‘Jeopardy! Masters’: ‘Obnoxious’ James Holzhauer Shocks Fans of Show
The competition is heating up in the Jeopardy! Masters tournament, which sees six of the game show’s elite contestants facing off for a $500,000 grand prize, and one player, in particular, is dominating the field.
Jeopardy! legend James Holzhauer, who went on a 32-game winning streak in 2019 and won that year’s Tournament of Champions, is not only leading the pack, but he’s winning over new fans in the process.
“Anyone else completely changed how they feel about James Holzhauer?” asked one fan on the Jeopardy! Reddit forum. “I was someone who just could not stand him during his initial run, felt he was too cocky, too obnoxious, etc. Watching him in the Masters tournament, I have appreciated him more than any other contestant.”
The self-confessed “supervillain” is currently in first place in the new points-based format, leading with 9 points after three wins. Behind him is Andrew He on 8 points and two wins, while Mattea Roach is currently on 7 points and two wins.
Trailing behind are Matt Amodio on 3 points and one win, Amy Schneider on 3 points and 0 wins, and Sam Buttrey on 2 points and 0 wins.
Holzhauer has leaned into his bad-boy persona, poking fun at his fellow contestants and even host Ken Jennings, all while making jaw-dropping wagers and answering an array of trivia.
“He brings a lot of comic relief, and his embracing of that “villain” role has honestly made him endearing in a way,” the Reddit user continued. “I have cracked up laughing at multiple moments during these first four episodes, and a good majority of those were from James.”
They continued, “I also have been dumbfounded at his skill. The back-to-back all in daily doubles to skyrocket into an insurmountable lead was honestly a moment where I just had to say Bravo.”
Others felt the same, with one fan writing, “He’s been awesome on the Masters. I love his Ken needling,” while another added, “In Masters, his cockiness comes off as a show or a put-on. There’s a humbleness underneath that is showing through and it’s not even subtle anymore.”
“Definitely a bigger fan of James while watching Masters, but there isn’t anyone on that stage I don’t like already,” wrote another viewer.
“I completely agree with you. James’ cockiness was definitely off-putting during his first run, but in the Masters Tournament, it’s clear that there’s a lot more to him than just bravado,” said another. “I think he’s really embracing the “villain” role and it’s adding a lot of entertainment value to the show.”
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I liked when James at end of match immediately got up and walked to Matt to congratulate him.
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I do actually like them all, but I enjoy watching James play the most.
60 5
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James has always been my fave! Hope he wins the Masters!
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I liked him then and now.
Glad 😊 he mentioned his little girl.
Go James.
52 3
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James is top of the game
Why does someone always find fault
They are not standing in his shoes and never will
He’s great
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Win or lose James is my favourite, he got a great sense of humor, he makes my night on jeopardy, very funny. I think all of them r great.👍go guys do u best.👏
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I have loved James from the beginning. I believe he's really a very kind, humble guy. And intelligent beyond words! He definitely keeps the show interesting.
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He is a great
Jeopardy personality star! Very interesting, sincere and always a joy to follow on the stage. Number one👍‼️
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I call him Jimmy boy - Love him! He is smart and knows how to play. They all took his strategies. He is a true Masters hope he takes it all tonight.
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I love that you call him Jimmy Boy. Quite original and endearing
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I think James is great and I enjoy watching him play. He is not obnoxious! He makes the game fun to watch. I would call him entertaining.
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I almost fell of the couch when James said, "Keep it in your pants, Ken."
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I really wish I had seen that. I would have been rolling on the floor with laughter. How did Ken take that? I love your wit and courage and knowledge.
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Love James but also like all others in the tournament. Have stopped recording and watching daily Jeopardy until Ken Jennings gets back to host. Alex Trebek did all Jeopardy regular programs and tournaments why can’t we have just Ken Jennings?
25 7
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Stop whining and grow up. It's been decided! Mayim and Ken hosting isn't harming you. They both have their good and bad points.
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James is my favorite.
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I love them all with their each unique personalities. What I like the best is how much fun they are having. Come on Sam let's get you off the bottom. Good luck to all!
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I really liked James from his first time on Jeopardy, and I still like him. He is the Jeopardy GOAT!!! Well, aside from Ken. He's charming, funny, and intelligent as heck!!! No way he's obnoxious, imo, quite the opposite.
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Amber I agree
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We actually got a peek at the real James last night when he talked about his grandmother from Japan who helped raise him. His obnoxiousness on game shows is largely a act.
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James was my favorite in his first run on Jeopardy and now again in the Masters. I had read about all the wonderful charities that he and his wife donate to. They are truly amazing people.
I love the needling that goes on during the show. It makes it more fun.
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James is the best player Jeopardy has ever seen. Ken barely nosed him out on the champions show and keeps avoiding a rematch.
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Ken Jennings dominated him and another contestant (can’t remember his name) in the tournament of all time greats.
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Brad.
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Tisk,tisk. It was so obvious that James "threw" the game so Ken would win! Even Ken realized that. That last question was so easy!
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He makes the show, he’s got personality
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James makes the show interesting to watch. Have always been a big fan
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James brings an excitement to the show. He is truly the best of the best bar none.
