‘Jeopardy!’ Champion Betty Hume Loses Her Grip as Curtis Parker Claims Victory

Betty Hume’s bid for a third consecutive Jeopardy! victory came to an end on Monday, November 9, after a challenging game saw her struggle to keep pace with two determined challengers. Despite a strong comeback attempt and a correct response on a crucial Daily Double, the Fredericksburg, Virginia, contestant ultimately fell short as Curtis Parker secured the championship.

Hume, a retired library reference assistant, entered the episode with $27,800 in two-day winnings. She faced Siobhan Ward, a volunteer manager from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and Parker, a researcher from Havertown, Pennsylvania.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for the November 9 episode of Jeopardy!

Hume Makes an Early Comeback With a Daily Double

Ward initially took control of the game, but Parker moved into first place within the opening 15 clues.

Hume, meanwhile, found herself in third place with $1,200 when she uncovered the first Daily Double on clue 21. With the category “Papal Glossary,” she decided to wager her entire score.

The clue asked for a two-word term describing the Church’s government, incorporating a word for a bishop’s domain, with the Pope serving as the Bishop of Rome.

Hume correctly responded, “What is the Holy See?” doubling her total to $2,400. Although the answer gave her some much-needed momentum, she remained in third place.

By the end of the Jeopardy! round, Parker held the lead with $5,800. Hume had climbed to second with $3,800, while Ward followed closely with $3,400.

Two Costly Daily Double Mistakes Change the Game

Parker maintained his advantage into Double Jeopardy!, reaching $15,000 before finding the first Daily Double on clue 19. He wagered $1,000 in the category “Gotta Dance.”

The clue described a 1920s swing dance whose name included that of a hero from a particular era. Parker answered “Charlestown,” but the correct response was the Lindy Hop, named after Charles Lindbergh.

The incorrect answer reduced his score to $14,000, though he remained comfortably ahead of his competitors.

Ward found the final Daily Double on clue 22. Tied for second place with $5,400, she wagered $1,600 in the “Bestsellers” category.

The clue concerned a 2017 experimental novel by George Saunders, most of which takes place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Washington in 1862.

Ward guessed “Gettysburg,” but the correct answer was Lincoln in the Bardo. Her mistake brought her total down to $3,800.

When Double Jeopardy! ended, Parker had strengthened his position with $15,400. Hume stood in second place with $7,400, while Ward had $5,400.

Final Jeopardy! Seals Parker’s First Victory

The contestants faced the category “Areas of London” in the final round.

The clue read: “The distinctive capes worn by those at a Dominican priory gave us the name of this district.”

None of the three players came up with the correct response, Blackfriars.

Ward wrote “What is Greenwich?” and wagered $600, finishing with $4,800.

Hume responded with “What is St. James?” Her $2,000 wager left her with $5,400, ending her hopes of extending her winning streak.

Parker wrote “What is Croydon?” but chose not to risk any of his money. His $0 wager preserved his $15,400 score, giving him a final total of $15,600 and securing his first Jeopardy! championship.

He will return on Tuesday to defend his new title in his second game.

Jeopardy! airs weekdays. Check local listings for broadcast times, with episodes available to stream the following day on Hulu and Peacock.