Sarah Gillis, a mortgage loan processor from Asbury Park, New Jersey, has made a name for herself as a formidable contestant on the iconic quiz show "Jeopardy!" She emerged victorious on the May 6, 2025 edition, winning a total of $7,300 and earning the opportunity to defend her title the following day. Gillis's impressive performance included correctly answering 13 questions while missing just five, including the challenging "Final Jeopardy" question. Despite this, her strategic wagering allowed her to maintain a lead throughout the game.
On the May 7 episode, Gillis faced tough competition from Dan Moren, an author and podcaster from Sommerville, Massachusetts, and Michelle Tsai, originally from Honolulu, Hawaii. Moren, who has written five books and hosts several podcasts, and Tsai, a professor and performer known for her past appearance on the "Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses," both brought their A-game to the quiz show.
The game started off rocky for Gillis, who found herself in the negatives during the initial rounds. Tsai's knowledge of New Jersey trivia even allowed her to outpace Gillis early on. Tsai managed to find the first Daily Double, wagering all her $4,600 on a clue about a Tuscan landmark. Unfortunately for her, she answered incorrectly, dropping her score to zero. By the end of the first round, Moren held the lead with $3,800, while Gillis trailed behind at $1,200.
In the "Double Jeopardy" round, Gillis quickly regained her footing by answering several questions correctly. She turned $3,400 into $7,400, giving her a $3,800 lead heading into the "Final Jeopardy" segment. However, the category for "Final Jeopardy"—the Grammys—would prove to be a challenge for all contestants.
The clue read, "Best New Artist at the 7th annual Grammys, this band would be nominated the next 6 years but not again until the 39th and 67th events." Gillis wagered all her money but answered incorrectly, dropping her total to zero. Tsai also wagered significantly, $5,000, but her guess of "Who is Bruce Springsteen?" was also wrong. Moren, the only contestant who did not wager any money, answered with "Who are The Rolling Stones?"—another incorrect guess. The correct answer, as it turned out, was The Beatles.
Despite the blunders in the final round, Moren's strategy of not wagering allowed him to win the game with a total of $17,200. Tsai finished second with $8,600, while Gillis, unfortunately, ended her run with nothing. This unusual outcome, where all three contestants failed to answer the final question correctly, sparked discussions online, with many viewers expressing disbelief at the triple stumper.
Gillis's journey on "Jeopardy!" has captured the attention of fans, particularly her impressive knowledge and quick thinking. During her first appearance, she expressed her love for the game and her passion for soccer, showing a personal side that resonated with viewers. Gillis is a season ticket holder for Gotham FC, which adds another layer to her personality as a contestant.
As Moren prepares for his next game on May 8, he will face two new opponents, continuing the cycle of excitement and competition that has become synonymous with "Jeopardy!" Fans of the show are left wondering how Gillis will bounce back from this defeat and if she will return to the show in the future.
With the show's enduring popularity and the caliber of contestants it attracts, each episode brings new surprises and challenges. Viewers eagerly await the next installment, hoping to see more thrilling moments and unexpected twists. As for Gillis, her time on "Jeopardy!" may have ended for now, but her legacy as a strong competitor will certainly linger in the minds of fans.