Loved him from get go.
All in.
4 1
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James is the best Jeopardy has seen. Ken barely nosed him out in the champions game and keeps avoiding a rematch.
7 4
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He was a judge causing contestants to loose money on the game show. He had the answers so the players would loose or he might not have enough answers and contestants would win. That’s why I was surprised to see him as a contestant very weird to see him win.
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l usually DON'T guys with that sorta Attitude ! But this guy is different ..... He can totally back-up his Attitude !
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James has been one of my favorite since Ken but I also like Matt and Sam. I'm really enjoying Jeopardy's Masters tournament to me it's brains against brains 🤣👍 how in the world can somebody store all of that knowledge Mattea is good and Amy is good and Andrew is very good.. but I really want James to win.
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Good to see Jamies back on Jeopardy and knocking it out of the park .
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Love James..I went thru withdrawals when he lost and left the shoe....gotta watch Masters
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The article's headline is negative and misleading. Article is totally positive regarding James.
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Mattea 🍁🏳️🌈
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Why isn't Ken Jennings in the tournament?
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He is disqualified as part of the production staff of "Jeopardy"
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I didn't know this was on so I'm pretty frustrated that it wasn't promoted more. I really hope I'll be able to watch it somewhere else.
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It was unfair to bring in an already established winner on Hannah _____, That was the equivalent of a personalized tournament.
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I cannot agree - I find him obnoxious and annoying. And his comment to Ken Jennings recently was repulsive.
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I’ve loved James since the beginning of his time on Jeopardy. Yeah, he’s cocky & sometimes comes across “mean”, but that’s what makes him unique & now even more popular. He’s a star in my eyes and I’m rooting for him to win this tournament so his head and ego will get even bigger! Lol! Good luck, James!!!!
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Great tournament great players a pleasure to watch. All are smart enough to win, it's the quick recall that separates them. In the end the daily doubles will seal the deal.
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This has been such a fun tournament to watch...Just like everyone else, I do have my favorite/s players...
I love seeing those "all in" bets...
Their knowledge is vast...
Keep having fun...
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Don’t know where else or how else to bring this point - tried and actual rule is that Jeopardy responses MUST be framed in the form of a question…yet on the second half of 5-23-23 of broadcast of Jeopardy Masters Tournament, under the category of ‘Questionable Music’, the clues responses already were questions, but still should have been worded what is…James Holzhauer gave three answers that were clearly NOT phrased in the form of a question. For example, the correct answer should have “What is ‘Who’ll Stop the Rain?”, James responded with simply “Who’ll Stop the Rain?” - regarding a Creedance Clearwater song. He gave two other responses the same way in this category. These three responses were all credited as correct. Mattes Roach answered the other two clues in this category, wording them as “What is….” - and she was also credited with correct answers. I realize this tournament has been running at lighting speed but let’s play fair. I realize taking the scores for these three responses away from James would not have affected the overall outcome, but in many instances in the past, contestants have been penalized for NOT responding in the form of a question. Perhaps it would be best if the response to a clue is not already a question.
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James is the new Sean Connery to Ken Jennings.
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Ive always enjoyed watching James from the beginnining. He is brilliant, yet humble, with his sense of humor. He has a photographic mind and i believe he could wipe them all out, but holds back and gives others a chance
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Oh my, where do I begin? Jeopardy by far is such an intense game. James plays quite well but he is "intentionally" throwing the game! I detect his "humility" that he does not want to appear as a "greedy" contestant. James won " big"on Jeopardy, earning "big" appearing on other shows and etc. When it was mentioned contestant Kenneth just became a new father I "knew" James would throw the game and he did. Watch closely.
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I love them all and I love learning that they have become friends outside of the show.
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James is obviously an intelligent man, but he is obnoxious as h*ll!!! His arrogance is insulting to his fellow players who are all trying their best to answer the questions in their own HUMBLE ways. There is nothing humble about James.
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James is still a bit obnoxious but a bit of an improvement but the longer he is on the more it shows. Still could do without him.
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I think they are all entertaining. James is not cocky. He is just a fun guy. I love to watch them all!!
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Not obnoxious. He's brilliant!!
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I love James! I was never bothered by his personality! He’s the best! And I like Sam and Andrew as well. Any of those three are already champs. Do not care for Matt or “Amy” at all!
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They hate him cause they ain’t him
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Ken needed to compete.
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I could not disagree more. James is arrogant, not the least bit entertaining, and I cringe every time I watch him. Ken Jennings hates him and rightly so. I hope anyone other than James wins, although it is unlikely.
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That wouldn't be fair because he has the answers.
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5 men and a "they" woman. LOL
James is the Champ!
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I hadn’t seen him in his initial run or TOC appearances but personally while obviously intelligent I find him obnoxious and the whole “self proclaimed game show villain” shitick really ridiculous that had its “5 minutes” a long time ago….
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I don't think he's obnoxious. He has a sense of humor. Love him
And I also love Amy.
Mattea Roach I'm not fond of
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I absolutely hated him on the regular show, and my feelings haven't changed.
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Very honest
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It is called growth.
If everyone is judged on first sight, there would be no one to like
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