10 Must-Buy White Wines at Trader Joe's and 4 to Skip

10 Must-Buy White Wines at Trader Joe's and 4 to Skip

M Hasan    6:20 AM   

Exploring Trader Joe’s White Wine Selection: A Sommelier’s Guide

Trader Joe’s has long been a go-to destination for foodies, offering a wide array of unique and affordable products. Among its most popular offerings are its extensive wine selections, which include both name-brand and store-branded options. While the store is famously known for its “two-buck Chuck” Charles Shaw wines, there are many other white wines that deserve attention. As a Certified Sommelier, I recently conducted a taste test to determine which Trader Joe’s white wines are worth purchasing and which should be avoided.

Recommended Wines

Buy – Sainte-Celine Chablis
This chardonnay from the Chablis region in France is an excellent example of the area’s signature style. The soils, rich in Kimmeridgian clay and limestone, contribute a distinct mineral character, while stainless steel fermentation preserves the wine’s freshness. At $15.99, it offers great value compared to similar wines that often cost double or triple that price. Notes of lemon-lime, green apple, and honeydew blend with a chalky minerality, making it a perfect match for oysters.

Buy – Sonoma-Cutrer Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
For those who enjoy creamy, full-bodied chardonnays, this option from Sonoma-Cutrer is a standout. Fermented in barrels and undergoing malolactic fermentation, it delivers a smooth, viscous texture with orchard fruit notes and hints of crème brûlée. Priced at $24.99, it’s a luxurious choice that retains its freshness.

Buy – Frank Family Napa Valley Chardonnay
Produced from Carneros region grapes, this chardonnay balances richness with acidity. The use of French oak and bâtonnage (stirring of lees) adds layers of creaminess and vanilla notes, complementing flavors of Meyer lemon, apple tart, and pineapple. At $34.99, it’s a premium option ideal for pairing with crab rolls.

Buy – Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier
This blend combines the crispness of chenin blanc with the richness of viognier. At under $13, it offers a refreshing profile with citrus blossom, honeysuckle, and ripe apricot notes. It pairs beautifully with Asian seafood dishes like tuna crudo or miso-baked salmon.

Buy – Bonterra Organic Pinot Gris
As a certified B Corp, Bonterra emphasizes sustainability while delivering quality at an affordable price. This pinot gris features bright aromas of orange blossom and honeysuckle, with flavors of golden apple and ripe melon. Available for $11.99, it’s a clean and crisp option.

Buy – Moulin Jamet Sancerre
Sancerre’s sauvignon blanc is known for its flinty, mineral-driven character. This offering from Moulin Jamet, priced at $14.99, pairs well with beetroot and goat cheese tarts. It’s one of the best places to find this high-quality wine at a reasonable price.

Buy – Daou Paso Robles Sauvignon Blanc
This fruit-forward sauvignon blanc from Paso Robles delivers ripe notes of golden apple, quince, and nectarine. At $16.99, it’s a bit pricier but well worth it for summer dishes like blackened halibut with mango-avocado relish.

Buy – True Myth Edna Valley Chardonnay
Edna Valley’s cool climate allows for slow ripening, resulting in a fresh and vibrant chardonnay. With notes of mango, pear, and golden citrus, this $10.99 bottle is a must-buy for its balance and affordability.

Buy – Doris & Leopold Grüner Veltliner Daham
Austrian grüner veltliner offers a spicy, crisp alternative to sauvignon blanc. This affordable option from Doris & Leopold features golden citrus and green apple notes, with a touch of crushed stone. Priced under $6, it’s a great everyday sipper.

Buy – Espiral Vinho Verde
Portugal’s Vinho Verde is a low-alcohol, spritzy white wine with flavors of green apple, citrus, and ripe melon. At under $4.50, it’s a budget-friendly option that pairs well with grilled sardines or bacalhau.

Wines to Avoid

Avoid – Raimat Albariño
While this albariño from Catalonia offers fruity notes of lemon blossom and nectarine, it lacks the minerality and freshness typically found in Galician albariños. At $8.99, it’s not the best value for its flavor profile.

Avoid – Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
Although well-crafted, this pinot grigio is overpriced compared to similar options from Italian producers like Tiefenbrunner or Elena Walch. At $21.99, it’s not the most cost-effective choice.

Avoid – Trader Joe's Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Gris Lot #258
This pinot gris fails to deliver the classic characteristics of the variety. It’s thin, watery, and lacks structure, making it a poor choice compared to the organic Bonterra option.

Avoid – Vignobles Lacheteau Touraine Sauvignon Blanc
Despite its attractive price of $6.99, this sauvignon blanc lacks elegance and refinement. Its sharp acidity and harsh bitterness make it a wine to skip.

Methodology

To evaluate Trader Joe’s white wine selection, I tasted and assessed a range of options, including popular varieties and unique alternatives. Factors such as production, provenance, taste, and price were considered. Using my expertise as a Certified Sommelier, I aimed to identify which wines offer the best value and quality for consumers.

