Particle.news

Calhoun Math Instructor Wins $48,001 on Jeopardy!

His July wins have drawn human-interest coverage spotlighting his preparation, his background, and his plans for the prize.

Overview

  • Matthew Riggle, a Calhoun community college mathematics instructor from Madison, Alabama, won the Jeopardy! episode that aired July 23, 2026, taking home $48,001.
  • Broad local coverage reports that Riggle has earned more than $64,000 across two aired episodes after a second victory that followed his July 23 win.
  • Reporters quoted Riggle describing the audition process, including a mock game producers use to judge how contestants handle pressure and keep the show moving.
  • Riggle said he prepared by refreshing existing knowledge and following current events while producers checked his availability and scheduled taping several weeks earlier.
  • He told local outlets he plans to use the winnings for his honeymoon and that a prior visit to the Jeopardy! set with his fiancée helped calm his nerves.