Frank Merchlewitz, who grew up in Winona and now lives in Robbinsdale, won his first game on Jeopardy! on Friday, Oct. 16, finishing with $14,350.
The finish came down to Final Jeopardy! Merchlewitz went into the round ahead, with one opponent holding exactly half his total. Both missed the final clue, but Merchlewitz had wagered only $50, while his opponent wagered everything, leaving him in front.
Merchlewitz is a senior digital producer. His wife, Mikaela, is pregnant, and he wrote a note to her below his Final Jeopardy! response. Host Ken Jennings joked after the win that he hoped the closing moments had not sent her into labor.
He returned as champion on Monday, Oct. 19, facing a music teacher from Virginia and a television and podcast producer from Ontario.
Jeopardy! airs at 5:30 p.m. on CBS, with episodes available on Hulu the following day.
