Toronto Lawyer James Hirsh Wins Big on ‘Jeopardy!’

Toronto lawyer James Hirsh recently captured national attention after winning episodes of the iconic quiz show Jeopardy! The episodes aired this week, showcasing his impressive knowledge and quick thinking under pressure. Hirsh, who also co-hosts the long-running podcast Menschwarmers, described his experience as “the thrill of a lifetime.”

About three weeks prior to the broadcast, Hirsh journeyed to the Alex Trebek studio at Sony Pictures in Culver City, California, where he taped his episodes. The excitement of being selected for such a prestigious show was palpable, especially as millions tuned in to watch his performance.

Hirsh’s preparation for the show spanned decades. As a teenager, he was the reigning champion of his summer camp’s trivia competition, which provided him with a foundational knowledge of the game format. He humorously recalled that the prize money back then was enough to buy some beers. This time, however, his winnings from Jeopardy! will help pay off his family’s mortgage. In addition to the cash prize, he received a custom Jeopardy! hat and tote bag, but he emphasized that the most valuable prize is the ability to say, “I was on Jeopardy!.”

During a recent episode of Menschwarmers, host Ellin Bessner interviewed Hirsh about his experience in front of the cameras. He discussed the thrill of competing against fellow contestants and the nerves he felt during pivotal moments like the Final Jeopardy! round. Hirsh noted that he had to keep his results confidential until the episodes aired, adding to the suspense.

On February 24, 2026, viewers witnessed Hirsh’s journey on screen. He engaged in a watch party with friends and family, where they cheered him on as he answered questions. “There was a sort of swearing to secrecy,” he said, reflecting on the importance of keeping the outcome under wraps. “It was really exciting to win and share that with everyone.”

Hirsh’s strategy for succeeding on Jeopardy! included extensive viewing of past episodes and engaging in trivia practice. He found that familiarizing himself with the show’s rhythm contributed to his performance. He also relied on reading Wikipedia to enhance his knowledge, an approach he found effective for broadening his understanding of various topics.

As the game unfolded, some categories proved more challenging than others. Hirsh expressed that science-related questions, particularly in astronomy, were daunting due to his limited background in the subject. However, he successfully answered key questions, including a notable one about the lost ten tribes of Israel, showcasing how his Jewish education aided him.

Reflecting on the competition, Hirsh described his opponents as excellent players. He noted that luck played a significant role in his victory. “I got lucky getting a few answers right and then getting the Daily Double, which completely changed things,” he explained.

The experience of interacting with host Ken Jennings was also memorable. Hirsh described Jennings as a friendly and approachable figure, deeply invested in the show’s legacy. While interactions were limited, the respect Hirsh had for Jennings added to the excitement of being a contestant.

As for what comes next, Hirsh expressed interest in possibly re-entering the world of Jeopardy! for future tournaments. He acknowledged the evolving landscape of the show, including the recent changes that allow more contestants to compete in postseason events.

In the end, Hirsh’s participation on Jeopardy! was not just a personal achievement, but a proud moment for his family and community. His journey from a summer camp champion to a contestant on one of television’s most beloved quiz shows represents a significant milestone. As he moves forward, he carries with him not just winnings, but cherished memories and the thrill of a lifetime experience.