Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Courtesy of Jeopardy!
It’s hard to believe that it hasn’t even been a full year since Amy Schneider began her record-breaking Jeopardy! streak. We’re coming up on the one-year mark—she began her streak on Nov. 17, 2021—but before she celebrates, Schneider faces another big Jeopardy! milestone. She’s about to compete in the Tournament of Champions.
Once a year, the best and brightest Jeopardy! players make a pilgrimage to the Alex Trebek Stage, competing in a bracket-style competition to declare the year’s best contestant. Folks who have won five or more games qualify for the Tournament of Champions, making the challenge extra tough. This year, the stakes are especially high, as Schneider faces off against some of the most decorated players of all time—including other recent landmark winners. (But not Ken Jennings, who has the longest streak and will actually be hosting the tourney.)
With her entrance into the league of Jeopardy! greats, Schneider becomes the first out trans player in the Tournament of Champions. With divine timing, Schneider actually won her first game last year in the middle of Transgender Awareness Week, and she might have the opportunity to play during this year’s Awareness Week as well. That is, if she can make it far enough into the tournament.