The winning streak of an endearingly eccentric Jeopardy! contestant finally came to an end Thursday night.
After 12 episodes and $411,000 in winnings, bartender Austin Rodgers returns home to New York City with his life changed forever.
Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Rodgers was squeezed out of contention by Scarlett Sims Thursday night, being routed by the Tennessee housewife by just $51.
The 12-game winning streak of an endearing yet eccentric contestant finally comes to an end
NYC bartender Austin Rodgers won more than $400,000 while on the show during his stint on Jeopardy!
Rodgers captivated Jeopardy! audiences with his off-beat sense of humor and peculiar hand gestures
The final tally, according to The Star Tribune, was $33,201 to Rogers’ $33,150 for the upset.
‘I set myself a goal of two wins, and I exceeded that expectation,’ Rogers said in a press release.
‘I mean, I always wanted validation that I’m smarter than everyone, and now, when in an argument, I can just say ‘SCOREBOARD!’ and point to an imaginary Jumbotron.’
During his stint on the decades old television show, Rodgers captivated Jeopardy! audiences with his off-beat sense of humor and peculiar hand gestures.
He was especially known for his pantomiming capabilities, such as taking a phone call or pouring himself a drink, while he was being introduced.
The mixologist from Manhattan automatically qualifies for the show’s Tournament of Champions in November
He was even able to warm-up to the show’s longtime host, Alex Trebek, who was at first put-off by 38-year-old scruffy rapscallion for his colorful language.
‘They told me to stop swearing,’ Rogers said of the Jeopardy! crew. ‘In my first couple of appearances I was extensively bleeped.’
Many social media users on Thursday expressed disappointment that the streak of such a interesting contestant was coming to an end.
‘Austin Rodgers is a National treasure,’ one person on Twitter remarked. “One of the most entertaining #jeopardy champion.’
‘I’m sorry you lost on Jeopardy,’ said another, adding ‘I’m actually crying.’
But not everyone was sad to see Macalester College graduate go.
‘I still hate #austinrodgers but I’m STILL watching him on Jeopardy’ one detractor wrote.
Only four other contestants have won more money or more games than Rodgers in the show’s 30 year history
Rodgers, however, may not be out of the spotlight for long.
The mixologist from Manhattan automatically qualifies for the show’s Tournament of Champions, which is scheduled to air in November.
Given the show’s long history, Rodgers’ streak was truly impressive: Only four other contestants have won more money or more games since the show’s modern incarnation aired more than 30 years ago.
Ken Jennings remains the all-time Jeopardy! champion, winning a record 74-games in 2004 and earning an estimated $ 3,270,700 during his reign, according to show’s website.
In 2014, Julia Collins became the second-longest winning contestant on the show. ‘By the time she stepped out of the Winners’ Circle, she had amassed more than $400,000 dollars and won a whopping 20 games,’ the Jeopardy! website notes.
Other notable contestants include computer science engineer Roger Craig, who became Jeopardy’s all-time single episode money winner, earning over $77,000 for one game in 2011.