Stanford student Gus Woythaler to compete in Jeopardy! College Championship

Contestants on the 2016 Jeopardy! College Championship with host ALEX TREBEK. (Photo credit: Jeopardy Productions, Inc.)

Answer: A Stanford senior majoring in computer science who will compete alongside 14 other college students in this year’s Jeopardy! College Championship. Question: Who is GUS WOYTHALER?

The two-week event begins today, Feb. 1, and concludes Friday, Feb. 12. Woythaler will take part in the quarterfinals on Thursday, Feb. 4, with students from the University of Pittsburgh and Augustana University.

Woythaler said, “Being on Jeopardy! was one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had. We filmed over a two-day span at the beginning of the quarter – five games per day! – so the whole thing went by so quickly. I would say the highlight of the entire experience was getting to know all the other contestants; I was pleasantly surprised at how enthusiastic and amicable they all were.

“The atmosphere outside of actual gameplay wasn’t competitive in the slightest,” he added, “and we all still talk to each other pretty much daily.”

Woythaler isn’t the only Stanford connection to the College Championship. Also competing is KATE LAUBSCHER, a sophomore majoring in political science and communication at Northeastern University. She is the daughter of NICOLE SUNAHARA, director of special initiatives in Stanford’s Office of Public Affairs.

The grand prize winner receives $100,000 and a spot in the next Tournament of Champions. Jeopardy! is now in its 32nd season and holds the Guinness World Records title for the most Emmy Awards won by a TV game show. Host ALEX TREBEK said, “We at Jeopardy! always look forward to the College Championship and the unique competitive energy it brings to our stage. … I hope their classmates and instructors, along with the rest of our viewers, will enjoy watching them play as much as we did.”

Look for the show to air locally on ABC7 at 7 p.m., starting tonight.