Jamie Ding has taken the Jeopardy! world by storm, winning 31 consecutive games and nearly $900,000. Now, the champion reveals the buzzer trick that gave him the edge.
In an interview on Good Morning America, Ding explained that instead of watching for the lights next to the game board, he times his buzz based on the sound of host Ken Jennings's voice. "I do buzz in based on the sound of his voice — try to time it that way," Ding said.
Ding admitted he's even shared his technique with fellow contestants after one asked whether he uses the lights or sound. "I felt, 'Well, it would probably be fair to tell everyone that rather than just one,'" he noted.
However, the law student and bureaucrat confessed the trick isn't foolproof and can sometimes lock him out if he buzzes slightly too early. "I don't always get it perfect," he said. "But overall, probably pretty good. I've got musical training, so good timing there. And wonderful comedic timing."
Since his first appearance on March 13, Ding's wins place him fifth in all-time consecutive game wins, behind Ken Jennings (74), Amy Schneider (40), Matt Amodio (38), and James Holzhauer (32). He is also fifth in regular-season winnings with $882,605.
Ding never expected such success. "Nobody goes in planning to win 30 games," he told GMA. "Only a complete egomaniac would do that." He added, "I entertained the possibility. It's nice to dream big, but that it's actually happened is amazing."