Who Is James Holzhauer? Age, Biography and Wiki
James Holzhauer, born on August 6, 1984, is a prominent American game show contestant and professional poker player. He shot to fame as a contestant on the popular game show "Jeopardy!" where his strategic gameplay and impressive knowledge earned him widespread recognition. With a natural knack for trivia and a competitive spirit acquired through his poker background, he quickly became a fan favorite and left his mark on the show's history.
As of 2025, James is 40 years old and continues to engage in various pursuits beyond game shows, solidifying his status as a multifaceted personality in the entertainment industry.
| Occupation | Sports |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 6, 1984 |
| Age | 40 Years |
| Birth Place | Naperville, Illinois, US |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
James Holzhauer's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
James Holzhauer stands tall at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) and weighs around 160 pounds (73 kg). Known for his sharp mind more than his physique, he maintains a fitness routine that complements his busy lifestyle, allowing him to remain energetic and focused across various disciplines.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
While James keeps much of his personal life private, he is married to Melissa Holzhauer, and the couple shares a daughter, whom they adore. Their family life indicates a strong bond, and they often share their experiences of parenthood.
As of 2025, there have been no reports of any significant changes in his relationship status, and he appears to be happily settled with his family.
His father was a German immigrant. His maternal grandmother was Japanese and spoke very little English; he had promised her that he would appear on Jeopardy! before she died. In 1989, when Holzhauer was four, his teacher was astounded by his mathematical abilities and developed advanced classwork just for him.
At age seven, Holzhauer was moved up to a fifth-grade math class, and skipped second grade at his mother's urging. Holzhauer consistently got A's on math tests and competed on the Naperville North High School math team.
Net Worth and Salary
James Holzhauer's net worth as of 2025 is estimated to be around $2 million. His impressive winnings from "Jeopardy!" alone, where he amassed over $2.46 million in total earnings during his record-breaking run, significantly contributed to this wealth. Additionally, his career as a professional poker player and various endorsements and appearances have added to his financial success.
Despite his fame, James is known for his practical approach to finances, ensuring his earnings are well-managed and invested.
Excluding Daily Doubles and Final Jeopardy!
wagers, Holzhauer's average score of $30,800 during his 32-episode winning streak (57% of the $54,000 available in each game) is higher than the $28,786 averaged by Jennings, who was far more conservative in his wagering; Holzhauer considered it more logical to make large bets that will usually pay off, since, during the first 25 episodes of his wi
nning streak, Holzhauer averaged 35.5 correct and only 1.04 wrong responses per game.
On the episode he lost, he did not respond to any clues incorrectly. He credited reading fact books written for children, with their heavy use of infographics, with allowing him to learn vast amounts of information in an easily digestible manner. Holzhauer took a year off from his occupation as a sports gambler to study for Jeopardy!.
Career, Business and Investments
James Holzhauer's career began in poker, where he demonstrated exceptional skill and strategy. His transition to game shows came with his iconic performance on "Jeopardy!" in 2019, capturing the attention of millions. Since then, he has engaged in various business ventures, including instructional poker videos and appearances as a trivia expert.
In 2025, he continues to be involved in the gaming community, often participating in tournaments and contributing to poker strategy discussions. His business acumen and investments show his commitment to diversifying his interests beyond game shows.
Holzhauer is a sports fan in his personal capacity and is a fan of the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League.
He has incorporated Vegas' staple "V" logo into his signature on an episode of Jeopardy and in a separate episode once proclaimed 'go Knights go' before wagering $10,617 on a daily double question, intentionally corresponding with October 6, 2017, the date of the team's first win.
On April 21, 2019, Holzhauer participated in the team's pre-game festivities before a playoff match. He is also a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs; he has said his dream job is a front-office position with the team and has actively sought employment in Major League Baseball.
Holzhauer has said that he was contractually obligated to a non-compete clause in an agreement with the Jeopardy! producers; it expired in January 2020.
Social Network
James is active on social media, where he interacts with fans and shares insights into his life as a game show champion and poker player. You can find him primarily on Twitter and Instagram, where he offers a glimpse behind the scenes of his various pursuits, including family moments, poker tips, and trivia.
In the Final Chase round (as team leader with two other contestants also participating), Holzhauer's team defeated Labbett by a score of 26 to 9, earning him a $58,333.33 share of the $175,000 team prize pool. By answering 19 questions correctly for his team, he set a Final Chase record, which was also never surpassed.
Education
James Holzhauer graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics. His educational background has played a significant role in shaping his analytical and strategic thinking skills, allowing him to excel in both poker and trivia-based competitions.
Holzhauer was a member of the Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering Team that won the state competition at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; he contributed by taking first place in physics and second in math. Holzhauer graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics in 2005.