6 Best Martha Stewart Gardening Tools, Ranked From Worst To Best

6 Best Martha Stewart Gardening Tools, Ranked From Worst To Best

M Hasan    5:20 AM   

The Best and Worst Martha Stewart Garden Tools According to Real Users

Martha Stewart has built a legacy around everything related to the home, from cooking and decorating to gardening. Her brand is synonymous with quality, and her garden tools are no exception. However, not all of her products have received the same level of praise. Based on real user feedback, here’s a breakdown of which Martha Stewart garden tools are worth your time and which ones might be best avoided.

6. Rotatable Grass Lawn Shears

These shears are designed to make detailed trimming easier by allowing the blades to pivot. While the concept sounds useful, many users have found them lacking. Some say that the 5-inch blades are too small and flimsy, making them difficult to use for even basic tasks. Others report that the shears break easily or don’t cut effectively. A few users with hand conditions like arthritis also found them challenging to handle. While some positive reviews exist, the majority suggest that these shears may not be the best investment for serious gardeners.

5. High Flow Mechanical Water Timer

Watering your garden properly is essential, and a reliable timer can help manage this task more efficiently. Martha Stewart’s water timer is praised for being leak-proof, easy to use, and capable of handling multiple faucets. Many users appreciate its mechanical design, which doesn’t require batteries. However, some customers have reported issues with leaks, broken timers, and inconsistent water flow. Customer service experiences have also been mixed, with some expressing frustration when trying to return the product.

4. Waxed Canvas Garden Tool Bag

This durable bag is ideal for carrying garden tools and is designed to hold up to 50 pounds. It features multiple pockets and is praised for its versatility. Many users love the sturdiness and the fact that it can also be used for carrying firewood or other items. However, some complaints include insufficient pockets, stiff material, and poor stitching. While most reviews are positive, individual preferences may affect how well this bag suits your needs.

3. Four-Piece Trowel And Cultivator Planting Set

This set includes a standard trowel, a slender trowel for transplanting, and two cultivators for soil preparation. Customers praise the set for being sturdy, well-made, and easy to use. The wooden handles are also highlighted as a nice touch. Some users feel the price could be higher given the quality, but overall, the set is seen as a great value and a solid choice for any gardener.

2. Pruner And Garden Scissor Snip Set

Pruning is an essential part of gardening, and having the right tools makes a big difference. Martha Stewart’s pruner and scissor set is lauded for its sharp blades, comfortable grip, and versatility. Many users appreciate the affordability and the fact that the tools work well on both delicate and thick branches. A few users noted that the blades were too tight for their liking, but this is a rare complaint. Overall, the set is considered a top choice for pruning tasks.

1. Japanese Stainless Hori Knife

The hori hori knife is a must-have for any serious gardener. Martha Stewart’s version is praised for its durability, strong handle, and ability to cut through tough roots. The measurements etched into the blade make it easy to plant seeds at the correct depth. Most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many users saying they would buy multiple copies for friends and family. The only minor downside is that it may be challenging for left-handed users, though flipping the knife over seems to resolve the issue.

Methodology

To determine the rankings, we analyzed customer reviews focusing on factors such as durability, ease of use, and long-term satisfaction. Products with numerous five-star reviews and positive feedback on quality and functionality were ranked higher. Conversely, those with frequent complaints about breakage or difficulty in use were placed lower on the list. Gardening is a personal endeavor, so the best tool for one person may not be the best for another. However, based on user experiences, these are the Martha Stewart garden tools that stand out the most.

205 Western Baby Names for Your Little Darling's Natural Charm

205 Western Baby Names for Your Little Darling's Natural Charm

M Hasan    7:10 AM   

Western Girl Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Whether you were born and raised in the West, plan on having your daughter there, or want her to have a name that pays homage to the region, you’ve landed on the right page. Even if you've never set foot in that part of the United States, the adventurous spirit can create great Western girl names that will perfectly suit your little cowgirl.

Selecting the right name for your baby can be fun, but it may also feel overwhelming with so many different names to choose from. That's why it's nice to have a theme or something to narrow down your search. When we say "Western," we mean anything that might fit with a cowgirl vibe, has a little Southern charm, or would fit in on a farm out West. While you can stick with the classic Western girl names like “Belle” or “Darcy,” there are also many unique names you can add to your list of options.

We’ve rounded up 205 Western names for girls along with their meanings so this process can be easier for you and any of those who might be part of your baby-naming team.

