Ken Jennings
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Kenneth Wayne Jennings III (born May 23, 1974) is an American game show host and author who has hosted the syndicated quiz show Jeopardy! since 2021. He is best known for his success and streak as a contestant on the program: in 2004, he won 74 consecutive games, the longest streak in the show's history, and became the highest-earning American game show contestant. Before appearing on Jeopardy!, Jennings worked as a software engineer. Afterward, Jennings pursued a career as an author, writing about his experience and exploring American trivia history and culture in a series of best-selling books. He also appeared on other game shows, including The Chase (where he was nicknamed "The Professor"), and hosted the Omnibus podcast from 2017 to 2025. Jennings returned to Jeopardy! in 2020 as a producer, and later guest-hosted the program after the death of host Alex Trebek that year. Jennings split full-time hosting duties with Mayim Bialik from 2021 to 2023, when he was made the sole host. Jennings holds numerous game show records. As of 2025, he is the second-highest-earning American game show contestant, having won money on five different programs, including $4,522,700 on Jeopardy!. His original appearance on the program marks the longest winning streak on the show, netting him $2,522,700 over the course of his 75-day run. Despite his major success on Jeopardy!, Jennings does not hold the record for longest winning streak worldwide; that record is held by Ian Lygo, who won 75 games on the British game show 100% in 1998 (Jennings appeared on Jeopardy! for 75 days but won 74 games). Jennings also holds the record for highest average correct responses per game and won the Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time tournament. On July 30, 2025, he and Matt Damon became the second duo and the third celebrities overall to win the $1,000,000 top prize for their charity, Water.org, and the 16th overall million-dollar winners on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Jennings also won $100,000 on November 17, 2014.
Career
- 1974Born
- Notable work: Omnibus
Trivia
- •Place of birth: Edmonds
- •Citizenship: United States
- •Known as: software engineer, blogger, non-fiction writer, computer scientist
What happened recently
‘Jeopardy!’ Fans Spot Odd Detail about Ken Jennings & His Wife While on Italy Trip
Get to know Ken Jennings’ dogs as ‘Jeopardy!’ host reveals which one is ‘cranky’
I Never Would’ve Guessed The Jeopardy Category That Made Ken Jennings Nervous When Competing
Fans Are Calling Out Ken Jennings Over His Controversial Comments About the Best NBA Player of All Time
Ken Jennings on the ‘Jeopardy!’ prep trick he swears by and the category that made even him sweat
Ken Jennings on the 'Jeopardy!' prep trick he swears by and the category that made even him sweat
“Jeopardy ”host and champ Ken Jennings reveals the surprising trivia category he knows best
Ken Jennings Shares Rare Insight into His Family Life, Says He and His Son Are Taking on a New Challenge Together (Exclusive)
Ken Jennings addresses future on Jeopardy — and the truth about controversial final question that broke 74
Ken Jennings addresses 'Jeopardy!’ conspiracy that he lost on purpose after 74 games
Ken Jennings Reveals How Much He Earns From His 2017 ‘The Simpsons’ Appearance
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