Roger Craig Dominates Jeopardy Invitational Tournament Quarterfinal With Runaway Victory to Reach Semifinals

Computer scientist and Jeopardy legend Roger Craig delivered a masterclass performance in Game 2 of the 2026 Invitational Tournament quarterfinals on Friday, February 6, finding all three Daily Doubles and cruising to a dominant runaway victory over Eric Ahasic and Veronica Vichit-Vadakan. The commanding win secured Craig's spot in the semifinals of the prestigious tournament that brings together some of the greatest champions in Jeopardy history.

Craig, who holds the record for single-day winnings and is known for his data-driven approach to the game, showcased his trademark aggressive Daily Double hunting strategy throughout the contest. He located and correctly answered all three Daily Doubles, building an insurmountable lead that put the game out of reach well before Final Jeopardy. The performance demonstrated why Craig remains one of the most feared competitors in Jeopardy tournament play, even years after his original run on the show.

The second quarterfinal matchup featured three accomplished players, but Craig's dominance was evident from the early rounds. He had at least three correct responses in seven of the twelve categories, displaying the breadth of knowledge that has made him a fan favorite. His competitors, Eric Ahasic and Veronica Vichit-Vadakan, are both accomplished players in their own right, but found themselves unable to keep pace with Craig's relentless accuracy and strategic wagering.

The Final Jeopardy category was Art & Artists, giving all three contestants one last opportunity to add to their totals. However, Craig had already secured a runaway victory before the final clue, meaning he could not be caught regardless of the outcome. This type of dominant performance has become Craig's signature in tournament play, where his methodical preparation and game theory expertise consistently give him an edge over even the strongest competition.

Craig will now advance to the semifinal round of the 2026 Jeopardy Invitational Tournament, where he will face other quarterfinal winners for a chance to reach the final. The Invitational Tournament brings together champions from various eras of Jeopardy, creating dream matchups that fans have long wanted to see. With this commanding quarterfinal victory, Craig has announced himself as one of the favorites to take home the tournament title and the substantial prize money that comes with it.

The remaining quarterfinal games will determine Craig's semifinal opponents, as the tournament continues to showcase the highest level of trivia competition. For Craig, who has revolutionized Jeopardy strategy with his analytical approach and aggressive wagering, this performance served as a reminder of why he is considered one of the greatest players in the show's storied history.