Welcome, Jeopardy! enthusiasts, to a recap of the thrilling episode aired on Monday, April 21, 2025. Today’s game featured returning champion Liam Starnes facing off against challengers Maja Vlajnic and Bob Callen. The Final Jeopardy! category was The Western Hemisphere, presenting a challenging clue that tested the contestants’ knowledge of geography, languages, and political boundaries.
This article dives deep into the Final Jeopardy! clue, the contestants’ performances, and the key moments that defined the game. We’ll also explore the statistics, wagering strategies, and overall dynamics that made this episode a memorable one. Whether you’re a seasoned Jeopardy! fan or a casual viewer, this recap offers valuable insights and a comprehensive overview of the day’s competition.
Stay tuned as we dissect the clue, analyze the gameplay, and reveal the ultimate winner of this captivating Jeopardy! showdown.
The Western Hemisphere: Unveiling the Final Jeopardy! Clue
The Final Jeopardy! clue for Monday, April 21, 2025, fell under the category of The Western Hemisphere. The clue read: This country has 2 capitals, is bounded by 5 other countries & has 37 official languages.
This clue presented a multifaceted challenge, requiring contestants to draw upon their knowledge of South American geography, political structures, and linguistic diversity. The combination of multiple criteria—two capitals, five bordering countries, and a high number of official languages—made it a particularly intricate question.
The correct response was What is Bolivia? Bolivia, located in South America, has two capitals, Sucre and La Paz. It shares borders with Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Additionally, it boasts 37 official languages, including Spanish, Quechua, and numerous indigenous languages.
The clue was designed to test a broad range of knowledge, rewarding contestants who could synthesize information from different domains. The Western Hemisphere category provided a helpful context, narrowing down the possibilities and guiding contestants toward the correct answer.
Meet the Contestants: Maja Vlajnic, Bob Callen, and Liam Starnes
Today’s Jeopardy! episode featured three talented contestants, each bringing their unique skills and knowledge to the game.
Maja Vlajnic, a senior data & policy specialist from Fredericksburg, Virginia, showcased a strong command of various categories throughout the Jeopardy! Round. She demonstrated expertise in areas such as science fiction and celebrity godparents, maintaining a consistent performance during the initial phase of the game. Maja’s interview revealed her interest in knitting, a hobby she picked up just before the pandemic.
Bob Callen, a retired librarian from Lexington, Kentucky, displayed a wealth of knowledge across diverse subjects. His interview highlighted an amusing anecdote about being mistaken for Stephen King in the 1980s, adding a touch of humor to the competition. Bob maintained a steady pace throughout the game, leveraging his experience to navigate the challenging clues.
Liam Starnes, an undergraduate student from Barrington, Illinois, returned as the reigning champion, aiming to extend his winning streak. With a one-day total of $32,401, Liam sought to solidify his position and increase his chances of qualifying for postseason play in 2026. Liam’s interview revealed that he once had a Jeopardy!-themed birthday party, underscoring his passion for the game.
Jeopardy! Round: Key Moments and Statistics
The Jeopardy! Round featured categories such as Science Fiction, Celebrity Godparents, State Nicknames, Disney Dwarf Roll Call, Makeup Through History, and “Wa”, “Wa”!. Maja Vlajnic emerged as the early leader, correctly answering six clues and establishing a lead by the first break. After 15 clues, the scores were Maja $4,000, Bob $3,200, and Liam $2,400.
Liam made a minimum wager on a late Daily Double, which proved beneficial as he was unsure of the clue. Despite this, Maja continued to lead after 30 clues, finishing the Jeopardy! Round with $5,800, followed by Bob with $4,800 and Liam with $3,395.
Double Jeopardy! Round: High Stakes and Strategic Plays
The Double Jeopardy! Round included categories such as Science Facts, Anagrams, Dear Diary, “X” Men, African History, and That’s So Gangster (Movie). Liam quickly found the first Daily Double and doubled his score. Bob found the second Daily Double, betting $1,200 on a $1,600 clue. Bob played well enough to lead going into Final Jeopardy!, despite a late surge from Liam. All three players had over $10,000 heading into the final round.
Going into Final Jeopardy!, the scores were Bob $15,200, Liam $12,790, and Maja $10,200.
Final Jeopardy! and the Crowning of a Champion
In Final Jeopardy!, Liam and Maja correctly answered the clue, while Bob gave an incorrect response. Liam’s strategic wager secured his victory, making him a two-day champion. Maja added $10,100 to her score, finishing with $20,300, while Liam added $7,611, bringing his total to $20,401 and a two-day total of $52,802. Bob’s incorrect answer and wager left him with $4,819.
The final results were: Maja $20,300, Liam $20,401, and Bob $4,819. Liam Starnes emerged as the Jeopardy! champion for the second consecutive day.
Detailed Game Statistics: Coryat Scores, Buzzer Performance, and More
Here’s a breakdown of the game statistics:
- Liam Starnes: $10,600 Coryat, 16 correct, 4 incorrect, 31.58% in first on buzzer (18/57), 0/0 on rebound attempts.
- Maja Vlajnic: $10,200 Coryat, 14 correct, 1 incorrect, 26.32% in first on buzzer (15/57), 0/0 on rebound attempts.
- Bob Callen: $15,600 Coryat, 20 correct, 0 incorrect, 29.82% in first on buzzer (17/57), 2/2 on rebound attempts.
The combined Coryat score was $36,400, with $11,600 lost on Triple Stumpers and $6,000 lost to incorrect responses. There were 10 lead changes and 7 ties throughout the game.
Final Jeopardy! Wagering Suggestions and Analysis
The wagering suggestions provided insights into the optimal betting strategies for each contestant:
- Liam: A standard cover bet over Maja was $7,611.
- Bob: A standard cover bet over Liam was $10,381.
- Maja: The best chance of winning came with a bet between $5,001 and $5,020.
Liam’s actual bet of $7,611 secured his win, while Bob’s bet of $10,381, though strategically sound, did not pay off due to his incorrect response.
Final Thoughts: Strategy, Knowledge, and the Thrill of Jeopardy!
The Jeopardy! episode of April 21, 2025, was a captivating contest that highlighted the importance of strategic wagering, comprehensive knowledge, and quick buzzer reflexes. Liam Starnes demonstrated these qualities en route to his second consecutive victory, solidifying his status as a formidable player.
Maja Vlajnic and Bob Callen proved to be worthy adversaries, contributing to an engaging and competitive game. Their performances underscored the breadth of knowledge required to succeed on Jeopardy!, as well as the importance of adapting to the game’s dynamic nature.
As Liam continues his Jeopardy! journey, fans eagerly anticipate his future performances and the potential for a prolonged winning streak. The game of Jeopardy! remains a testament to intellectual curiosity, strategic thinking, and the enduring quest for knowledge.
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