‘Jeopardy!’ Fans ‘Dazzled’ by Drew Goins’ Performance After Stepping in for Lisa Ann Walter in Tournament of Champions
Drew Goins, a journalist from Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, took center stage in the 2025 Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions after stepping in as an alternate for Lisa Ann Walter, who was unable to participate due to a scheduling conflict. While Goins didn’t initially qualify for a spot after the Champions Wildcard, his unexpected inclusion in the competition quickly turned heads. His performance in the February 3 episode left viewers stunned and has sparked a wave of praise across social media and fan forums.
A Last-Minute Replacement, But an Impressive Performance
When Goins was called to replace Walter, it was clear that he would have big shoes to fill. Lisa Ann Walter, who secured her place in the Tournament of Champions after winning Celebrity Jeopardy!, had proven herself a worthy competitor, and her absence left fans wondering how the alternate would fare. But Goins, undeterred by the pressure of stepping in last minute, delivered a performance that exceeded expectations.
Facing off against Lucas Partridge, a high school counselor from Las Vegas, Nevada, and Amar Kakirde, a policy analyst from Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey, Goins dominated the game from start to finish. The intensity of the competition didn’t faze him as he took the lead early on and maintained his position throughout. By the time the Final Jeopardy! round rolled around, Goins was in a commanding position, having amassed an impressive $31,200 heading into the final round.
A Perfect Performance in Double Jeopardy!
One of the standout moments of Goins’ performance came in the Double Jeopardy! round, where he not only held a strong lead but also managed to find both Daily Doubles and answered them correctly. In the category “Anagrammed Nuclear Physics,” Goins correctly solved the clue, “Process of increasing the proportion of U-235 compared to U-238: NINTH CREME,” with the answer “enrichment.” In the following category, “Subtitles of Books,” Goins again nailed the clue, correctly identifying “The subtitle of ‘Frankenstein’ was ‘The Modern’ this, no mythtake,” as “Prometheus.”
These two back-to-back correct answers not only solidified Goins’ lead but also set the tone for the rest of the game. Fans on Reddit were quick to praise Goins for his impressive handling of these tough categories, with one viewer commenting, “I was dazzled by his responses to physics anagrams and word categories. Who else cheered when he landed back-to-back DDs?”
Final Jeopardy: A Smooth Finish
The Final Jeopardy! clue in the category “Places of Disaster” asked: “In 1883, an old sailor didn’t know what its name meant but believed the natives ‘named it from the sound.'” The correct response was “Krakatoa,” which both Goins and Kakirde correctly answered. Despite the correct responses from his competitors, Goins’ dominant performance ensured that he easily advanced to the semifinals with a total of $32,008, solidifying his position as a strong contender in the tournament.
Fans Rally Behind Goins: A Star Is Born
Following the episode, fans flooded social media and Reddit with messages of admiration for Goins’ performance. Many fans were already speculating that Goins could be a serious contender for the tournament’s top prize, with one user commenting, “Jeez Drew is so good. My pick is either him or Isaac to win the whole thing, their stats are pretty comparable. It’s gonna be a great semifinals, anything can happen.”
Goins’ unexpected rise to prominence in the tournament has certainly not gone unnoticed. Fans were quick to point out how impressive it was for him to step in at the last minute and make the most of the opportunity, with one Reddit user writing, “Shoutout to Drew Goins, who impressively stepped in for Lisa Ann Walter in the Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions quarterfinals after her scheduling conflict. It’s great to see him making the most of the opportunity!”
Lisa Ann Walter’s Support and Encouragement
Despite not being able to compete, Lisa Ann Walter has been a vocal supporter of Goins’ performance. Walter, who has a long history of admiration for Goins and his work, shared a personal message of encouragement with him. Goins’ brother, Zach, reached out to Walter to inform her of the scheduling change, and she responded with warmth and excitement, recalling her fond memories of growing up with The Parent Trap—a movie that was a favorite of both the Goins family and herself. Walter’s message read, “I love it! Please tell him good luck – now he has to win!”
The support from Walter highlights the camaraderie that exists among Jeopardy! contestants, as well as the mutual respect they have for one another. Walter’s kind words added a personal touch to an already unforgettable moment in the tournament.
A Promising Future for Drew Goins
As Goins advances to the semifinals, his future in the tournament looks incredibly promising. His commanding performance on February 3 left fans in awe, and with the competition intensifying, many are eager to see how far he will go. Whether or not Goins wins the tournament, his unexpected journey to the semifinals has already cemented his place as one of Jeopardy!’s rising stars.
His story is a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that makes Jeopardy! such a beloved show. From stepping in as an alternate to dazzling audiences with his knowledge and skill, Drew Goins has proven that, sometimes, an unexpected turn can lead to greatness.
Conclusion: A Stellar Debut
Drew Goins’ performance in the 2025 Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions has been nothing short of impressive. Stepping in at the last minute to replace Lisa Ann Walter, Goins took the stage and dominated, showing viewers exactly why he belongs in the competition. With a mix of strategic gameplay, quick thinking, and impressive knowledge, Goins has quickly made a name for himself. As he heads into the semifinals, fans will undoubtedly be watching eagerly to see how far he can go—because with performances like this, it’s clear that Drew Goins has the potential to go all the way.
