Jamie Ding’s Remarkable 31-Game “Jeopardy!” Streak Ends in Showdown with Chess Player Greg Shahade

Jamie Ding’s “Jeopardy!” Streak Ends at 31 Games, Dethroned by Chess Pro Greg Shahade

Updated April 27, 2026, 8:04 p.m. ET

In a stunning turn of events on Monday night, Jamie Ding’s remarkable 31-game winning streak on “Jeopardy!” came to an end, as he was bested by Greg Shahade, a chess player from Philadelphia. The episode marked a significant moment in the show’s history, as Ding, a resident of Lawrenceville, New Jersey, had solidified his place among the top contestants of all time.

Ding’s journey on “Jeopardy!” has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a total of $885,605 in winnings, he ranks fifth on the regular-season money list and seventh on the all-time money list, which includes tournament earnings. His 31 consecutive victories place him fifth in the show’s history, a testament to his impressive knowledge and quick thinking.

Despite the loss, fans of “Jeopardy!” can look forward to seeing Ding again in the upcoming Tournament of Champions, set to air in January 2027. His presence in the tournament promises to keep the excitement alive for his dedicated followers.

In the episode that ended his streak, Ding faced off against Shahade and Katrina Puckett, a teacher from Washington Court House, Ohio. Shahade took control early in the game, successfully answering all three Daily Doubles and amassing a total of $16,800 before Final Jeopardy. Heading into the final round, he held a commanding lead with $32,600, compared to Ding’s $16,000 and Puckett’s $3,000.

The Final Jeopardy clue, which stumped many contestants in the past, was: “Of South Africa’s 12 languages, these two are alphabetically first & last.” All three players answered correctly with “What are Afrikaans & Zulu?” Ding wagered $3,010, finishing with $19,010, while Shahade risked only $400, securing his victory with a total of $33,000.

Ding’s achievements have not gone unnoticed, with New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and Senator Cory Booker among those applauding his success. Sherrill tweeted, “Let’s hear it for @njhousing’s very own Jamie Ding! Keep on making New Jersey proud!”

Originally from the Detroit area, Ding graduated from Princeton University in 2013 and currently works for the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency. He is also pursuing a law degree at Seton Hall Law School, balancing his studies with his impressive television career.

Ding’s family, who immigrated from China, expressed immense pride in his accomplishments. His mother, Ning Yan, shared the excitement felt by friends and family, stating, “It’s very exciting.” Meanwhile, his sister, Jessie, highlighted the significance of his journey as an immigrant, saying, “It’s really cool to see… he can go on and carve out a piece of history for himself.”

As fans reflect on Ding’s incredible run, they eagerly await his return to the “Jeopardy!” stage, where he will undoubtedly continue to inspire and entertain.