Jeopardy Liam Starnes: University of Chicago student and Barrington High School alum blows away game show competition
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Liam Starnes of Barrington has been enjoying a winning streak on “Jeopardy!”

If you don’t want to know how he did on Friday, look away and turn down the volume.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Starnes managed to beat out his competition.

“It’s been a dream ever since I was much younger than I am now,” Starnes said.

Starnes is living his dream. The University of Chicago student has made good after becoming a contestant on “Jeopardy!” and winning a sixth match this week.

Starnes cannot say if he has won any more rounds or added to his $123,000 in prize winnings.

“I didn’t think I’d make it on, but one day, I got the call. It was such a great experience, being up there on the stage and getting to meet Ken Jennings and everything,” Starnes said.

The college senior studying biostatistics returned to school with a chance to participate in the TV quiz show’s tournament of champions.

Despite the chance at competing for $250,000 in prize money, Starnes says being on the show has been something he has always wanted to do since grade school.

“When I was in middle school, I started playing scholastic bowl in sixth grade, and it’s something I knew I loved,” Starnes said.

Since then, Starnes has participated in scholastic bowls at Barrington High School in Chicago’s suburbs and at U of C.

His most cherished accomplishment is being team captain of a winning team during his senior year in high school, when they clinched the national championship.

He says it was those competitions that prepared him for “Jeopardy!”

Starnes says he auditioned, taking a teen test, then a college test, then a regular test to get on “Jeopardy!” before finally getting the call in 2023 to be on the show.

He got a text message, but really didn’t think much of it, at first.

“Producers told me, ‘How would you like to fly out to Los Angeles?’ And that was a great feeling,” Starnes said.

His strongest subject is sports. Pop culture, not so much.

He prepared the old-fashioned way, by studying old questions and watching the show.

And while the thrill of the experience is still fresh, Starnes says after he graduates in June, he would like to work as a researcher and use some of his winning to travel. He hopes his journey to “Jeopardy!” can be an inspiration.

“Keep trying to learn new things. You’ll never know what you’ll find,” Starnes said.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
The DSA undercuts Black New Yorkers

DSA’s Impact on Black Communities in New York: A Closer Look

The recent mayoral election was less a triumph of democratic socialism and…
Supreme Court allows Texas to use a congressional map favorable to Republicans in 2026

Supreme Court Greenlights Controversial Texas Congressional Map Favoring Republicans for 2026 Elections

The Supreme Court provided a lifeline to Texas Republicans on Thursday, approving…
Florida sheriff calls massive drug operation ''Breaking Bad' on steroids' after record-breaking bust

Florida Sheriff Describes Record-Breaking Drug Bust as ‘Breaking Bad’ on Steroids

In a significant crackdown, Florida law enforcement officials have confiscated around 92,000…
Bodycam footage shows Luigi Mangione cracking joke as swarm of cops closes in on him at McDonald’s

Watch: Luigi Mangione’s Unbelievable Reaction as Police Swarm McDonald’s – Caught on Bodycam!

The man accused of orchestrating the ambush shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian…
'More Morbid Mess': Jermaine Richards' body sat unidentified at Cook County morgue for more than 2 years, family tells ABC7 I-Team

Family Reveals Shocking Delay: Jermaine Richards’ Body Unclaimed at Cook County Morgue for Over Two Years

CHICAGO — Recent findings have emerged in an ongoing investigation by ABC7’s…
GameStop buys Pokemon card for $30k in its highest trade-in ever

GameStop Sets Record with $30k Pokémon Card Purchase, Marking Largest Trade-In Deal Yet

GameStop recently turned heads by humorously claiming that only “trolls” would argue…
Chicago weather forecast today: Bitter cold temps move into area

Brace Yourself, Chicago: Arctic Temps Sweep the City in Today’s Weather Forecast

CHICAGO — Residents of Chicago woke up to a biting chill on…
Harvard professor detained by ICE after Boston synagogue shooting, agrees to voluntarily leave US

Harvard Professor’s Shocking ICE Detention: Voluntary Departure Follows Boston Synagogue Shooting

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Wednesday that Immigration and…
US military conducts strike on another suspected drug boat as probe into the first strike begins

US Military Launches Second Strike on Suspected Drug Vessel Amid Ongoing Investigation of Initial Operation

WASHINGTON — On Thursday, the U.S. Southern Command announced a new military…
Police search for suspect on US-1 near Abbotts Way in St. Johns County

Breaking: Manhunt Underway on US-1 Near Abbotts Way in St. Johns County – Stay Alert!

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to steer…
F.M. K9 owner Michael McHenry found not guilty of animal cruelty after 9 overheated dogs in truck die in Lake Station, Indiana

Michael McHenry, Owner of F.M. K9, Acquitted of Animal Cruelty Charges Following Tragic Death of Nine Dogs in Lake Station, Indiana

In a northwest Indiana courtroom, a man faced allegations of animal cruelty…
Suspected thieves caught on camera smashing Washington state storefront with truck in ATM heist attempt

Daring ATM Heist: Suspected Thieves Ram Truck into Washington Storefront, Caught on Camera

Video shows botched ATM heist at Walgreens In a dramatic display of…