Poker Face Clinches $3 Jeopardy! Win in Thrilling Semi

In a high-stakes Jeopardy! semifinal, Roger Craig's poker face kept viewers on the edge of their seats, ultimately securing a win by a mere $3 chip.

Key Takeaways:

• Roger Craig won the Jeopardy! semifinal by a slim $3 margin
• Craig's poker face made fans believe he might have lost
• The close game showcased the importance of strategic wagering

The first semifinal of the 2025 Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament dealt a thrilling hand, with Roger Craig from Arlington, Virginia, emerging victorious in a nail-biting finish. Craig's masterful poker face during the Final Jeopardy! round had fans and commentators alike convinced he might have busted, only to reveal a winning hand at the last moment.

The game kicked off with Shane Whitlock, a radiologist from Arkansas, taking an early lead. However, the tide quickly turned as Craig and Jaskaran Singh, a consultant from Texas, started raking in the chips. Singh's all-in Daily Double wager paid off, moving him into second place with $3,600.

As the game progressed, the lead changed hands multiple times, reminiscent of a high-stakes poker tournament. By the end of Double Jeopardy, Craig held the chip lead with $14,400, followed closely by Singh with $12,600, while Whitlock trailed with $3,200.

The Final Jeopardy category, "Famous Names," presented a clue about Edna Ferber interviewing a hometown celebrity from Hungary in Appleton, Wisconsin. All three contestants correctly identified Harry Houdini, but it was Craig's strategic wager of $10,801 that sealed the deal.

In a moment that would make any poker player proud, Craig maintained an unreadable expression as host Ken Jennings revealed the results. His final total of $25,201 edged out Singh's $25,198, proving that sometimes, all it takes is a single chip to take down the pot.

This close call serves as a reminder of the importance of precise wagering and maintaining composure under pressure, skills equally valuable at the poker table and on the Jeopardy! stage. Craig's victory earns him a seat at the final table, where he'll face off against the winners of the upcoming semifinals.

Poker enthusiasts and trivia buffs alike can catch the next round of semifinals on Monday, March 3, as the tournament continues to unfold. With such razor-thin margins, it's clear that every answer – and every wager – counts in this high-stakes game of knowledge and strategy.