In an exhilarating semifinal episode of Celebrity Jeopardy! on April 16, 2025, entrepreneur David Friedberg secured his spot in the finals by delivering a stunning comeback. Competing against NFL analyst Mina Kimes and actor Sean Gunn, Friedberg was the only contestant to answer the Final Jeopardy clue correctly, winning the game with a total of $17,397.
The episode began with Kimes taking an early lead, but as the rounds progressed, Gunn surged ahead, finishing the Double Jeopardy round with $22,000. Kimes followed closely with $17,000, while Friedberg trailed in third place with $8,700. As the contestants entered the Final Jeopardy round, the tension in the studio was palpable.
The Final Jeopardy category was "Film Festivals," and the clue posed was: "Called the premier movie industry event for the Balkans, this festival began 30 years ago when the city was under siege." This clue referred to the Sarajevo Film Festival, a significant cultural event that emerged during the Bosnian War.
Friedberg, who had been lurking in third place, made a bold wager of $8,700, betting everything he had. His gamble paid off when he correctly answered, "What is the Sarajevo Film Festival?" This victory not only earned him the lead but also solidified his place in the finals.
Meanwhile, Kimes and Gunn were unable to find the correct answer. Kimes, who had wagered $1,000, guessed "Cannes" and ended up with $16,000. Gunn, who had led earlier, attempted a risky cover bet of $12,001 but answered incorrectly with "Bosnia FF," leaving him with $9,999.
The Sarajevo Film Festival, founded in 1995 during the siege of Sarajevo, has become a beacon of hope and resilience in the region. Despite the war, about 15,000 people attended the inaugural festival, and it has since grown to attract over 100,000 attendees annually.
Following the match, both Kimes and Gunn expressed their satisfaction with the outcome, as each contestant earned $50,000 for their respective charities: Kimes for the SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition and Gunn for Women for Women International.
As the Celebrity Jeopardy! season 3 progresses, fans can catch up on episodes every Thursday on Hulu, where they can relive the excitement and challenge themselves with the clues presented. With Friedberg moving on to the finals, viewers are left eagerly anticipating the showdown between him and previous finalist Robin Thede.
Celebrity Jeopardy! continues to captivate audiences with its blend of trivia and celebrity engagement, making it a staple of entertainment. The competition not only showcases the contestants' knowledge but also highlights their commitment to charitable causes, adding a layer of purpose to the game.
As the season unfolds, the stakes are higher than ever, and with Friedberg's unexpected victory, the finals promise to be a thrilling conclusion to this season's journey.
