ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / ECONOMY & WORK

'Jeopardy' legend Ken Jennings has one opponent he never wants to face: 'He doesn't have..."

He has transitioned from contestant to host quite smoothly, but fans still want him to play the game.
PUBLISHED APR 17, 2025
Screenshot showing Ken Jennings on "Jeopardy!" (Cover image source: YouTube | Jeopardy!)
Screenshot showing Ken Jennings on "Jeopardy!" (Cover image source: YouTube | Jeopardy!)

Ken Jennings is considered a legend not only on "Jeopardy!" but in the entire TV game show universe, because of his 74-game winning streak during his time as a contestant on the show. Although some have won more prize money than him and others have had winning streaks on the show but no one has come close to breaking Jennings's record. But even the former iconic player and present host doesn't want to step into the arena as a player because he doesn't want to face one player, according to The US Sun.

The report claims that an insider of the show said that Jennings is not too keen on going up against James Holzhauer. The host’s 74-game undefeated streak is followed by Holzhauer who once went 32 games without losing in 2019. That’s not all.



 

That year, he was also on the Tournament of Champions, which saw him earn a whopping $2.5 million in prize money. Holzhauer and Jennings faced off in 2020 in the Greatest of All Time Tournament. That time, the former earned $250,000, but he was the runner-up to the current host of the show. However, the source claims that the 74-game unbeaten streak holder still has his doubts about competing against the 32-game winner.



 

“He hasn’t been quiet about this in the past, but he really does not want to go up against Holzhauer again,” the source said, before adding, “Ken has really doubled down that he doesn’t believe he would be able to beat him. He doesn’t have confidence he can take him down. James is a beast. Ken has the utmost respect for him, which is why he’s happy hosting games where James is competing.”

That’s not the only reason why Jennings doesn’t want to play “Jeopardy!” anytime soon. He has always been a fair contestant and believes that his time as the host of the show has taught him a lot of tips and tricks that other contestants might not be privy to. So if he competes once again, he might have an unfair advantage. That, indeed, would not be right, as the whole point of such a show is that the contestants start off with an even playing field.



 

“He went on to say that it would be completely unfair since he gets all the behind-the-scenes tips and tricks as host. He’s been given an advantage on that side of production that wouldn’t ever be fair to other contestants, so no, he insists that wouldn’t happen,” the insider told The US Sun.

Even if he wanted to, Jennings could not compete in “Jeopardy!” as long as he is under contract at Sony Pictures Entertainment. That’s a part of the broadcaster’s guidelines, and the insider also claimed that the host was on track to sign a new deal with the show as host.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
The pawn shop owner had doubts about the beverage's condition and was proven right.
6 minutes ago
The pawn shop owner has always been a big fan of WWII memorabilia and this was no different.
22 hours ago
The contestant turned to the audience for help and it paid massive dividends.
23 hours ago
None of the three contestants wagered anything in the final round, which was a first.
1 day ago
Cuban was excited to try them on and did a good job despite not having too much experience.
1 day ago
The contestant, Christina Derevjanik became the biggest winner ever in the show's history.
1 day ago
The guest reduced his asking price by $40,000 and it still wasn't enough to convince Harrison.
2 days ago
The contestant had her mother and sister with her, both of whom were also emotional.
2 days ago
Fans made their opinions clear under an Instagram reel posted by the show's official handle.
2 days ago
The contestant said she worked in hair loss prevention, which Harvey clearly knows nothing about.
2 days ago
The guest who impulsively picked up the LeRoy Neiman painting had no idea of its significance.
2 days ago
It was a heartwarming moment on the show, and even Steve Harvey had a big smile on his face.
3 days ago
The contestant, Talia MacLean could barely hold her emotions after playing a perfect game.
3 days ago
The guest wanted a six-figure sum for all three rings but Harrison did not even offer half of that.
3 days ago
The contestant played a fantastic game despite falling behind in the early going.
3 days ago
Herjavec was the only one who believed that he could make the business go big.
4 days ago
Steve Harvey had never heard of the team the contestant and sadi, and his reaction was priceless.
4 days ago
The contestant made the unusual choice because of a deal she had with a loved one.
4 days ago
The guest had received it from a cousin, who had bought it in Paris during World War II.
5 days ago
It was a fantastic solve for the contestant as the puzzle did not look easy.
5 days ago