Emma Boettcher Ended His Streak
James Holzhauer lost to Emma Boettcher on June 3, 2019, ending his 32-game winning streak. Boettcher, a former quiz bowl champion, outscored him in Final Jeopardy! and took the top prize.
Other Notable Defeats
After Boettcher, Holzhauer faced several strong opponents, including Andrew He and David Madden. He lost to He in the 2019 Tournament of Champions semifinals and later to Madden in the finals, finishing as runner-up.
Why His Streak Ended
Holzhauer’s aggressive Daily Double strategy raised the stakes, but opponents who wagered conservatively and answered key clues correctly could overcome his lead. High-risk play left him vulnerable to single-game upsets.
Legacy of His Losses
Although Holzhauer lost the Tournament of Champions, his regular-season record and aggressive style reshaped how players approach the game. His losses are studied as examples of high-variance play in competitive trivia.
