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Jeopardy's reigning champion Arthur Chu has become a major story over the past weeks with his aggressive wagering, game theory, and abrasive-to-viewers tactics. But after Thursday night's utter domination, it's time to give him credit as one of the game's Best Ever.
@arthur_affect has made $238,200.00 in technically 240 minutes (including commercial time) on Jeopardy.. Let that sink in.
— taylor (@mrstayanderson) February 28, 2014
Don't say we didn't warn you. We proclaimed Chu "one to keep an eye on" last month after just three wins, and his return to screens this week (after a three-week break) has confirmed that. On Thursday, Chu located and correctly answered all three Daily Doubles, then nailed the Final Jeopardy question to finish with $58,200 for the day. That's the fourth-largest total one-day winnings ever. And his total winnings of $238,200 puts him as the third-winningest contestant ever, all in just eight days. Chu isn't just a fun-to-hate reality TV show villain; he belongs on the Mount Rushmore of Jeopardy.
No offense to his opponents Chris and Claire, but Thursday's match was as lopsided as they come. Here was the score before the Final Jeopardy round.
The most dominant figure in sports right now: Arthur. pic.twitter.com/9xEKedWO66
— SB Nation (@sbnation) February 28, 2014
With that edge, he actually had a chance to wager for the highest one-day total ever: $77,000, which was achieved by Roger Craig in 2010. He wisely didn't, as a $33,000 bet could have put him at risk of losing if he were to answer incorrectly and Claire doubled up. But the fact that it was even possible is a testament to his thorough strength. Here was the question:
Tonight's final #Jeopardy question was for #lahistory buffs. Category = Landmarks. (And, yes, @arthur_affect won.) pic.twitter.com/UNQ0WOCfsv
— Zach Behrens (@ZachBehrens) February 28, 2014
(All three answered correctly with "What is the Hoover Dam.")