In this episode of Post-Podium, I am joined by Tyler Rhode, a 5-game Jeopardy! champion and a 2022 Tournament of Champions (TOC) semifinalist. I asked him some questions about his initial run, his preparation in the months leading up to the 2022 TOC, and what it was like getting to meet some of the best players to have ever played the game of Jeopardy! We also spend some time recapping and analyzing the quarterfinal and semifinal matches from the TOC all while Tyler provides some additional context and perspective. Part 2 will be covering the six-game finals of the TOC featuring a very special guest. 

Timestamps

0:13 - Intro

1:58 - Tyler's introduction

2:21 - How did Tyler cope with the fact that he'd possibly go up against Matt Amodio during his initial run?

3:53 - Tyler on qualifying for the TOC and how his feelings changed over time

6:05 - How Tyler prepared in the months leading up to the TOC

7:52 - Who was the first TOC contestant Tyler met when he arrived in Culver City?

9:01 - What was it like getting to stand among some of the most talented players to have ever played Jeopardy!?

10:22 - Quarterfinal Match 1: Ryan Long vs. Megan Wachspress vs. Maureen O'Neil

16:22 - Quarterfinal Match 2: Jonathan Fisher vs. Andrew He vs. Christine Whelchel

20:18 - Quarterfinal Match 3: Brian Chang vs. Tyler Rhode vs. Margaret Shelton

28:38 - Quarterfinal Match 4: Courtney Shah vs. Rowan Ward vs. John Focht

31:34 - Quarterfinal Match 5: Eric Ahasic vs. Jaskaran Singh vs. Jackie Kelly

35:36 - Quarterfinal Match 6: Zach Newkirk vs. Jessica Stephens vs. Sam Buttrey

39:45 - Special Exhibition Match: Amy Schneider vs. Matt Amodio vs. Mattea Roach

41:24 - Semifinal Match 1: Amy Schneider vs. Maureen O'Neil vs. Tyler Rhode

44:58 - Semifinal Match 2: Matt Amodio vs. John Focht vs. Sam Buttrey

48:04 - Semifinal Match 3: Mattea Roach vs. Eric Ahasic vs. Andrew He

51:36 - Of the finalists, who did we think had the best chance of winning the TOC?

53:19 - The TOC afterparty (plus a close call!)

54:55 - Tyler's favorite match to watch in the studio vs. on TV

56:32 - Final words from Tyler about his performance and the TOC

57:24 - Wrapping up and promoting social media

57:52 - Outro