Jeopardy! Sensation Harrison Whitaker: 6 Things to Know About the 27-Year-Old Trivia Prodigy

Harrison Whitaker, a 27-year-old from Terre Haute, Indiana, is quickly making a name for himself on Jeopardy! after winning back-to-back games with a total of $59,801 in winnings as of November 12, 2025. Fans have marveled at his quick thinking, breadth of knowledge, and calm demeanor under pressure, but there’s much more to Whitaker than his current game show success. From his international quiz experience to his academic background and love for England, here’s everything you need to know about this rising trivia star.

1. Whitaker Does His Research — Literally

Whitaker is no stranger to intellectual rigor. Currently working as a freelance researcher at Lifted Entertainment in London, he has contributed to some of the biggest TV productions in the world, including Love Island, Dancing on Ice, The Voice, and I’m A Celebrity. He has been with Lifted Entertainment since September 2024, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Before this, Whitaker built a strong academic career, earning a Doctorate of Philosophy in Film and Screen Studies from the University of Cambridge in 2024. He also holds a Master’s degree in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University. Along the way, he has served as a supervisor and seminar leader at Cambridge, an associate lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University, and a writer at Relevance, showcasing a blend of intellectual rigor and practical experience that has clearly prepared him for competitive quiz shows.

2. A Quiz Veteran Across the Pond

While Whitaker is a newcomer to Jeopardy!, he is far from a stranger to quiz competitions. Earlier this year, he gained attention in the UK as a contestant on the long-running University Challenge, a highly respected academic game show airing since 1962. Whitaker captained Cambridge’s Darwin College team, which advanced to the semi-finals, impressing both viewers and producers alike.

Interestingly, his involvement with University Challenge did not end there. He now writes questions for the show, helping shape the next generation of contestants. “It’s thrilling — and a bit strange — to go from answering questions on one series to writing them for the next,” he told Darwin College. “I just hope that I can play some small part in future contestants and teams having as much fun on the show as I did with Darwin.”

3. A British Quiz Champion

Whitaker’s accomplishments extend beyond television. He has been a key member of the British Student Quiz Championships, leading his team to victory in 2022 and again in March 2025, where he was the highest scorer. His quiz prowess, both in team-based competitions and as a solo player, demonstrates a deep mastery of trivia and a love for intellectual challenges that has clearly served him well on Jeopardy!

4. The Nerves Behind the Genius

Despite his extensive quiz experience, Whitaker admitted that appearing on Jeopardy! was nerve-wracking. “The moment I stepped behind the podium, I was more nervous than I’ve ever been in my life,” he told The Tribune Star. “So, if I look a bit shaky and pale, I hope everybody forgives me.”

Whitaker also observed that his fellow contestants shared the same mix of anxiety and competitive energy. “Everyone’s trying to size each other up, while trying to be congenial,” he said, highlighting the complex social dynamics of high-stakes trivia.

5. Raised by Educators

Whitaker credits much of his intellectual curiosity to his upbringing. He was raised in Indiana by Todd and Beth Whitaker, both faculty members at Indiana State University, along with his sisters, Katherine and Madeline. His parents, now professors at the University of Missouri, instilled in him a love of learning, complemented by the influence of his teachers and schools. “I do absolutely credit my schools and my teachers for inspiring this sort of academical love of knowing as much as possible about as much as possible,” he said.

6. Making England His Home

Though American by birth, Whitaker has embraced life in England. He currently resides there and enjoys exploring the culture, climate, and local quirks. He once walked more than 200 miles coast-to-coast in two weeks, a feat he described as both exhausting and rewarding.

Whitaker has developed a fondness for British weather — “I like the cold, and like that it’s a bit dank” — and has embraced local traditions, including pub culture. One of his favorite spots is the Peveril of the Peak in Manchester, reflecting his appreciation for the social and cultural aspects of his adopted home.

As Whitaker continues to dominate Jeopardy!, fans will be watching to see whether he can add to his impressive winnings and cement his status as one of the show’s most formidable young champions. Between his academic background, quiz championship experience, and international perspective, Harrison Whitaker is not just a game show contestant — he’s a trivia powerhouse whose love for knowledge shines through every answer.

Catch Whitaker on Jeopardy! weekdays, with streaming available next day on Hulu and Peacock.