‘Jeopardy’ Contestant James Holzhauer Now Behind Only Ken Jennings on All-Time Cash Winnings List

Photo: Jeopardy Productions, Inc.

Less than one week after Jeopardycontestant James Holzhauer smashed the single-game winnings record, the professional sports gambler has achieved another astounding feat. On Monday night, Holzhauer won his eighth game in a row and claimed the number two spot on Jeopardy‘s all-time cash winnings list with $460,479. Thanks to Monday night’s total of $45,444, the Las Vegas native has now bested every Jeopardy contestant with the exception of the legendary Ken Jennings, who won $2,520,700 during his astounding 74-game winning streak.

Monday night’s contestants were no match for Holzhauer, who has dominated since his first episode on Thursday, April 4. The sports gambler went into Final Jeopardy with $35,415, almost tripling second-place contestant Kevin Bohannon’s $12,400 (with $4,800, Megan McLeod was barely in the running). Holzhauer went on to bet $10,029 on the stamp-themed question, and after answering correctly (Iwo Jima), his daily total increased to $45,444. With that amount, the Jeopardy champ overtook Dave Madden — who amassed $430,400 over the course of 19 games — for the second spot on the all-time cash winnings list (regular games). Look out, Jennings: Holzhauer is coming for you, and he’s got 66 games left to do it.

Holzhauer’s secret to winning big? Go all in on Daily Doubles. “When I watch at home, I always root for the contestants to bet big on Daily Doubles,” he said after his historic win. “They get them right most of the time, and it can give them a big leg up on the competition. I’m proud of myself for sticking to that attitude when it was my money on the line.”

On Tuesday night, Holzhauer will face two new contestants and attempt to win his ninth game in a row. We’d say good luck, but clearly, he doesn’t need it.

Jeopardy airs every weekday on ABC. To find the exact time and channel in your area, visit the Jeopardy website.