Amy Schneider’s 40-game “Jeopardy!” winning streak is now over.
On Wednesday, the trans champ lost to Rhone Talsma, a librarian from Chicago. Her time on the show with the second-longest consecutive winning streak racked up $1,382,800 in winnings.
“It’s really been an honor,” Schneider said in a statement. “To know that I’m one of the most successful people at a game I’ve loved since I was a kid and to know that I’m a part of its history now, I just don’t know how to process it.”
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Related | Amy Schneider is Making Transgender History on Jeopardy!
However, she’s going out with her head held high and praising the man who beat her. “I had thought that Rhone was going to be tough going into it,” she admitted. “I loved hanging out with him, we had a great conversation before the taping, but I could tell that he was here to play and that he was going to be good. I still came very close to winning, but I did feel like maybe I was slipping a little bit. And once it was clear that he was fast on the buzzer, I knew it was going to be a battle all the way.”
She said she’s already planning on what to do next in a lengthy Twitter thread, including possibly writing a book.
She’s Grateful to Those Who’s Helped Her Along the Way
She also thanked several people for helping her on her impressive run including, the crew behind the scenes, her mother for “fostering my curiosity and love of learning,” and her friend for their “crucial emotional support.”
Schneider then went on to thank her partner Genevieve because “she’s never hesitated in supporting me as I chase my dream,” Schneider wrote.
“This Jeopardy experience has changed my life, but when I think of 2021, it will always be the year Genevieve and I started dating first, and the year I was on Jeopardy second, she added.
This Jeopardy experience has changed my life, but when I think of 2021, it will always be the year Genevieve and I started dating first, and the year I was on Jeopardy second. Thanks, baby, I love you so so much!
— Amy Schneider (@Jeopardamy) January 27, 2022
Related | Trans ‘Jeopardy!’ Champ Amy Schneider Makes History Again
Here Are the Ways She Made History
Throughout her run on the show, she’s made history several times. The first time was when she became the first trans contestant to qualify for the Tournament of Champions, where the season’s top 15 earning contestants face off in an annual competition.
She is also now the highest-earning woman contestant on the show’s almost six-decade run, beating the record by nearly double. Larissa Kelly held the previous record at $706,800.
She Will Be Back!
Schneider is planning to return to the show again later this year. The Tournament of Champions will air sometime this fall! Good luck with your future endeavors, Amy!
