Software engineer Mehal Shah, representing Seattle, entered Wednesday’s Jeopardy! arena as a fresh face ready to test his trivia mettle against returning champion Mikey McCullough, a librarian from Baltimore with $18,200 already banked, and Los Angeles-based writer Elizabeth Little.
The first round, featuring categories such as “Road Trip” and “Gladiators,” saw Shah establish an early lead, accumulating $5,400. Little followed with $3,000, while McCullough trailed with $600. Shah correctly identified Key West and Key Largo in a Daily Double about the Overseas Highway, further solidifying his advantage.
Double Jeopardy! introduced categories like “Animal Planet” and “Authors’ Epitaphs.” Shah maintained his lead, reaching $12,800. However, a conservative $800 wager on a Daily Double about Virginia Woolf’s epitaph, which he missed, allowed McCullough to close the gap slightly, landing at $7,600. Little stumbled on a Daily Double, dropping to $3,800.
Final Jeopardy! presented a challenge centered on figures of myth. The clue, referencing Ovid’s description of a figure falling from the sky, stumped all three contestants. No one correctly identified “Who is Icarus?” Despite an incorrect response and a $3,001 wager, Shah’s lead held, securing him the victory with $9,799. McCullough and Little also missed the mark, finishing with $7,600 and $3,800, respectively.
Jeopardy! airs weekdays. Check your local listings.
