Marvel Comic Book Writer Takes On Jeopardy! Champion Will Goree In A Dramatic Showdown — But The Returning Champion’s Unusual Final Jeopardy Wager Once Again Becomes One Of The Most Fascinating Moments Of The Game

An accomplished comic book writer stepped away from the world of superheroes and graphic novels to test her knowledge on Jeopardy! during the November 12 episode.

Lilah Sturges, whose impressive writing career includes work for Marvel and DC Comics, faced returning champion Will Goree and graduate student Pete Haskin in a game featuring dramatic Daily Double wagers, costly mistakes and another unconventional Final Jeopardy decision.

Goree entered the competition with a two-day total of $44,200, hoping to extend his winning streak.

However, his latest challengers were determined to give him a run for his money.

Marvel Writer Risks Everything On An Early Daily Double

Sturges, a writer and software developer from Portland, Oregon, has built an impressive career in the comic book industry.

Her credits include work for Marvel, DC, Oni Press, IDW and several other major publishers. Among her best-known projects are Jack of Fables and Dune: The Official Movie Graphic Novel.

During the opening round, Sturges discovered the first Daily Double with $1,200 in her bank.

Trailing Goree, who had accumulated $4,200, she decided to wager her entire score.

The clue in the category Transit Stations of the Cross asked contestants to identify the city where Waverley Station is located approximately 15 minutes from the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Sturges incorrectly answered London instead of Edinburgh, reducing her score to zero.

By the end of the opening round, Goree maintained a commanding lead with $6,800, followed by Sturges with $1,000 and Haskin with $400.

A Robin Williams Clue Leads To An $8,000 Disaster

Goree extended his advantage during Double Jeopardy after discovering another Daily Double.

With $11,600 already accumulated, the Austin teacher confidently wagered $5,000 on a clue connecting Lana Del Rey’s Body Electric to an American poet.

His correct response, Walt Whitman, increased his total to $16,600.

Haskin later found the final Daily Double with $8,000 and decided to risk everything.

The clue asked for the name Robin Williams gave his daughter because of his love of video games.

Haskin guessed Atari, prompting an amused response from host Ken Jennings.

Unfortunately, the correct answer was Zelda, named after the iconic video game character.

The incorrect response wiped out Haskin’s entire score, leaving Goree in an increasingly dominant position.

Final Jeopardy Brings Another Unusual Wager

Heading into Final Jeopardy, Goree had $19,400, while Sturges had recovered to $7,800. Haskin entered the final round with $1,600.

The category was Mountain Lore.

Contestants were asked to identify the 11th-century figure whom Pope Pius XI declared the patron of mountaineers and people of the Alps in 1923.

Haskin answered incorrectly, losing $30 and finishing with $1,570.

Sturges correctly identified St. Bernard and added $3,000 to her winnings, bringing her final score to $10,800.

Goree also provided the correct response.

However, the most interesting detail was his wager.

For the third consecutive game, Will Goree had risked absolutely nothing in Final Jeopardy.

Will Goree Extends His Winning Streak

Unlike his previous appearance, when his zero-dollar wager protected him after an incorrect response, Goree correctly solved the final clue this time.

With an insurmountable lead going into Final Jeopardy, he had no need to risk any of his winnings.

His decision secured a third consecutive victory, with his $19,400 bringing his three-day total to an impressive $63,600.

Sturges finished in second place following a strong recovery from her early Daily Double setback, while Haskin placed third.

Goree will return for his fourth game on Friday, November 13, with an opportunity to extend his winning streak.

Three consecutive victories, $63,600 in winnings and three consecutive zero-dollar Final Jeopardy wagers. Will Goree is proving that knowing when not to take a risk can be just as valuable as knowing the correct answer.