Anthony Cantor captured the Jeopardy! championship in a dramatic episode that aired on Monday, October 19, 2026. Defeating returning champion Frank Merchlewitz and challenger Aster Wise, Cantor secured the win with a final score of $37,200 after a high-stakes showdown that hinged entirely on the final clue.
Merchlewitz, a senior digital producer from Robbinsdale, Minnesota, entered the episode with $14,350 in prior winnings. Throughout the game, he built a commanding lead by using successful Daily Double wagers. By the conclusion of the Double Jeopardy round, Merchlewitz held $34,400. Cantor, a television and podcast producer from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, sat in second place with $27,200. Aster Wise, a music teacher from Annadale, Virginia, trailed in third place with $6,000.
The Final Jeopardy Clue and Turning Point
The game ultimately swung on the Final Jeopardy category, which was titled “Movie Promotions.” The clue read: “In 2001, 20th Century Fox used a Coast Guard helicopter to ‘rescue’ a prop before a homecoming at this company’s Chicago HQ.”
The question caught the leaders off guard, leading to a major shakeup in the final standings:
- Aster Wise guessed, “What is a car?” Wagering $5,000, she finished with $1,000.
- Frank Merchlewitz guessed, “What is McDonald’s?” Opting for a bold $20,000 wager, his incorrect response dropped his total down to $14,399.
- Anthony Cantor provided the correct response: “What is Wilson?” Referring to the famous volleyball prop from the 2000 film Cast Away, Cantor added a $10,000 wager to bring his winning total to $37,200.
Fan Reactions and Cantor’s Background
The thrilling finish drew widespread attention from viewers online. Fans used social media platforms like Reddit to praise the intense gameplay and high-scoring match. Audiences highlighted the competitive nature of the board and expressed excitement over Cantor’s strategic play.
Outside of his appearance on the quiz show, Cantor is active in the television and film industry. According to IMDb credits, his production work includes projects such as 2022’s Never Seen Again, 2025’s The Hidden Holocaust Papers: Survival. Exile. Return., and 2026’s Jack Carr Investigates: Carlos the Jackal.
With his victory, Cantor claimed the champion’s spot and returned to the podium for the subsequent episode to defend his title.
