“SHAMEFUL, NEW YORK!” An “UNKNOWN OFFICIAL” has just turned the game Jeopardy! into a real-life housing battle — and nobody expected it. Jamie Ding, currently on a 15-game winning streak and amassed over $428,000, not only dominated the game… but also directly criticized New York on national television, condemning the state for not building enough housing. What started as a lighthearted question suddenly exploded into a bold, uncomfortable truth — and now the internet is divided. Some call him brave… others say he crossed the line by bringing policy drama into a television game show. And here’s the surprise: he’s still winning. Still climbing the ranks. Still speaking out.
NJ resident on ‘Jeopardy!’ hot streak goes viral after ripping into NY housing crisis
The self-described “faceless bureaucrat” of New Jersey, who is currently on a record-setting “Jeopardy!” winning streak, went viral for trash talking New York over a lack of housing.
Jamie Ding of Lawrenceville, NJ, won his 15th consecutive game of ‘Jeopardy!’ on Thursday night — the 12th longest streak in the show’s storied 62-year history, according to NJ.com.
But despite his record-setting ways, Ding — who works for the Garden State’s Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency — made headlines this week after he roasted the Empire State for not building enough housing.
“New Jersey’s doing really well, we’re ahead of New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania. If you’re from one of those states, then shame on you, build more housing,” the Jersey resident lambasted during the March 23 “Jeopardy!” episode.
The Princeton University grad then doubled down saying “there’s always room for improvement” in his home state.
Ding’s scathing remarks came after “Jeopardy!” host Ken Jennings asked the self-described “faceless bureaucrat” what he does at his “bureaucratic job.”
Ding went on to win the episode of “Jeopardy!” — scoring $33,000 in his seventh win in a row at the time.
The Garden State native has been on a winning streak for weeks, scoring praise from New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill and was praised as “one of Jersey’s finest” by Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell.
The “faceless bureaucrat” has walked away with more than $428,000 in total prize money to date — and will tie for the 10th longest win streak in the game show’s history if he is victorious on Friday.
However, he still has a long way to go before reaching the top of the leaderboard for most consecutive games won, a title held by current host Ken Jennings, who set the record over 20 years ago by winning 74 games in a row.