Who Won ‘Jeopardy' Today? (May 12, 2026) Plus, the Final Jeopardy Answer
There are three things guaranteed in the world today: Death, taxes, and Jeopardy! being on. Believe it or not, the iconic game show has been on the air for over 60 years (though the modern incarnation we know and love technically debuted in 1984). Under the watchful eye of Ken Jennings (who himself was a record-breaking champion), Jeopardy! puts three people's trivia skills and reflexes to the ultimate test. And so many of the greats to grace those podiums started by simply watching the show as it aired on weekdays, as millions have done for over half a century.
Here's a spoiler-filled recap of who won Jeopardy! today, plus the answer to Final Jeopardy.
Who won Jeopardy today?
Tristan Williams
Tristan Williams won his fifth consecutive Jeopardy! game, extending his streak and adding to his growing winnings for a five-day total of $103,499.
Who are the Jeopardy contestants today?
Will Thornton
Will Thornton is a teacher from Worthington, Ohio.
Tristan Williams
Tristan Williams is a data scientist originally from Lincoln, Nebraska.
Laurel Gilmer
Laurel Gilmer is a music events director from Ithaca, New York.
Related: Sam Heughan Surprises ‘Jeopardy!' Fans With an ‘Outlander' Category - Can You Answer the Clues?
What was Final Jeopardy today?
Final Jeopardy today was in the category "U.S. LAKES."
The clue: "This big lake named for a French marine minister begins its name with a way that official might conceivably cross the body of water."
The answer: What is Lake Pontchartrain?
Only one contestant got Final Jeopardy right, as Williams, who went in with a massive lead of $23,700, wagered $3,600, answered correctly, and walked away with a daily total of $27,300. Gilmer came in with $4,600, wagered everything and got it wrong, dropping to $0, while Thornton had $9,200 at the end of the final Daily Double, wagered nothing and took second place.
Williams will return on Wednesday for his sixth go-around.
Did you get the answer? Sign off in the comments!
Related: Where Jamie Ding Ranks Among ‘Jeopardy!'s Top 10 All-Time Winners
When is Jeopardy on next?
Jeopardy! will come back on Wednesday, May 13, with a new episode. Check your local listings to find out when to watch
Where is Jeopardy streaming?
Jeopardy! is available on both Hulu and Peacock. Subscribers can enjoy watching new episodes the next day, as well as access a vault of many classic episodes to enjoy at a moment's notice.
Related: Ken Jennings Reveals If 'Celebrity Jeopardy!' Questions Are Easier
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This story was originally published May 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM.