A database developer and writer from New York, New York...

Fred Ramen

Date of First Appearance:
September 1997; it was the 5th show of the season.

Total Winnings:
$61,000 and one Corvette for the regular season; $5,000 for the tournament

Records/Stats:
5-time undefeated champ; second contestant (and second in a row) to be awarded new car; semifinalist (lost to eventual winner Dan Melia) in the Tournament of Champions

Favorite Anecdote:
Showing my mascot stuffed turtle, Lucky Bill, to Alex during the question segment of game 4; being recognized on the B subway line a month after my appearance; turning to Dan Melia before our semifinal match and saying “So, Obi-Wan, we meet at last.” (Dan had immediately preceded me in the regular-season.)

Did being on Jeopardy! have an effect on your life?
Two years later I was able to quit my job and start my own consulting business. I also became a free-lance writer and have written 14 textbooks to date.

Anything crazy:
Used the last drops of winnings to buy my wife an engagement ring.

Anything else:
Lucky Bill Lives!

"Thanks to his 5 wins in 1997, he was able to become self-employed. He's now a database developer and writer. From New York, New York..."

2005 Ultimate Tournament of Champions Round 1 winner: $44,000.
1998 Tournament of Champions wildcard semifinalist: $5,000. Lost to eventual winner Dan Melia, who was also a wildcard.
Season 14 5-time champion: $61,000 + a Corvette + Jeopardy! scorekeeper.

Jeopardy! Message Board user names: vonrammen