Wed Apr 30 01:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Local Student Wins Big on Jeopardy!, Eyes Research Career
**Chicago, IL** – Barrington resident and University of Chicago student Liam Starnes is celebrating a remarkable Jeopardy! winning streak, amassing $123,000 in prize money over six consecutive victories. While specifics about further wins are under wraps, Starnes’ success has already secured him a spot in the Tournament of Champions, where he’ll compete for a $250,000 grand prize.
Starnes, a biostatistics major, revealed that his Jeopardy! journey began with a childhood dream fueled by participation in scholastic bowl competitions throughout middle and high school. His high school team even clinched a national championship during his senior year, an experience he credits as crucial preparation for the iconic quiz show.
After a series of Jeopardy! auditions—a teen test, a college test, and finally the regular test—Starnes received a life-changing text message in 2023 inviting him to Los Angeles to film. He described the experience of appearing on the show alongside Ken Jennings as “great,” noting that sports are his strongest category while pop culture proves more challenging. His preparation involved the classic method: studying past questions and watching the show religiously.
Post-graduation in June, Starnes plans to pursue a career in research, using his winnings to fund travel. He hopes his Jeopardy! success will inspire others to “keep trying to learn new things.”
First Piper 