Best of CASE District V Award
 

Institution: University of Wisconsin Madison

Title of entry: The Answer Man

About this entry: University of Wisconsin-Madison alumnus Matt Amodio had a remarkable run on “Jeopardy!,” amassing the second-longest winning streak in the game show’s history. He earned viewers’ respect with a unique style of play and also won their hearts with a combination of humility and playfulness. “The Answer Man” chronicles Amodio’s “Jeopardy!” journey: his childhood love of the game, his preparation as a contestant, his giddy wins, and his ultimate downfall. Writer Preston Schmitt connects Amodio’s particular skills as a UW graduate student with his ability to spend long hours mastering trivia, as well as delving into his rigorously scientific approach to the game. Schmitt also fills in the context for Amodio’s run, which served as a bright spot when “Jeopardy!” was mired in scandal and uncertainty. The story was among the magazine’s most read in 2022, garnering more than 1,500 page views online and significant engagement on social media.