Jan 8, 2022 - Sports
Amy Schneider becomes first woman to win $1 million on “Jeopardy!”
Amy Schneider. Photo: Jeopardy Productions, Inc. via AP
“Jeopardy!” contestant Amy Schneider became the first woman in the history of the game show to surpass $1 million in winnings, doing so in her 28th episode of the show.
The big picture: Schneider is the fourth person in "Jeopardy!" history to take home more than $1 million. After winning $42,200 on Friday, her total tally is $1,019,001.
- Schneider made history in December as the first transgender contestant to qualify for the Tournament of Champions.
- The 42-year-old software engineering manager grew up watching the game show at home and was voted most likely to appear on “Jeopardy!” in eighth grade, per the New York Times.
- “It’s not a sum of money I ever anticipated would be associated with my name,” Schneider told the Times.
Of note: The highest-earning contestant to play "Jeopardy!" is Ken Jennings, who earned a record $2.5 million in 2004 with a 74-game run.
What's next: Schneider's next “Jeopardy!” game will air on Jan. 10.