Featured J!Buzz

When long-running Jeopardy! champion Matt Amodio returns to defend his 18-game winning streak today, he will be one of the first three contestants to compete on the newly renamed Alex Trebek Stage at Sony Pictures Studios.

Formerly known simply as Stage 10, the set was officially renamed in honor of the late Mr. Trebek: he hosted more than 8,200 episodes of Jeopardy!, many of them from this stage. The dedication ceremony — held on the first day of taping for Season 38 — was emceed by Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, Tony Vinciquerra. Alex’s wife, Jean, and three children Matthew, Emily and Nicky were all in attendance.

Immediately after the ceremony, announcer Johnny Gilbert set the new season in motion as he once again introduced “…a PhD student from New Haven, CT, Matt Amodio.”

It’s been a short summer break, but fans have been anxious for the return of this unassuming champ, who won $574,801 in 18 games at the end of last season.

Matt is currently in third place on the Jeopardy! all-time highest winnings list (regular games), behind only two players in the show’s history: James Holzhauer ($2,462,216) and Ken Jennings ($2,520,700). As we head into the new season, Matt is in fifth place on the list of all-time consecutive games won.

Today, kicking off an all-new season of Jeopardy!, Matt will attempt to win his 19th game. You won’t want to miss this historic run.