Delaney O'Dea: Jeopardy! Champ's Epic Win & Exit

Get the inside scoop on 18-year-old Brown student Delaney O'dea's incredible two-game run on Jeopardy!, where she snagged over $21,000 and earned her spot as one of the show's youngest champions!

TL;DR:

Delaney O'Dea, an 18-year-old Brown University student, won a total of $21,600 across her two appearances on Jeopardy!.
She excelled in categories like "Broadway" and used her Latin knowledge to correctly answer a Daily Double about "Transylvania."
O'Dea secured her first victory by being the sole contestant to identify Harvey Milk in Final Jeopardy, showcasing impressive historical and cultural knowledge.

Talk about a smart cookie! Brown University student Delaney O'Dea just wrapped up a super impressive run on Jeopardy!, walking away with a cool $21,600 in prize money. At just 18 years old, she's officially one of the youngest champions the long-running quiz show has ever seen. Her two-game journey, which included a triumphant win on October 15, 2025, and a solid second-place finish on October 16, proved that age is just a number when you've got a brilliant mind and a knack for trivia.

From acing tricky categories to dominating the Final Jeopardy round, Delaney charmed audiences and impressed her college community. Her story is a fantastic reminder that sometimes, knowing your Latin roots or your LGBTQ+ history can literally pay off in a big way. Let’s dive into how this young academic powerhouse took the Jeopardy! stage by storm!

How Delaney O'Dea Landed Her Spot on the Iconic Jeopardy! Stage

So, how does an 18-year-old land a coveted spot on America's favorite quiz show? For Delaney, it was a journey that started early. She applied to compete soon after hitting the minimum age requirement of 18 back in February, enduring a months-long audition process before finally securing her spot in August. When her big day arrived on October 15, 2025, she stepped onto the Jeopardy! set with a unique advantage: a "home-field" boost.

Delaney was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, which meant the Jeopardy! studio was only about ten minutes from her childhood home! "It was nice to go home, and I got to have a bunch of friends and family in the audience," she shared, making her debut even more special and supportive. This familiar environment likely helped ease some of the intense pressure that comes with standing under those bright lights, facing off against experienced competitors.

Delaney O'Dea's Triumphant Jeopardy! Debut: Broadway, Latin, and a Historic Figure

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Delaney's first game on October 15, 2025, was a nail-biter right from the start. She faced off against returning champion Chris McGinn and fellow contestant Tafari Mbadiwe. While the early rounds saw all three contestants in a tight race, Delaney truly hit her stride, particularly in categories that aligned with her strengths. She absolutely nailed the "Broadway" category, telling The Herald, "I was a theater kid," which clearly gave her an edge.

One of her most impressive moments came during the "Into the Woods" category, where she found a Daily Double. The clue read: "Though the name means ‘beyond the forest,’ this region has its own woodlands like Hoia-Baciu." Without missing a beat, Delaney confidently answered, "What’s Transylvania?" She revealed that her knowledge of Latin, a language she studies at Brown, helped her decode the clue's roots ("trans" for "across" and "silva" for "forest"). This smart play added $2,400 to her score, putting her firmly in the lead with $10,000.

However, the game wasn't without its challenges. She later found another Daily Double in "12-Letter Words" and incorrectly guessed "hypnotization" for a clue about a "trance-like state to treat things like anxiety or stress," dropping her score temporarily. Despite this minor setback, she still held a strong lead heading into Final Jeopardy.

The category for Final Jeopardy was "Public Figures," and the clue was a powerful one: "Foreshadowing his 1978 death, he said, ‘If a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet destroy every closet door.’" While her competitors, Chris McGinn and Tafari Mbadiwe, struggled with their answers (John Lennon and an incomplete guess, respectively), Delaney knew exactly who it was: Harvey Milk.

Delaney O'Dea on knowing the Harvey Milk answer:

"I was raised by my mom and all of her gay friends. I was like, ‘If I don’t get this, I’m gonna be disowned.’"

— Delaney O'Dea, in an interview with The Herald

Her personal connection to LGBTQ+ history, coupled with Milk being a San Francisco native (and Delaney being a California native), made the answer click instantly. She was the only one to get it right, wagering $7,000 and bringing her total winnings for the night to a massive $18,600, securing her first championship title!

