Ron LaLonde Steps Into the Jeopardy! Spotlight
So, let’s talk about a pretty exciting moment in the Jeopardy! universe — because it wasn’t Ray LaLonde on the stage this time, but his twin brother, Ron LaLonde. If Ray’s name rings a bell, it’s because he’s one of the top 20 Jeopardy! players of all time in regular-season play, sitting comfortably at number 13 with nearly $400,000 in winnings. But on this particular day, December 3, the spotlight shifted to his brother, who stepped up to see if trivia excellence ran in the family.
Ron faced two strong competitors: Sarah Murphy from Ontario, and returning champion Libby Jones from Florida, who came in with impressive momentum. Libby had already stunned viewers earlier in the week, dethroning a super champion and racking up over $70,000 in just two days. By the time the first round began, it was clear she wasn’t going to make things easy.
Also Read:- Halle Bailey’s Journey Through Love, Healing, and New Beginnings
- Hornets Face More Uncertainty Ahead of Clash with Knicks
Early on, Ron and Libby traded leads, and things really sparked when Ron uncovered the first Daily Double. With $1,800, he bravely turned it into a true Daily Double. The clue came from the “Literature” category, quoting a line from a play about an island and a schoolmaster — and Ron nailed it with “What is The Tempest ?” That moment bumped him up to $3,600, but even with that win, Libby managed to pull back into first before the first commercial break.
There was even a funny moment when Ken Jennings playfully asked Ron to prove he wasn’t secretly Ray. Ron pointed out that Ray was literally sitting in the audience, which got a wave and a laugh. He also joked that the rest of their siblings were even smarter than both of them — which sounds like a family Jeopardy! tournament waiting to happen.
By the end of the first round, Libby held a comfortable lead with $10,800, while Ron sat in second at $5,200. Things heated up even more in Double Jeopardy! Libby found the next Daily Double but unfortunately missed it, giving Ron room to climb. He did take the lead for a bit, but Libby quickly regained control.
The crucial moment came in Final Jeopardy, with the category “Monuments and Memorials.” The clue referenced a memorial alcove inside New York City’s Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Only Ron delivered the full correct response — “What is Poet’s Corner?” — while Libby’s attempt, “What is poet?” wasn’t accepted. That difference made all the difference. Ron wagered confidently and ended at $15,201, officially knocking off the two-time champ.
So yes — Ron LaLonde won his debut game, stepping right into the family legacy. Now the big question is whether he can build a streak like his brother. Only the next episode will tell, but his first night certainly made a statement.
Read More:
0 Comments