Tue Dec 10 02:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Jeopardy! Upset: Reigning Champ Stevie Ruiz Defeated, Leaving Tournament of Champions Short One Player
**NEW YORK, NY** – In a surprising turn of events on Thursday’s Jeopardy!, two-day champion Stevie Ruiz was defeated by newcomer Dave Bond, leaving fans and producers scrambling. Ruiz, known for his distinctive bolo tie (a trivia prize), entered the game with a substantial lead but ultimately fell short to Bond, a retired grant writer.
Bond, who earlier in the game dropped to $0 after a Daily Double mishap, staged a remarkable comeback. A crucial wager on a Daily Double in the “Geographic Name Changes” category propelled him into the lead. The final Jeopardy! clue, describing the scent of “slightly earthy soap with pungent, leather-like clay undertones,” proved a stumbling block for all three contestants. While Ruiz guessed Play-Doh, and DiLeo failed to answer, Bond’s guess of Birkenstocks was incorrect; the correct response was Crayola Crayons. Despite the incorrect answer, Bond’s substantial lead secured his victory with $25,000.
Ruiz’s unexpected loss has created a problem for Jeopardy! producers. His defeat leaves the 2025 Tournament of Champions one contestant short of its 21-player roster, with the deadline for entries fast approaching. Online speculation abounds regarding how this vacancy will be filled, with suggestions ranging from the Champions Wildcard runner-up to a possible return of a previously unavailable contestant.
The final Jeopardy! clue itself also sparked debate among viewers, with many criticizing its ambiguity and lack of direct factual information. The unexpected outcome and the resulting Tournament of Champions predicament have left Jeopardy! fans buzzing.
First Piper 