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In a season of Jeopardy! that’s already been peppered with dramatic twists, emotional fan-favorites, and the kind of high-level trivia that would make even Doctor Strange reconsider his multiverse pursuits, one name has quietly risen to the top of the champion heap: Liam Starnes. The 20-year-old undergraduate from Barrington, Illinois, hasn’t just been winning—he’s been doing it with the kind of calculated precision and composure that begs the question: Is Liam Starnes the next Ken Jennings of the streaming era?

Starnes’ five-win streak was packed with cinematic-level tension and strategic brilliance

Across back-to-back episodes aired in late April, Starnes pushed his winning streak to five games, amassing a four-day total of over $81,800 before securing his place in the Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions. But it wasn’t just the cash — it was how he won. Each game played out like a Marvel post-credits scene, loaded with small but significant moments that shifted the momentum and showcased Starnes' mastery of the game’s unique rhythm.

In one particularly nail-biting episode, Starnes squared off against Abigail Arnold and Eric Cordova. Arnold, an academic administrator, came out swinging in the first round, snagging a Daily Double and wagering everything — only to miss the mark and plunge back to zero. Starnes seized the opportunity, doubling down on his own Daily Doubles with flawless execution. By the time Final Jeopardy rolled around, he was in the lead — but the daredevil wagering by Arnold made the finish razor-thin. Starnes won by a mere $400, and the fanbase erupted in praise for what many called “one of the best games ever.”

The kind of contestant who turns trivia into an epic showdown

What sets Liam Starnes apart isn’t just his knowledge—it’s his instincts. Like a seasoned racer in the Fast & Furious franchise who knows when to floor it and when to drift, Starnes reads the board. He hunts for Daily Doubles like they’re Infinity Stones, and he wagers with confidence, never recklessly but always with purpose. In a matchup against Raguell Couch and Harold Goldston III, Starnes again walked the tightrope and came out on top, correctly answering a Final Jeopardy in the “Historic Names” category with “Who is Columbus?” — even as Couch faltered with an incorrect guess.

Starnes’ gameplay is reminiscent of a comic book hero who isn’t the loudest in the room but quietly always saves the day. He’s got the stats (four consecutive wins before that fifth seal of approval), the poise (rarely flustered, even when questions are poorly worded or opponents push the envelope), and the character (fans loved his on-air anecdotes about wanting to visit Machu Picchu and Angkor Wat with his winnings).

Even the controversies can’t overshadow Starnes’ skill and sportsmanship

One of Starnes’ episodes became the center of a minor online storm when some viewers questioned whether fellow contestant Raguell Couch was consistently answering in the proper question form — a Jeopardy! golden rule. Reddit threads lit up with speculation, but careful review showed that Couch mostly stayed within the rules, and any lapses were minor and unpenalized by host Ken Jennings. Still, the scrutiny only highlighted how sharp and unshakable Starnes remained in the middle of it all.

Meanwhile, fans also expressed sympathy for contestants like Harold Goldston III, who, despite a tough day at the podium, never gave up. Even in games filled with high-stakes gambles and tight finishes, Starnes’ presence seemed to elevate the competition rather than dominate it in a way that felt one-sided. He’s the kind of player who brings out the best in everyone else — much like how a well-directed Jurassic Park film uses its T-Rex not just for mayhem, but for wonder.

Starnes isn’t just playing for wins—he’s playing for legacy

What makes Liam Starnes’ run especially compelling is that he’s still an undergrad. With a background as a High School Quiz Bowl National Champion, he’s clearly been honing this skill set for years. But unlike many prodigies who burn bright and fade fast, Starnes is showing a steady upward trajectory. His thoughtful approach to wagering, his deep well of knowledge, and his calm under fire suggest he’s not just aiming for the Tournament of Champions — he’s aiming to make a mark while he’s there.

Jeopardy! fans and trivia lovers alike would do well to keep an eye on Starnes. He’s the kind of contestant who turns a quiz show into a feature-length experience — full of strategy, tension, and small victories that add up to something unforgettable. In a world craving heroes of all kinds, Liam Starnes is giving us one in the form of a blue-circled podium and a silver marker.

And honestly? That’s pretty heroic.