, James,” one user commented. “You’ll always be a favorite!” Another wrote, “All three were fantastic… I still root for you every time,” reflecting Holzhauer’s strong bond with his fans.
Victoria Groce’s win is a significant milestone in her quiz career. Despite having less experience on the “Jeopardy!” stage than her opponents, Groce’s focus on improving her skills with word puzzles and her ability to remain calm under pressure paid off. “I felt confident going into Final Jeopardy,” Groce shared, reflecting on her preparation and strategy that led to her victory. After her win, she celebrated with her husband, enjoying a fancy bottle of Champagne and cheese. She also plans to use some of her winnings to renovate her kitchen.
Holzhauer’s achievements in the world of “Jeopardy!” are nothing short of legendary. Known for his 32-game winning streak in 2019, Holzhauer set multiple single-game records for winnings and amassed a total of $2,464,216 during his run, making him the second-highest winner in regular-play winnings and the third-highest overall in “Jeopardy!” history. His aggressive betting strategy and ability to quickly identify high-value clues revolutionized the game and attracted significant media attention.
As the dust settles from this thrilling season, fans look forward to a potential rematch in next year’s “Jeopardy!” Masters tournament. Holzhauer’s resilience and Groce’s newfound dominance set the stage for what promises to be another exciting competition. Whether Holzhauer will reclaim his title or Groce will continue her winning streak remains to be seen.