Featured J!Buzz
They came, they saw, they played their hearts out. The 2017 champions gave us no shortage of things to talk about during the tournament. Now get a look at some of the fun behind the scenes.
![Green Room](/sites/default/files/styles/article_image_960_/public/2018-07/1_GreenRoom.jpg?itok=CVfMRY0N)
Every Jeopardy! tournament starts in the green room. At this point, Austin Rogers’ streak has not yet aired, so none of the other champions have seen his unique gameplay.
![Sam Deutsch](/sites/default/files/styles/article_image_960_/public/2018-07/2_SamMakeup.jpg?itok=mUIP8gT-)
2016 College Championship winner, Sam Deutsch, gets ready for the camera.
![Alan Lin](/sites/default/files/styles/article_image_960_/public/2018-07/3_alancamera.jpg?itok=YMb5QIks)
Before any of the action begins, contestants read promo lines for their local TV stations. Alan Lin steps behind the podium – before his path to the tournament finals is even a thing.
![Lisa Schlitt](/sites/default/files/styles/article_image_960_/public/2018-07/4_lisainterview.jpg?itok=2JJN2CX-)
The champions also share their pre-tournament thoughts and feelings. Lisa Schlitt reflects on what it feels like to be back.
![David Clemmons](/sites/default/files/styles/article_image_960_/public/2018-07/5_davidhappy.jpg?itok=NBjAfyBr)
2017 Teachers Tournament winner, David Clemmons, hams it up for the camera. He emerged as a fan favorite among the teachers who competed just a few months ago.
![John Lauderdale](/sites/default/files/styles/article_image_960_/public/2018-07/6_JohnWithContestants.jpg?itok=V_SVgybd)
How many Jeopardy! champs can you fit behind a podium? Stage manager John Lauderdale goes over the sequence of play. But these 15 champions represent more than $2 million in total winnings. They know what they’re doing.
![Buzzy Cohen](/sites/default/files/styles/article_image_960_/public/2018-07/7_buzzy_shoulder.jpg?itok=yU0b1WI0)
Buzzy Cohen steps up to reintroduce himself (and his signature brush-off).
![Jason Sterlacci, Sam Deutsch and Jon Eisenman](/sites/default/files/styles/article_image_960_/public/2018-07/8_jasonsamjon.jpg?itok=ryTeAvzh)
The champs know that staying relaxed is a key to performing well. Jason Sterlacci, Sam Deutsch and Jon Eisenman chill before rehearsals in the “on deck” circle.
![Austin Rogers](/sites/default/files/styles/article_image_960_/public/2018-07/9_AustinCards.jpg?itok=b6L8PxJ6)
Austin Rogers awaits his game, passing the time with a less competitive one (we think). For the quarterfinals, contestants are sequestered in the green room to keep them from knowing what high non-winning score might qualify them as a wild card.
![Lilly Chin and Maggie Speak](/sites/default/files/styles/article_image_960_/public/2018-07/10_lilly_highfive.jpg?itok=Er_g7igU)
That final high ten from producer Maggie Speak is the last thing any contestant does before starting their match. Must have been a lucky ten for this year’s College Championship winner, Lilly Chin. She qualified for the semifinals shortly after this.
![Austin and Buzzy](/sites/default/files/styles/article_image_960_/public/2018-07/12_austin_buzzy.jpg?itok=n1EnovCX)
Having just qualified for the finals, Austin and Buzzy carefully size up the competition in the last semifinal game. Alan is an impressive and strategic force to be reckoned with.
![Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions 2017](/sites/default/files/styles/article_image_960_/public/2018-07/11_toc_groupshot_990x557.jpg?itok=ZblF4isk)
At the end of every tournament, one winner emerges, but all 15 contestants leave the experience with a bond that only an intensive 10-game challenge can bring about. Thanks to all of our champions for bringing their A game to this year’s rambunctious tournament!