I’m a former champion from the 90s.
Everyone who thinks he lost on purpose is full of it, as others have mentioned. He wagered correctly, she was just faster on the button enough times. Nothing’s rigged - they could never survive it if it ever got out.
As far as the 2nd and 3rd place not getting money: The point is that only the winner gets cash, otherwise someone who is in second with a hefty total may not wager to win.
When I lost and finished second, the prizes I received for 2nd place were worth about 5 grand, and that was 20 years ago. This was also when the over all money was one-half what it is now.
The players that lose do fine. I’ll also say being on TV didn’t make it more difficult. The game moves too fast for you to even think about the fact that you’re on television. there’s no time to ponder it.
A number of years ago, I was watching a “Jeopardy!” tournament of champions with my sister.
My sister and I were both surprised to see a male contestant who just happened to be a high school friend of my sister from decades earlier.
A male nanny won the tournament, and received a prize of $250,000.
My sister’s high school chum came in second and was awarded $100,000. The third place guy won $50,000.
My sister’s long-ago friend apparently had been on the show before and won $60,000 during his time on “Jeopardy!”
Altogether, a total of $160,000 for him. Not bad.
I have my doubts about the Daily Doubles. They can easily be programmed to come up whenever they want. With the style James employed (And Emma copied), the DD's have a LOT to say about who wins.
That said, my suggestion about 'rigging' was more to imply: They made it VERY hard for him to break the record by recruiting not one, but TWO exceptional players. Still, James would likely have won if he'd had better luck with the DD's.
I've always dreamed about being on the show, but have never tried. I fear that I'd look like a fool in the TV lights.
Maybe you can answer a question my wife and I have: What is the deal with the timing of pushing the button? Are you not allowed to buzz in while Alex is still reading the question? How do you know WHEN you can push? Is there a visual aid of some kind?