As Oakland’s Amy Schneider returned to “Jeopardy!” Wednesday to compete within the present’s Match of Champions, she displays in a brand new interview on her record-breaking successful streak that made her a nationwide famous person and a transgender icon.
Schneider additionally expanded within the Day by day Beast interview on why she thinks Ken Jennings is a greater “Jeopardy!” host than Mayim Bialik, saying, “It’s not that I feel she’s dangerous …”
It’s been almost a yr since Schneider started what would change into a record-breaking, 40-game successful streak on the beloved recreation present, first showing on Nov. 17, 2021. By successful so many video games in a row, Schneider loved the longest successful streak for a girl on “Jeopardy!” and comes behind solely Jennings in complete wins. Considered one of many present’s hottest ever contestants, she racked up different accolades. Her winnings totaled $1,382,800, making her the very best incomes feminine contestant within the present’s historical past and the fourth highest incomes contestant throughout common play.
Now, she turns into the primary overtly transgender particular person to take part within the Match of Champions. Anybody who has received 5 or extra video games qualifies for the event.
This yr, Schneider faces off in opposition to a few of the most embellished gamers of all time, though not Jennings, who shall be internet hosting the tourney, the Day by day Beast mentioned. Different current landmark winners from final season returning for the competitors embody Matt Amodio, who had a streak of 38 wins final yr, and Andrew He, who almost beat Schneider in her very first recreation.
“These are all those who have earned a sure intimidation issue of their very own,” Schneider instructed the Day by day Beast.
Within the interview, Schneider additionally shared her view on what’s change into a fierce debate amongst “Jeopardy!” followers: Who's the higher host, Jennings or Bialik. The 2 have been named to share internet hosting duties following the 2020 dying of the legendary Alex Trebek.
In a Reddit AMA final month, Schneider mentioned, “Ken in a landslide. No offense to Mayim, however Ken simply ‘is’ Jeopardy in a method that may’t simply be replicated.” Her response happy many becoming a member of within the AMA. With the Day by day Beast, she additional defined that desire.
“She’s actually a positive host, and I do know folks favor her. I can see why,” Schneider mentioned. “The factor about it, to me, is that Ken has that deep information of ‘Jeopardy!’ He has a love for it. He has an intuitive feeling for the move of the sport and might touch upon it. The job of ‘Jeopardy!’ host is partly host, partly play-by-play commentator on how issues are going, and I feel he handles that stability rather well. It’s not a lot that Mayim isn’t good as I feel Ken is additional good.”
Within the interview, Schneider additionally talked about how her life had modified since she turned well-known on “Jeopardy!”
“Once I’m exterior of my house, there’s an opportunity that I’ll be acknowledged,” Schneider mentioned. “I've to be prepared for that, it doesn't matter what else is happening with me.”
“The principle factor is absolutely simply having the liberty to do what I need to do, having that monetary cushion to give up my day job and see what else on the planet I can accomplish,” Schneider added. “It’s not one thing I anticipated to occur in my life. It’s been actually thrilling to go on the market and never have to fret about making lease ever.”