The puzzle master has officially solved the ultimate game. On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Paolo Pasco solidified his place among the show's all-time greats by winning the Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions (ToC) in a stunning 3-0 "clean sweep."
The 25-year-old crossword constructor defeated fellow finalists Scott Riccardi and TJ Fisher in consecutive games, taking home the $250,000 grand prize without ever giving his opponents a chance to catch up. For fans searching for "Jeopardy ToC results," Pasco’s dominant run—marked by aggressive Daily Double wagers and a heartwarming final message—is the biggest story in game show television this week.
Jeopardy ToC 2026 Finals Recap: How Paolo Pasco Achieved the Clean Sweep
While the ToC's "first-to-three" format can often drag on for a week, Pasco shut the door early. He is the first player since the inception of this format to secure the title in just three games, never allowing the finals to extend into a fourth or fifth day. His path to the $250,000 wasn't just about the finals; he survived a grueling semi-final match against [Name] and [Name], where a late-game surge proved he was the favorite to win it all.
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Game 1 (Feb 2): Pasco established his lead early, finding a crucial Daily Double in the "What a Word!" category to secure a "runaway" game (a lead so large he could not be caught).
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Game 2 (Feb 3): Despite a valiant effort from 16-game super-champion Scott Riccardi, Pasco’s buzzer speed on wordplay categories kept him ahead.
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Game 3 (The Clincher - Feb 4): Entering Final Jeopardy with a massive lead of $33,200, Pasco had the tournament locked up before the final clue was even read.
The Winning Moment:
The Final Jeopardy category was "Island Names." While the clue ("This archipelago got its name in 1493 in honor of St. Ursula & her followers") stumped all three contestants, it didn't matter. Knowing he had won, Pasco wagered a sentimental $143 (a code for "I love you") and wrote a message to his competitors:
"What an incredible ride with the best TOC group I could ask for <3 you all!"
Tournament Stats at a Glance
This data highlights just how dominant Pasco was against top-tier competition.
| Statistic | Paolo Pasco (Winner) | Scott Riccardi (Runner-Up) | TJ Fisher (3rd Place) |
| Finals Record | 3 Wins - 0 Losses | 0 Wins | 0 Wins |
| Total Prize Money | $250,000 | $75,000 | $75,000 |
| Daily Doubles Found | 7 of 7 (100%) | 0 | 0 |
| Key Strength | Wordplay & Buzzer Speed | Knowledge Base | Resilience |
Who is Paolo Pasco? The Crossword Constructor Turned Jeopardy Champion
Before he was a television star, Pasco was already a "famous" name in a different community. He is a celebrated crossword puzzle constructor, having sold his first puzzle to The New York Times at just 15 years old.
His background as a cruciverbalist (puzzle maker) gave him a distinct advantage in the tournament. While many contestants struggle with the "Before & After" or "Rhyme Time" categories, Pasco’s brain is literally wired to find those connections in seconds.
According to his verified profile on Amuse Labs, Pasco creates puzzles that rely on "trick" mechanics and modern slang—skills that translate perfectly to Jeopardy! clues involving wordplay and anagrams. Ken Jennings, the show's host, frequently noted Pasco's ability to "solve" the board like a grid, hunting for Daily Doubles to keep control of the game.
Jeopardy! Masters 2026 Cast: Is Paolo Pasco Joining the Elite?
The victory does more than just add $250,000 to his bank account. Pasco has now officially qualified for Jeopardy! Masters 2026 lineup, the primetime elite tournament airing later this spring on ABC.
He will face off against the "Titans" of the game, a challenge Pasco admits is "terrifying." However, he has other plans for his prize money. In a post-game interview that immediately went viral, Pasco joked that he wants to use his winnings to recreate the famous treadmill music video for OK Go's "Here It Goes Again." Whether he follows through on the video remains to be seen, but his spot on the Masters stage is guaranteed.
Why Paolo Pasco Resonates with Gen Z
Pasco represents a generational shift for the classic quiz show. Born in 2000, he is the first Gen Z champion to win the Tournament of Champions.
His victory has sparked a wave of memes on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), where fans celebrate his "chaotic good" energy and his Harvard Computer Science background. Unlike some previous champions who relied on pure rote memorization, Pasco’s "vibe"—a mix of high-level Harvard Computer Science logic and genuine fan-boy excitement—felt refreshing to a younger audience who grew up seeing him in the NYT Crossword credits. His visible anxiety, relief, and joy make him a highly relatable figure for younger viewers.
Read more about the fan reaction on TV Insider, where viewers are already calling him a "legend" for his 3-0 sweep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Did Paolo Pasco win the 2026 Tournament of Champions?
Yes. Paolo Pasco won the tournament on February 4, 2026, defeating Scott Riccardi and TJ Fisher in three straight games.
How much did Paolo Pasco win?
He took home the grand prize of $250,000. The runners-up, Scott Riccardi and TJ Fisher, each earned $75,000 for their performance in the finals.
What was Paolo Pasco's final wager?
In the final game, he wagered $143, which is often used as a pager code for "I love you" (1 letter, 4 letters, 3 letters).
Is Paolo Pasco returning to Jeopardy?
Yes. As the ToC winner, he receives an automatic invitation to Jeopardy! Masters 2026, which will air in primetime later this year.