Fulfilling a Childhood Dream
Brendan Liaw, a Vancouver resident, recently achieved a lifelong dream by becoming a champion on the iconic game show Jeopardy!. Since childhood, he has been captivated by the show, recalling how he began watching it around the age of nine or ten. His early enthusiasm grew when he realized he often knew the answers, which inspired him to set a goal of not only appearing on the show but also potentially winning some money. Liaw’s journey to becoming a contestant underscores the rigorous selection process that applicants must navigate to earn a spot on the famous stage.
The path to appearing on Jeopardy! is no small feat. Contestants must first complete a 50-question online test, and if they pass, they advance to a second test of the same format. This initial screening is followed by an audition that includes a mock game with other hopeful contestants. The producers then have up to 18 months to reach out with an invitation to participate in a taping. For Liaw, this process began with his first audition in 2018, followed by another in 2021. In 2023, he was finally selected, proving the adage that the third time’s the charm.
Upon receiving his invitation just four weeks before the taping, Liaw dedicated his time to intense preparation, recognizing that being on Jeopardy! is a culmination of years of knowledge acquisition. His preparation included studying diverse subjects through books, TV, and current events. He even practiced using a buzzer to hone his timing for responding correctly during the game. This meticulous preparation reflects the dedication required not just to compete but to excel in a setting that demands quick thinking and a broad range of knowledge.
The experience of taping the show, however, can be surreal. Contestants learn who will compete just minutes before the game begins, leaving little time for nervousness to set in. For Liaw, the entire experience felt like a blur, recalling that the 40-minute taping time passed in what felt like mere moments. He found himself trailing the other contestants but managed to rally and secure his victory. Despite the intense competition and a few missed opportunities with Daily Doubles—strategic questions that can significantly alter the game’s outcome—Liaw’s determination and skill propelled him to the top.
The final question of the episode was an intriguing one, focusing on NFL Geography. The clue about the state with the lowest population density housing an NFL team stumped all contestants, but Liaw’s decision to wager the least amount of money spared him from severe losses. His reaction to the rollercoaster nature of the game encapsulated the emotional investment that contestants experience. Although unsure about the correct answer, he noted how the stakes shifted dramatically during the last moments of the game, allowing him to emerge victorious against the odds.
As Liaw contemplates his future post-Jeopardy!, he is weighing various career paths, including pursuing legal education with a background that includes a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology as well as a master’s in political science from the University of British Columbia. While he dreams of extending his winning streak on the show—a journey every contestant hopes to achieve—Liaw finds satisfaction in already being able to call himself a Jeopardy! champion. This achievement, regardless of what comes next, will remain a cherished part of his identity and reflects the excitement and fulfillment that come from pursuing one’s dreams.
