So, if you’re looking to find out who won tonight in jeopardy, the answer is a bit of a "to be continued" situation. We are officially in the thick of the 2026 Champions Wildcard finals, which is a two-day total point affair. After a wild Day 1 on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Stella Trout is technically sitting in the winner's circle with the highest score, but the trophy isn't handed out until tomorrow's points are added in.
Stella, a software engineer originally from Houston, finished the night with $12,800.
It was a rollercoaster. Truly.
The Scores After Day 1
If you missed the broadcast, here is how the leaderboard looks heading into the second half of the final:
- Stella Trout: $12,800
- Cameron Berry: $10,000
- Jonathan Hugendubler: $1,200
Honestly, the middle of the game felt like a heavyweight boxing match between Stella and Cameron. Jonathan, an adjunct professor and trivia host from Baltimore, had a rough go for most of the night. He actually entered Final Jeopardy with a measly $600. But, in a classic Jeopardy twist, he was the only one to get the final clue right. That move doubled his score and kept him mathematically in the hunt, even if it's a long shot.
How Stella Trout Won Tonight in Jeopardy (Part 1)
Stella didn't just coast to this lead. She had to fight for it. During the Double Jeopardy round, she found a crucial Daily Double in the "Census Working Overtime" category. She wagered $6,000 on a clue about the Domesday Book (that 1086 survey of England). She nailed it.
✨ Don't miss: Who was the voice of Yoda? The real story behind the Jedi Master
That single bet basically propelled her past Cameron, a data analyst from Brighton, Massachusetts. Cameron had a strong start but stumbled early on a Daily Double about the 27th Amendment, losing $1,400 right out of the gate.
The game was tight. Going into the final segment, Stella had $16,800 and Cameron was right on her heels with $16,400.
The Final Jeopardy Disaster
The category was U.S. Geography. The clue was a bit of a brain-bender: it asked for the two states that border the most other states and also share a 60-mile border between Kentucky and Arkansas.
The answer? Missouri and Tennessee.
Jonathan got it. He's a trivia host, so you'd hope he'd know his maps, right? He doubled his $600 to $1,200.
🔗 Read more: Not the Nine O'Clock News: Why the Satirical Giant Still Matters
Cameron went with Tennessee and Ohio—wrong. He lost $6,400, leaving him with $10,000 for the day. Stella guessed Tennessee and Nebraska. Close, but no cigar. She dropped $4,000, which left her with $12,800.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Two-Day Finals
A lot of casual viewers see the "winner" of the Friday episode and think that's that. But in these tournament formats, the scores from tonight are added to tomorrow’s scores. It's not about winning individual games; it's about the combined two-day total.
This means Cameron is only $2,800 behind Stella. In Jeopardy terms, that’s nothing. One $3,000 clue or a ballsy Daily Double wager tomorrow could flip the script in seconds.
Jonathan has a mountain to climb. He needs a miracle—or at least both Stella and Cameron to crash and burn on a high-value Final Jeopardy tomorrow.
Why This Champions Wildcard Matters
This isn't just for a paycheck. The winner of this series gets the 21st and final spot in the 2026 Tournament of Champions (ToC). We already know some of the heavy hitters waiting for them. Scott Riccardi, the 16-game super-champ with $455,000 in winnings, is the one everyone is eyeing.
💡 You might also like: New Movies in Theatre: What Most People Get Wrong About This Month's Picks
There's also Paolo Pasco and Laura Fadda, who have been dominant this season. Whoever emerges from the Trout/Berry/Hugendubler battle tomorrow has to face those titans next week.
Tomorrow’s Matchup: What to Watch For
Tomorrow is Friday, January 16, 2026. This is the "money" round.
- Wagering Strategy: Since the scores carry over, watch how they bet on Daily Doubles. Cameron has to be aggressive to close that $2,800 gap.
- The Buzzer: Stella was lighting up the buzzer tonight. If she keeps that rhythm, she’s hard to beat.
- Final Jeopardy Betting: This is where the math gets messy. They have to account for their current totals and the potential of their opponents.
If you’re a fan of the show, tomorrow is the one you can't miss. Stella has the momentum, but as we saw with Jonathan being the only one to solve the geography clue, specialized knowledge can change everything in a heartbeat.
Check your local listings for the exact air time, as it varies by market—usually 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM. We'll see if Stella can hold on or if Cameron pulls off the comeback of the month.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Review the ToC Bracket: Check the official Jeopardy website to see which quarterfinal match the winner of this game will be slotted into.
- Brush up on State Borders: Since geography stumped two out of three players today, it’s a good time to look at a map of the Midwest—you never know when those border clues will return.
- Tune in Tomorrow: Set your DVR for the conclusion of the Champions Wildcard finals to see who claims that final ToC seat.