Scott Riccardi (Jeopardy) Bio, Wiki, Net Worth, Wife, Age

Scott Riccardi has electrified the Jeopardy! stage with a historic 10-game winning streak, amassing $282,101 in winnings and securing his place among the show’s elite champions . The 26-year-old mechanical engineer from Somerville, New Jersey, combines rapid-fire buzzer skills, fearless wagering, and deep trivia knowledge to dominate competitors. Here’s what fans are searching about this breakout star:

Key Facts at a Glance

Category	Details
Age & Hometown	26; Born in Plainfield, NJ, raised in Somerville
Education	BS in Mechanical Engineering, Rutgers University (2021)
Career	Support Engineer (Secuni), specializing in security/life safety systems
Jeopardy! Stats	10 wins, $282,101 (as of July 17, 2025); 1st $50k+ single-game win since 2023
Personal Life	Private; no public relationship status

Early Life

Born in 1999 in Plainfield, New Jersey, Scott Riccardi grew up in Somerville in a family that valued education and curiosity. From a young age, he showed a knack for puzzles, trivia, and hands-on projects. At Somerville High School, he excelled in math and science and competed in local trivia contests, which sparked his love for quizzing.

Riccardi pursued higher education at Rutgers University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2021. During his time at Rutgers, he worked as an undergraduate staff engineer at the Center for Advanced Energy Systems, focusing on renewable power systems and solar technology. He also joined robotics clubs and problem-solving competitions, which sharpened his technical skills and prepared him for high-stakes environments like Jeopardy!.

Scott Riccardi Career

After graduating, Riccardi entered the renewable energy industry as a product development engineer, designing solar power control systems. He later joined RePowered Inc., where he served as a design engineer and support engineer for life-safety and security systems. His work required strong analytical skills, systemic thinking, and the ability to troubleshoot under pressure—qualities that directly contribute to his success on Jeopardy!.

His engineering background influences his gameplay, particularly in how he approaches risk and reward. Riccardi’s ability to analyze situations and make calculated decisions has proven invaluable in the fast-paced world of the game show.

The Historic Jeopardy! Run

Scott’s journey began July 3, 2025, with a $17,600 win. The next day, he stunned viewers by wagering $24,000 on Final Jeopardy!—securing a $50,400 victory, the highest single-game haul since 2023 . Key milestones include:

• Game 7: Qualified for the Tournament of Champions with $182,901 total .
• Game 9: Surpassed Jeopardy! Masters alum Roger Craig on the all-time winnings list .
• Game 10: Joined the elite club of 18 players with double-digit wins .

Riccardi’s gameplay stands out for several reasons. He is known for his lightning-fast buzzer timing, which allows him to answer questions before his competitors. His knowledge spans a wide range of topics, from STEM disciplines to pop culture, making him a versatile player. Notably, he is the first contestant since Zach Newkirk in June 2020 to win a game despite missing all three Daily Doubles, showcasing his ability to recover from setbacks. He is also the first male super-champion since Ray Lalonde in 2022-2023, a significant milestone in Jeopardy! history.

His strategic betting approach, informed by his engineering mindset, has been a key factor in his success. Riccardi often makes bold wagers on Daily Doubles and carefully calculates his bets in Final Jeopardy!, especially in close games. In an interview on Jeopardy!’s Winners Circle, he shared that many of his games have been tight, requiring precise wagering to secure victories. His composure under pressure and ability to think critically have earned him praise from fans and analysts alike.

Behind the Scenes: Personality & Passions

• Superfan Roots: For his 25th birthday, friends surprised him with a Jeopardy!-themed party, complete with an Alex Trebek impersonator .
• Problem-Solver: In college, he streamed the Curb Your Enthusiasm theme to his TV at full volume when locked out of his house .
• Music & Gaming: He composes percussion pieces and competes in Super Smash Bros. under the alias “Biscotto” .
• Privacy Focus: He avoids social media, letting his achievements speak for themselves .

Personal Life

As of mid-July 2025, Scott Riccardi has kept his personal life private. There is no public information about a spouse or significant other, and he prefers to focus on his professional and intellectual accomplishments. This choice has earned him respect from those who admire his ability to maintain privacy despite national exposure.

Scott Riccardi Net Worth

Scott’s estimated net worth ($300,000–$400,000) combines his engineering salary and $282,101 in Jeopardy! earnings . With a guaranteed spot in the Tournament of Champions, potential Jeopardy! Masters eligibility, and his streak ongoing, this figure could rise substantially .

Fan Controversy & Sportsmanship

During Scott’s eighth win, competitors blocked Amanda Hopkins from answering a final clue that would have saved her from elimination. While some viewers criticized the move as unsportsmanlike, former contestants defended it, noting the intense focus required on stage .

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Frequently Asked Questions

How did Scott Riccardi prepare for Jeopardy!?
He took the Anytime Test on his first attempt. His engineering background honed his analytical approach to clues and wagering .

Is Scott Riccardi dating anyone?
He keeps his romantic life private, with no public information about a partner .

What records has he broken?

• First player since Ben Chan (2023) to win >$50k in a single game .
• Toppled Roger Craig’s all-time winnings record .
• Longest streak (10+ games) and highest winnings ($282k+) in Season 41 .

Will he compete in the Tournament of Champions?
Yes—his fifth win qualified him. He’ll face young phenoms like 20-year-old Liam Starnes .

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Scott Riccardi’s blend of technical brilliance, relatable humor, and record-shattering gameplay makes him Jeopardy!’s most exciting champion in years. As his streak continues, fans eagerly watch a potential legend in the making.