VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — We have to wait to see what Jeopardy! record-breaker James Holzhauer’s able to do when he returns to the game show.
His current 22-game win streak is on hold while the show airs its annual Teachers Tournament.
In the meantime, 13News Now sat down with a former Jeopardy! Champion from Virginia Beach.
“My grand total was $146,801,” said five-time champion Dave Belote.
Belote’s six-show streak in 2009 places the former Air Force commander and fighter pilot in a small group of the show’s all-time greats.
“My wife used to tease me for years about my brain being filled with worthless information,” said Belote. “But then after a six-show run…she took the word worthless off.”
Belote said he used his earnings to buy a beach house in Southern Shores, appropriately named “Inn Jeopardy.”
He also said it’s a common misconception that contestants are prepared ahead of time for the topics on the show.
Belote said a big part of being successful on the show isn’t even the trivia.
“About 80 percent is being able to work the clicker,” said Belote. “You’re locked out if you ring in early. [Holzhauer] has it down perfectly. He doesn’t seem to waste a molecule of motion.”
We also asked Belote about long-time host Alex Trebek.
Belote said he wasn’t only moved by how he was treated during his run, but how his son was treated by the host on his final night.
Belote said Trebek took the time to talk with his son, Drew, who has autism. Trebek even brought Drew on set to share a few words with the audience and to take a picture.
“There is a photo on my son’s wall of that moment,” said Belote.