Grant DeYoung, a grocery clerk from Prescott, Arizona, has captivated fans of “Jeopardy!” with his impressive winning streak. DeYoung won four games and amassed $81,203 in total winnings while competing from a noticeably different perspective.
A Policy for All Contestants
In a recent episode of the “Inside Jeopardy!” podcast, producer Sarah Whitcomb Foss addressed the attention surrounding DeYoung’s seating arrangement. “Fans have been noticing that Grant is sitting in a chair during his games,” Foss said. “This is something that we always offer to contestants. We don’t ask why; it’s not our business. If you want a chair, we’ll give it to you.”
DeYoung’s condition, back arthritis, makes standing for long periods difficult. On Reddit, DeYoung explained, “I have some back arthritis that makes standing still for that long very difficult. I wouldn’t expect everyone who sits for Jeopardy! to disclose their reason for needing one, but I don’t mind saying mine.”
Winning Streak and Fan Support
Despite his physical challenge, DeYoung has proven to be a formidable competitor. DeYoung was on a winning streak since defeating three-day champ Will Newton last week. On Monday, he clinched his fourth victory in a nail-biting finish against Ivvone Zhou and Greg Meller, securing his spot in the next Tournament of Champions. On Tuesday, May 21 though, he lost to challenger, Chris D’Amico.
Fans have been supportive of DeYoung’s performance and his resilience. One user on social media praised him, saying, “Grant’s resilience makes his money moves even more impressive.” Another fan remarked, “Well, even after taxes, even third place Jeopardy! money will help cover any expenses Grant has on that car.”
A Dramatic Start
DeYoung’s journey to “Jeopardy!” was marked by a dramatic incident. During his first game, he shared a whirlwind story about how he was struck by a car precisely when he received the text informing him that he had made it onto the iconic quiz show. “I got off work, got in the car, pulled my phone out, and it sank in. I’m on the verge of tears there, staring down at it, and I got hit and ran,” DeYoung recalled.
Host Ken Jennings was taken aback and asked, “A car hit you while you were getting the text?!” DeYoung replied, “Yes, and I didn’t even notice because I was so, you know, engrossed in getting the text. I had people coming up to me after [saying], ‘Are you aware you just got your car hit?’ and I was like ‘No,’ holding my phone and staring at the message.”
Adjusting to the Game
Throughout his appearances, DeYoung has demonstrated not only his knowledge but also his sense of humor. He often selects clues with a phrase reminiscent of former “Jeopardy!” champion Matt Amodio. Answering with “what’s” (instead of “what is”) has become a signature part of his gameplay, although DeYoung admitted, “It is a blatant copycat move on my part to try and clean up the potential for wrong answers. It didn’t work.”
At 6’4″, DeYoung also faced challenges with the chair, jokingly explaining that he couldn’t do a 360-degree spin. “A good thought, but my knees keep hitting against the podium, and I’d likely give them a good smack if I tried.”
A Supportive Community
The “Jeopardy!” team has emphasized its commitment to accommodating contestants’ needs. Foss mentioned that the policy of allowing contestants to sit has been in place for a long time and is offered without any questions. This policy has benefited not only DeYoung but also other contestants like Troy Meyer, who sat during his initial run and later in the 2024 Tournament of Champions.
DeYoung’s story has resonated with many viewers, inspiring admiration and support from the “Jeopardy!” community. His ability to perform under pressure and his willingness to share his challenges have made him a standout contestant.
As DeYoung prepares for the Tournament of Champions, fans eagerly await to see how far his knowledge and resilience will take him.
