The most elite Jeopardy! champions are back for Season 3 of Jeopardy! Masters, premiering April 30, 2025, on ABC. Hosted by the legendary Ken Jennings, this high-stakes tournament brings together the brightest minds in Jeopardy! history for a fierce battle of wits, strategy, and lightning-fast buzzer skills. With returning favorites and exciting new faces, this season promises next-level trivia showdowns, shocking upsets, and unforgettable moments.
From Matt Amodio’s record-breaking streak to Brad Rutter’s undefeated legacy, and rising stars like Adriana Harmeyer and Juveria Zaheer, the competition has never been tougher. Who will outsmart, outplay, and out-buzz their way to the title of Jeopardy! Masters champion? Here’s a look at the all-star lineup ready to dominate the podium:
Cast of Jeopardy! Masters Season 3
– Ken Jennings — Self (Host)
Ken Jennings, the Jeopardy! GOAT, returns as host of Masters, bringing his trademark wit, deep trivia knowledge, and reverence for the game. Born on May 23, 1974, in Seattle, Washington, Jennings became a household name in 2004 with his 74-game winning streak—a record that stood for nearly two decades. His encyclopedic recall and humble demeanor made him a fan favorite, leading to his current role as the show’s permanent host following Alex Trebek’s passing.
Beyond Jeopardy!, Jennings is a bestselling author, podcast host (Omnibus), and trivia ambassador, appearing everywhere from The Chase to Mastermind. His hosting style strikes the perfect balance between playful banter and genuine respect for the contestants, making him the ideal guide for Masters’ high-pressure battles.
Here is the Contestants list:
– Matt Amodio — Self (Contestant)
Matt Amodio, the “Amodio Rodeo” phenom, stormed into Jeopardy! history in 2021 with a 38-game streak (the third-longest ever) and over $1.5 million in winnings. Born in Ohio and a Ph.D. candidate in computer science at Yale, Amodio’s analytical, aggressive gameplay—coupled with his signature all-lower-case responses—made him a standout.
Amodio returns to Masters after strong showings in previous tournaments, proving he’s more than just a streaker—he’s a strategic force. Will his computational brain outprocess the competition this time?
– Victoria Groce — Self (Contestant)
Victoria Groce, the “Queen of Quizbowl”, is a trivia polymath with titles in Jeopardy!, The Chase, and international competitions. Though she only had a short Jeopardy! run in 2005, her encyclopedic knowledge (especially in science and arts) and lightning reflexes make her a dark horse.
Groce’s recent dominance on The Chase (as a “Beast”) proves she thrives under pressure. Can she translate that success to the Masters stage?
– Brad Rutter — Self (Contestant)
Brad Rutter, the highest-earning Jeopardy! contestant ever ($5+ million), remains the only undefeated player in the show’s history (due to pre-streak era rules). The Pennsylvania native and former record-store clerk combines deep knowledge, buzzer speed, and ice-cool calm under pressure.
Despite his loss to Ken in the GOAT tournament, Rutter’s tournament dominance (5 wins) makes him a perpetual favorite. Will Season 3 be his redemption arc?
– Adriana Harmeyer — Self (Contestant)
Adriana Harmeyer, the 2024 breakout star, captivated fans with her 8-game streak and $225,000+ haul, thanks to her history expertise (she’s a Purdue archivist) and steady, methodical play.
Her poise and precision make her a wildcard in this all-star field. Can she outlast the veterans?
– Juveria Zaheer — Self (Contestant)
Juveria Zaheer, the 2023 Second Chance winner, stunned viewers with her emotional Tournament of Champions victory after initially losing on a triple stumper. The Ontario psychiatrist is a master of composure and clutch responses.
Her comeback kid energy could carry her far in this stacked lineup.
– Isaac Hirsch — Self (Contestant)
Isaac Hirsch, the 2024 College Championship winner, brings youthful energy and hyper-specific pop-culture savvy to the mix. The UCLA student charmed audiences with his self-deprecating humor and aggressive betting.
Can the new-gen player hold his own against legends?
– Roger Craig — Self (Contestant)
Roger Craig, the 2011 Tournament of Champions winner, revolutionized Jeopardy! strategy with his “Forrest Bounce” board-hopping and Daily Double hunting. The data scientist holds the single-game winnings record ($77,000) for non-tournament play.
His unorthodox tactics could disrupt the favorites’ flow.
– Neilesh Vinjamuri — Self (Contestant)
Neilesh Vinjamuri, the 2023 Professors Tournament winner, is a Rice University neuroscientist with broad, interdisciplinary knowledge. His calm demeanor and surgical precision make him a sleeper threat.
Will his academic rigor outlast the buzzers?
Why This Season Will Be Epic
-
New vs. Old: Young guns (Hirsch, Harmeyer) challenge legends (Rutter, Craig).
-
Rivalries Renewed: Ken vs. Brad, Matt vs. Victoria—legacy-defining matchups.
-
Wildcards: Zaheer’s clutch streak, Groce’s Chase-proven prowess.
-
Ken’s Insights: His hosting adds meta-commentary only a true champ could provide.
Don’t miss the premiere April 30, 2025, on ABC—where trivia isn’t just a game, it’s a masterclass.
