10 “Jeopardy!” Winners Who Have Earned the Most on the Trivia Show

**Jamie Ding Joins the Ranks of Jeopardy Legends Following Impressive Streak**

Jamie Ding, a talented contestant from New Jersey, has made headlines with his remarkable performance on the iconic quiz show, “Jeopardy!” After an impressive winning streak that lasted 31 games, Ding found himself amongst the esteemed ranks of the show’s most notable champions when his run concluded on April 27. His journey in the spotlight has secured him a place in the top five of “Jeopardy!”‘s Leaderboard of Legends, currently holding the fifth position for consecutive wins.

Reflecting on his time on the show, Ding expressed a mix of emotions. “Part of me is not okay and thinks that it would’ve been nice to go for more games. But on the other hand, it could have ended much earlier than it did,” he shared in an interview with PEOPLE. “So I’m both upset and pleased. Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened kind of thing.” With his series of victories behind him, Ding has earned over $882,605, placing him seventh on the all-time earnings list.

As the show continues to celebrate its top contestants, it’s worth acknowledging the ten champions who have amassed the highest winnings throughout its long history. At the top of this impressive list is Brad Rutter, whose achievements include a staggering $4,938,436 accrued during both regular seasons and various special tournaments. Rutter revealed that winning on “Jeopardy!” opened doors for him in show business, allowing him to pursue his dreams beyond his previous job at a record store.

Following Rutter is Ken Jennings, renowned for holding the record for the most consecutive victories at 74 games. Jennings has raked in total winnings of $4,370,700, and notably took home the title during the 2020 Greatest of All Time Tournament. His long-standing legacy in the quiz world remains a benchmark for future contestants.

James Holzhauer, another standout player, occupies the third spot with total winnings of $3,612,216. Holzhauer is particularly famous for his high-risk betting strategy, which saw him secure a single-game record of $131,127 on April 17, 2019. His approach has since shaped how many contestants view strategic play on the show.

In fourth place, Matt Amodio gathered an impressive $1,818,601 during his run on “Jeopardy!” in 2021. At the time, he was pursuing a PhD in computer science and remarked on the financial relief his winnings provided him, which gave him more freedom in deciding his career path.

Amy Schneider, the most successful female contestant in the show’s history, sits in the fifth position with a total of $1,682,800. Schneider, who won 40 games in 2022, commented on the fast-paced nature of “Jeopardy!” and how crucial focus is to success. “If you get into your head for 60 seconds, it could be over,” she cautioned, highlighting the competitive intensity of the game.

Yogesh Raut, who won $1,096,403, notably triumphed in the 2024 Tournament of Champions. He attributed his success to a combination of hard work and luck. Ding’s recent winnings place him at number five for both highest earnings in regular-season play and consecutive game victories, joining a distinguished group of contestants.

Next in line is Mattea Roach, who has earned $810,983, and Victoria Groce, grossing $772,801 across her two appearances on the show spanning nearly two decades. Groce’s successes have led her to claim victory at the Jeopardy! Masters in 2024, cementing her status as a formidable contestant.

Lastly, David Madden completes the list with winnings totalling $763,733. His impressive 19-game run in the summer of 2005 was highlighted by a notable defeat to Groce.

As Jamie Ding embarks on his next chapter following his “Jeopardy!” journey, he expressed a desire to use his newfound resources for good. “There are some causes I would like to support,” he told PEOPLE, recognising the current challenges faced by many. With his significant winnings, Ding aims to make a positive impact in a time when many are struggling, particularly in the context of community support amid federal cuts and rising living costs.

As Ding’s story celebrates a thrilling achievement, it also serves as an inspiration for future contestants who aspire to make their mark in the world of “Jeopardy!” The game show continues to attract talent and generate excitement, ensuring that its legacy as a popular quiz platform endures.