Toronto Lawyer James Hirsh Triumphs on Jeopardy!

Toronto lawyer James Hirsh made his mark on the iconic game show Jeopardy!, capturing the attention of millions as he emerged victorious this week. Hirsh, who is also the co-host of The CJN’s long-running podcast Menschwarmers, expressed his excitement, calling the experience “the thrill of a lifetime.”

The taping took place at the Alex Trebek studio at Sony Pictures in Culver City, California, approximately three weeks prior to the airing of the episodes. Until now, he had kept the results of his performance a secret, adhering to the customary confidentiality expected of contestants. As the episodes aired starting on February 24, 2026, viewers witnessed Hirsh’s impressive gameplay, a culmination of years of preparation and passion for trivia.

Hirsh’s journey to the podium began long before his appearance on the show. As a teenager, he was a four-time champion of his summer camp’s version of Jeopardy!. “The prize money back then was enough to buy some beers,” he recalled, humorously reflecting on his past victories. This time, however, his winnings will significantly impact his family’s finances, helping him pay down their mortgage. Along with cash prizes, he also received a custom Jeopardy! hat and tote bag, though he noted the true prize is the ability to say, “I was on Jeopardy!.”

During a recent episode of The CJN’s North Star podcast, Hirsh discussed the pressure of competing on national television and the meticulous preparation he undertook. He watched countless episodes to familiarize himself with the game’s rhythm and question formats.

“I applied and tried out in 2011,” he explained, detailing his long-standing desire to participate. After years of perseverance, including adapting to the show’s new testing system introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hirsh finally secured a spot on the show.

Hirsh traveled to California alone, as the logistics of bringing his family were complicated. While Jeopardy! does not cover contestant travel expenses, the opportunity to win money would help offset these costs. He described the nerves he felt leading up to the taping, which was compounded by wearing uncomfortable shoes. “I should have brought something more comfortable,” he admitted.

Despite the pressure, Hirsh showcased his knowledge and quick thinking during the game, tackling categories that ranged from Broadway to world geography. His Jewish background aided him in answering questions related to his heritage, and he took pride in representing Canada during the competition.

Hirsh faced formidable opponents, including one player who had previously won multiple games. “It came down to luck,” he remarked, acknowledging that his success was partly due to the timely appearance of Daily Doubles.

Reflecting on the experience, Hirsh praised Ken Jennings, the show’s host and one of its most successful contestants. Despite the formal nature of the interactions, Hirsh found Jennings to be warm and approachable.

As the episodes continue to air, Hirsh has garnered support from family, friends, and fans. “It’s been lovely hearing from people,” he said, expressing gratitude for the encouragement he received throughout the process.

Looking ahead, Hirsh remains hopeful about future opportunities, including the possibility of participating in the Tournament of Champions. “I would welcome the opportunity to do more in the future,” he stated, reflecting on the significant impact the experience has had on him both personally and professionally.

For fans who missed his live appearance, all episodes featuring James Hirsh are available for streaming on Crave TV in Canada, with additional airings scheduled on Yes TV. Such moments not only highlight individual achievements but also showcase the cultural connection and pride that Canadians share in international competitions.