Season 3 of Jeopardy! Masters acquired off to a surprising begin on Wednesday when Brad Rutter, the highest-winning Jeopardy! contestant of all time, got here in final on the premiere. The sport present contestant appeared to maintain good spirits and nonetheless riff on host Ken Jennings regardless of his loss, however followers had blended reactions and mentioned Rutter was rusty.
Ritter competed towards the 2024 Masters champion Victoria Groce, from Macon, Georgia, and the 2024 Event of Champions winner Yogesh Raut, in the course of the first sport, on Wednesday, April 30.
When Jennings launched the contestants, he mentioned that he was assembly Rutter, an actor, for the primary time on reverse sides of the rostrum. “I do know you’re thrilled to see me, Ken,” Rutter mentioned. “All the time a delight, Brad,” Jennings replied.
He was the one one to reply a query flawed within the first spherical. In the course of the interview spherical, Rutter mentioned that he has been staying sharp, regardless that followers can’t inform as a result of he hasn’t been fast on the buzzer. “Some other targets for the match?” Jennings requested him. “I believe I need to make enjoyable of you some,” he replied. “Honest sufficient. That’s why I’m right here,” Jennings mentioned. “I’m all the time in search of alternatives,” Rutter responded. “I’m certain I gives you many. It’s nice to see you once more, Brad,” the host mentioned.
By the top of the sport, Rutter solely had $6,200. He didn’t know the Last Jeopardy query, so he dropped right down to $2,178. Being in third gave him zero factors, and when the standings had been revealed on the finish, Rutter was in final place. He shall be again in later matchups to attempt to redeem himself. As soon as all 9 gamers have competed as soon as, the lineup mixes up. Monitor the match right here.
Followers had been disenchanted in Rutter’s gameplay, particularly since he is without doubt one of the Biggest of All Time, and reacted on-line.
“Shocked individuals are fully writing Brad off already. Yogesh and Victoria should be one of the crucial troublesome matchups you will get–particularly on your first sport again after just a few years. I’m not saying he’s going to smoke whoever he will get in his second sport. However I’m not eulogizing him fairly but,” a Reddit person mentioned.
brad rutter in final place on jeopardy masters… pic.twitter.com/4t0PzJQtUz
— Zee. (@forbestiel) Might 1, 2025
I acquired the primary Last Jeopardy on Jeopardy Masters right and the good Brad Rutter (my Jeopardy hero) didn’t. I may need peaked.
— Jeffrey Cook dinner (@NagusCook) Might 1, 2025
Jeopardy! Masters, Wednesdays, 9/8c, ABC, subsequent day on Hulu