CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA: It is hard to take up the legacy of someone like Ken Jennings on 'Jeopardy!' He is bound to be regarded as a legend for years to come for his 74-day game streak that has remained untouched by any super champs after him.
However, many 'Jeopardy!' fans have expressed their hope in a new contestant who would surpass Jennings' legacy. The current champ, Daniel Moore, left everyone, including Jennings, stunned by his performance on the episode on Friday, July 14. Although he only earned himself a one-day 'Jeopardy!' champ title, he seems to be a promising contender for the next Ken Jennings.
Daniel Moore's unmatched 'Jeopardy!' win
While Moore was able to win the last episode, it was not just any ordinary win. By the time the three contestants, including returning champ Ittai Sopher and Allison Madson, had reached Final Jeopardy, Moore had already garnered $29,000. In a short interview with Jennings afterward, the host revealed that Moore had correctly answered 30 questions from the first two rounds, which earned him applause from everyone.
It was quite shocking that Moore was not able to answer correctly in the final round, the clue being, "In 1930, this author wrote 'Murder at Full Moon', a horror-mystery novel set in a fiction town in Central California." The correct answer, given by both other contestants, was John Steinbeck. Moore's answer was Jack London and he had wagered $4000. But because of the blanket his high score provided him, he was still able to win over Sopher and Madson.
Is Daniel Moore the next Ken Jennings?
Many fans speculated that Moore will be around the show for a while because of his extensive knowledge in varied areas and quick thinking. "He played a great game and I hope he stays around for a good long while," a fan wrote. Another tweeted, "Classy, well dressed and well spoken Champion!" Along the same lines, a Twitter user said, "Looking forward to a long run with this young man!" while another one labeled him the "Ken jennings II."
A 'Jeopardy' fan, who attended the episode's shoot, said, "I just met Daniel Moore tonight on Jeopardy!, and I predict he will be a candidate to take Alex Trebek‘s spot for good. He’s sharp, he has a great attitude, and he is totally enchanting. Don’t let him slip away." Many also compared him to a famous actor, one of the fans saying, "He reminds me of a young Denzel Washington."