Amy Schneider continues to make history as ‘Jeopardy!’ champ

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By Carina Murphy

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Amy Schneider has made Jeopardy! history, becoming the second most successful player in history.

The 42-year-old software engineer manager won her 39th consecutive game on Monday, bringing her total winnings to a whopping $1,319,800.

All-time champion (and current Jeopardy! host) Ken Jennings is now the only person who stands between Schneider and the quiz show crown, with his colossal 74 games winning streak.

As well as being the second most successful player of all time, Schneider also holds the title of the highest scoring female contestant of all time and the highest-performing transgender contestant in the show's history.

In a statement after her win, Schneider reflected on the record-breaking victory.

"It still feels unreal, I'm looking forward to seeing it happen on TV to know that it happened," she said. "Knowing that I had this chance, I was definitely thinking about it."

"Then Ken said it, and I thought, ‘Oh right, I just accomplished this huge thing’ and it was pretty great," she added.

The second-place record was previously held by Matt Amodio, who won 38 consecutive games in 2021.

Schneider may have smashed his record, but Amodio will still have a chance to best her in the quiz show during this year's Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions, in which they will both compete.

Speaking to Amodio after her win, Schneider said: "It was a real pleasure watching you and it's really going to be an honor playing against you and it's going to be a tight competition."

Meanwhile, in an interview with Good Morning America the Oakland, California resident reflected on how appearing on the quiz show has allowed her to be her "true self".

"I think that the best part for me has been being on TV, you know, as my true self, expressing myself and representing the entire community of trans people," she said.

"Just showing a different thing than some people have seen - of being, you know, a smart, confident woman and doing something supernormal like being on 'Jeopardy!'" Schneider added.

As for life after Jeopardy!, Shneider said that she's considering writing a book.

"What other opportunities might be out there? I’m exploring that," she said.

Featured Image Credit: Everett Collection Inc / Alamy