As 'Jeopardy!' Takes Break, Ocean City Champ Racks Up $356K

OCEAN CITY, NJ — During his 11-game winning streak, Ocean City's Cris Pannullo has gained a ton of fans - and money.

At the end of the last episode he competed on, Pannullo ended with $356,702, which is the 11th highest overall winnings on regular "Jeopardy!"

The regular episodes are on a break through November. They stopped on Oct. 17 as the show began a two-week "Second Chance" tournament, and then into the Tournament of Champions on Oct. 31. Pannullo has secured his spot for next year's Tournament of Champions already.

Throughout his time on the game show, the customer success operations manager frequently has had a high lead over his competitors. Host Ken Jennings, who holds the show's all-time win record, pointed out Pannullo's tendency to be a risk taker on the Daily Doubles.

"Are you a risk taker in real life?" Jennings asked.

"Oh, God no, Ken," was Pannullo's reply. "I am a generally terrified person."

Jennings also compared Pannullo to James Holzhauer, another "Jeopardy!" icon and risk-taker.

"I'm not as good as James Holzhauer," Pannullo said in response.

When regular episodes of "Jeopardy!" return in November, Pannullo will continue to defend his winning streak. But he's already become a favorite to loyal "Jeopardy!" watchers and Ocean City residents alike.