risk! The contestant shared the “warmest story” fans have ever heard on the show after being involved in a horrific accident.
Newcomer Steven Czykala made a desperate plea to a family he hoped would still be watching the trivia show months after their life-saving actions.
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Stephen, a retired dentist from Oakland, California, faced off against Stephanie Assalone, a former 401(k) therapist originally from St. Mary's, Pennsylvania as well as returning champion Evan Dorey, a data analytics manager from Toronto, Ontario.
A few minutes into the match, host Ken Jennings, 50, did his beloved interview segment where he walked up to each contestant's podium and spoke with them for a few minutes.
While all three contestants have interesting stories to share, it's Stephen's harrowing recollection of a horrific accident that has prompted fans to describe it as the “warmest” thing they've heard on the show.
Ken asked about Stephen's friends who had a “pretty impressive sporting resume”.
“Yes, I have some friends who were competing in the Olympic qualifiers this summer in Indianapolis for swimming,” he said.
He then shared how the trip to Indiana ended up changing his life.
“On my way to the place, my scooter collapsed and I fell and broke my collarbone. Immediately a family stopped me, put me in the car and took me straight to the hospital emergency room.
“They made sure I was okay, and then I never heard from them again or got their contact information.
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“But I know they're watching Jeopardy! Because on the way to the hospital, they said they were from West Lafayette, Indiana. And I was like, 'Oh my God, Adrianna Harmeier is from West Lafayette, Indiana!'
“And they said they're watching Jeopardy! So, thank you so much to the good Samaritans out there at Hoosiers for the kindness you've shown me. I'm on the Alex Trebek stage now!”
After one fan commented that Steven's story “might be the most heart-warming story I've ever heard on the show,” the man himself responded to add more context about why he chose to participate.
“When I got the call to be on the show a month after my accident, I knew exactly the story I wanted to tell in my interview.
“I truly hope that somehow, through the power of the universe, this family will find a way to reach out to me so I can thank them for their kindness.
“They were truly saints,” said the grateful contestant.
He then talked more about the nearly 40-year journey to officially becoming a Jeopardy! Racer.
“I wish everyone who dreams of danger! can make those dreams come true.”
“I first auditioned in 1986 when I was in dental school. 38 years later, I was cast in the show.
“Someone asked me how I would have done in 1986 compared to 2024. I said my library was sparse but the elevator got to the top floor very quickly when I was 27.
“Right now my library is sorely short but the elevator is so slow. I love this supportive and adorable menace! Family!”
risk! Set secrets
risk! Fans don't see everything behind the scenes by watching on TV. These hidden group features make viewing seamless:
- Each platform has a hidden lever so that all contestants appear to be the same height.
- After each clue is read, signal lights around the game board go off, indicating that players can participate and respond.
- Enter too early, and you'll be locked out for 0.25 seconds.
- The podiums have a small white light in the lower left corner that tells Ken Jennings who to follow.
- Contrary to popular belief, the player controlling the game does not have the bell feature in the following clue.
- To the left of the game board is a scoreboard so players can see their opponents' scores.
- All contestants must bring three costumes to the studio, but only the host and the returning hero change for the next episode.
- There are wardrobe rules, including restrictions on busy patterns, solid whites, purple (as the background), and logos.
- Five episodes are recorded in one day, sometimes more.
- Categories, Players (excluding returning champion), Final Jeopardy! For Ribbon Day they are all drawn randomly to ensure fairness.
- Contestants are asked not to wear makeup that is applied backstage, and not to wear mascara because of sweat.
- Contestants fill out a questionnaire, and producers choose five Q&A topics for the host.
- Host Ken is not allowed to interact with the contestants until after the match is over.
- Players can request to sit on a chair during competition without any questions.
Despite his great run, Steven finished his match in third place with a final score of $2,399 after missing out on the Final Jeopardy!
Only Stephanie was right in the final round – giving her the come-from-behind win of $14,100.
Returning champion Evan did not extend his winning streak and finished the day's match in second place with $8,800.
Fans were disappointed by the “rough” final clue.
“That was the rough final Jeopardy game, which is the total definition of whether you know whether you know whether you know it or not, and there was no way to know it any other way,” one viewer commented.
“I discovered FJ, but I still can't remotely understand the wording of the manual,” another complained.
“Most unexpected ending ever. Looks like Stephanie would dominate if she had more confidence,” a third said.
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