The Emotional Reactions from Delaney O'Dea's Friends and Professor

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Delaney's impressive win wasn't just a personal triumph; it sent ripples of excitement through her community, especially at Brown University. Her former English professor, Mariah Min, couldn't contain her joy, describing her reaction in an email to The Herald.

Mariah Min, Delaney's former professor, on the Final Jeopardy moment:

"As soon as I saw the question, I was PUMPING MY FIST like a maniac because I KNEW Del knew the answer! I’m so proud of her, as is everyone in her life."

— Mariah Min, Assistant Professor of English

Her friends at Brown were equally thrilled. Ramya Rajan ('29) described the scene at a watch party: "We were all freaking out… when she answered the final ‘Jeopardy!’ correctly. I was lucky to have the opportunity to be with her when her episode aired." Rajan added that while Delaney's victory wasn't surprising, "it’s also really surreal," and praised her "performance and poise." Another friend, Matty Berman ('29), echoed the sentiments, saying, "I’m so proud of Del! She’s one of the kindest people I’ve met at Brown, and it really showed on ‘Jeopardy!’" It's clear Delaney's charm and intelligence shone through, making her friends and mentors incredibly proud.

Delaney O'Dea's Second Jeopardy! Game: A Relaxed Approach to More Success

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With her first win under her belt, Delaney advanced to her second game on October 16, 2025. This time, she approached the competition with a noticeably different mindset. "I felt more relaxed going into the second game," she told The Herald, adding that she was "just going to have fun." This relaxed attitude didn't hinder her performance; in fact, she continued to show her trivia prowess.

After a relatively close first round, Delaney really soared into the lead during Double Jeopardy. She went on a fantastic four-question streak that added almost $7,000 to her score. She particularly excelled in the "Fiendish Entertainment" category, confidently answering questions about popular shows like "Lucifer," "Good Omens," and "Cheers." Her diverse knowledge base, from historical figures to pop culture, proved to be a formidable asset.

While another contestant managed to gain the lead after finding a Daily Double, Delaney maintained a strong second-place position during the final round. For her second-place finish, she received an automatic prize of $3,000, bringing her total winnings from her two incredible appearances to a grand total of $21,600.

What's Next for Jeopardy! Champion Delaney O'Dea and Her Prize Money?

So, what does an 18-year-old college student do with over $21,000 in prize money? Delaney has some practical plans, though she admits some of it will be for "boring" purposes like taxes and investing. However, she's also enjoying a bit of a splurge! "With the rest," she said, "she’s been kicking around and buying stuff I don’t need." And honestly, who can blame her? After such a thrilling and intellectually demanding experience, a little retail therapy seems well-deserved.

Delaney O'Dea's time on Jeopardy! was a truly remarkable achievement, showcasing her intelligence, poise, and quick thinking. Her journey, from applying at the minimum age to becoming one of the show's youngest champions, is an inspiring story of academic talent meeting the spotlight. We can't wait to see what else this bright Brown University student accomplishes!

Where Can You Catch All the Jeopardy! Action?

If you're eager to watch more brainy battles, Jeopardy! airs weekdays. Be sure to check your local listings for specific times. If you miss an episode, don't fret! You can stream Jeopardy! the very next day on platforms like Hulu and Peacock. So, get ready to test your own knowledge from the comfort of your couch!

Frequently Asked Questions About Delaney O'Dea's Jeopardy! Run

Here are some common questions about Delaney O'Dea's impressive performance on Jeopardy!:

When did Delaney O'Dea appear on Jeopardy! and win?

Delaney O'Dea first appeared on Jeopardy! and secured her win on October 15, 2025. She then returned for a second game on October 16, 2025, where she placed second.

How much money did Delaney O'Dea win on Jeopardy!?

Delaney O'Dea won a total prize of $21,600 across her two appearances. This included $18,600 from her first victory and $3,000 for her second-place finish.

Where can I watch Delaney O'Dea's Jeopardy! episodes?

While live airings have passed, you can typically stream Jeopardy! episodes the day after they air on platforms like Hulu and Peacock. Check their libraries for her specific episodes from October 15 and 16, 2025.

What is the minimum age to be a contestant on Jeopardy!?

The minimum age to compete as a regular contestant on Jeopardy! is 18 years old. Delaney O'Dea applied shortly after turning 18, making her one of the show's youngest champions.