We see you, Drew Goins! This Hawaiian-born journalist for The Washington Post just took the Jeopardy! stage (and social media) by storm during this year’s Tournament of Champions.
Not only did he serve us next-level trivia prowess, he also served up some serious heartthrob energy—so much so that some viewers are dubbing him “the prettiest man to ever grace the Jeopardy! podium.”
A Rocky Road to the Podium
In a twist of TV fate, Drew’s path to the Tournament wasn’t straightforward.
After losing his initial Jeopardy! appearance in September, he clawed his way back for a Second Chance.
And boy, did he deliver. He wound up winning that Second Chance showdown and landed a coveted spot in the big-deal Tournament of Champions.
The kicker? That seat was originally reserved for Abbott Elementary actress and Jeopardy! Celebrity champion Lisa Ann Walter—but scheduling conflicts meant Drew stepped in and stole the show… literally.
Quick Wits, Quicker Comebacks
During game six of the quarterfinals (February 3), Drew breezed through categories like “Nicknames” and “The Man, The Myth, The Legend,” rattling off 25 correct answers and amassing a whopping $24,600 in winnings.
Fans at home had hearts in their eyes (and possibly open Google tabs, trying to learn more about this oh-so-charming competitor).
“International Sex Symbol”—Really?
Not only is he a champion in the making; apparently, he’s also making waves in the looks department.
Over on Reddit, a viewer asked if Drew “ever imagined Jeopardy! would make [him] a sex symbol.”
Drew’s self-deprecating humor came through loud and clear:
“I spent a long time coming to terms with the fact that going on J! would ensure I never became a sex symbol, actually.”
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Sorry, Drew, but the internet begs to differ. People can’t get enough of his combination of brilliant brain, laid-back persona, and let’s face it, that handsome face.
“Can He Get Any Cuter?”
One X (formerly Twitter) user joked: “In my next life, I want to come back as Drew Goins… he’s just adorable.”
Another gushed that Drew had them tuning in to watch Jeopardy! for reasons other than the knowledge—if you catch the drift. Swoon, indeed!
The Power of Representation
While sizzling smarts and dreamboat status are definitely part of Drew’s appeal, it’s also about the representation.
Seeing an openly gay competitor on a mega-famous quiz show—especially someone who’s not shy about it—means a lot to LGBTQ+ fans craving visibility in mainstream media.
And let’s be honest: we love seeing fabulous, sharp-witted queer folks dominate in traditionally “straight-laced” spaces like TV game shows.
Keep Calm and Trivia On
The Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions marches on (don’t forget to tune in, darlings!), and we’re crossing our fingers that Drew’s dream run continues.
Whether he ends up as the overall champion or not, he’s already walked away with new fans, new admirers, and a brand-new label: “international sex symbol.”
Not bad for a self-proclaimed underdog from Hawaii!
So what’s next for Drew Goins?
Possibly more writing for The Washington Post, more flirting with fans on Reddit, and hopefully more jaw-dropping knowledge drops if he returns for future special tournaments.
Because if there’s one thing he’s shown us—other than that angelic face—it’s that a little luck, a lot of smarts, and a dash of comedic charm can take you far.
Congrats, Drew—you’ve just quizzed your way into our hearts!
Update: All good things must come to an end. After an incredible run, Drew lost in the Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions semi-final on Thursday’s (February 6) episode. He faced off against Drew Basile and Neilesh Vinjamuri, with Vinjamuri beating both Drews to head into the ToC final.
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