Popular Western Girl Names and Their Meanings

• Ruby – A Latin name meaning “deep red precious stone.”
• Abigail – A Hebrew name meaning “My father is joyful.”
• Savannah – Spanish in origin, this name means “flat tropical grassland.”
• Phoenix – Greek for “dark red” or “Crimson.”
• Bonnie – A Scottish name meaning “beautiful” or “cheerful.”
• Dolly – A British name that means “Gift of God.”
• Eden – You may recognize this Hebrew name from the Bible, which means “place of pleasure, delight.”
• Montana – This name has Spanish origins and means “mountainous.”
• Millie – A short version of Mildred or Milred, meaning “gentle strength” or “strong in work.”
• Amelia – “Work” is the meaning of this German name.
• Raleigh – This gentle-sounding English name means “meadow of deer.”
• Mae – Often short for Mary or Margaret, this time-honored name means “pearl” or “beloved, bitter, drop of the sea.”
• Winona – A well-suited name for your firstborn baby girl, this Sioux Indian name means “firstborn daughter.”
• Helen – This Greek name means “torch” or “shining bright.”
• Ada – This German name means "noble,” “nobility,” or “island."
• Lorelai – You may recognize this name meaning “alluring, temptress” from the television show “Gilmore Girls.”
• Billie – Short for Wilhelmina or Wilma, this six-letter name means “resolute protection.”
• Charlotte – A French-originating name that means “Free man.”
• Loretta – This name means “Bay laurel.”
• Evelyn – This name means “desired” or “water, “island” in English.
• Delilah – “Delicate,” of Hebrew origin.
• Paisley – A Scottish name meaning “church, cemetery.”
• Susanna – A Hebrew name meaning “lily.”
• Lacey – An English name meaning “from Lassy.”
• Dahlia – A popular Swedish last name meaning “Dahl’s flower.”
• Faye – If you’re a fan of fairies, opt for this English name meaning “fairy.”
• Aurora – A Latin name meaning “dawn.”
• Virginia – This Latin name means “Virginal” or “pure.”
• Gail – Short for “Abigail,” this Hebrew name means, “my father rejoices.”
• Brynn – “Hill,” of Welsh origin.
• Ida – “Industrious one,” of German origin.
• Grace – Bring goodness into your life when you name your daughter this name, meaning “goodness,” “blessing,” or “favor.”
• Norma – This name of English origin means “from the north” or “the pattern.”
• Sue – Short for “Susan,” this name means “lily.”
• Ashlyn – An option for those looking to dream big with their baby name, this name of Irish origin means “dream.”
• Blakeley – A popular English last name meaning “Dark wood or clearing.”
• Faith – Faith means “trust” or “devotion.”
• Haleigh – This trendy Western girl's name means “hay meadow.”
• Hollyn – An adorable name meaning “the holly tree.”
• Bree – This Irish name (usually short for Brigid) means “noble” or “power.”
• Heidi – This German name means “nobility.”
• Brenda – Empower your daughter when you name her this pretty name, meaning “blade of a sword.”
• Ava – This name of Latin origin has a couple of meanings, including “life” and “bird.”
• Blake – This name means “fair-haired, dark.”
• Piper – Perfect for a soon-to-be musical prodigy, meaning “pipe or flute player.”
• Adalee – This catchy compound name means “noble” and “meadow.”
• Kennedy – An Irish name meaning “helmet-headed.”
• Jolene – You may have heard this name meaning “God is gracious” in Dolly Parton’s famous song.
• Carolina – French origin, meaning “free man.”

Cute Western Girl Names

• Sierra – Meaning “saw,” this name of Spanish origin is popular and for good reason.
• Pixie – Odds are you’ve heard this name used before when referring to fairies, and that’s because this name means “fairy.”
• Lucille – Your daughter will be the light of your world, so it’s only fitting you name her this French-originating name meaning “light.”
• Keeley – Your daughter will be beautiful, like this name of Irish origin meaning “beautiful.”
• Delaney – This Irish name means “dark challenger” or “the Alder Grove.”
• Rosalie – Meaning “rose,” this French name can be particularly suitable, especially if roses are your favorite flowers.
• Annabelle – “Favored grace” and “beauty”
• Maisie – Often short for Margaret or Mary, this name, of Scottish origin, means “Pearl or bitter.”
• Belle – You might recognize this name from the popular Disney Princess. It’s not surprising this French name means “beautiful.”
• Flora – This name of one of Sleeping Beauty’s fairies means “flower.”
• Clara – A Latin name meaning “bright, clear.”
• Patsy – This cute name (usually short for Patricia) means “patrician” or “nobleman.”
• Willa – German origin, “resolute protection.”
• Addison – While Addison Rae may come to mind when thinking of this name, it means “child of Adam.”
• Winnie – Short for Winifred, this name means “gentle friend.” What’s more? You’ll think of the beloved Disney character every time you call her.
• Libbey – A name meaning “pledged to God.”
• Kinley – A popular Scottish last name meaning “Fair hero.”
• Polly – Means “drop of the sea.” Yes, like Polly Pocket.
• Dorothy – If The Wizard of Oz is one of your favorite films, this name (of Greek origin) is perfect and means “gift of God.”
• Molly – Can be a short name for Mary, meaning “star of the sea” or “bitter.”
• Dixie – This Latin name can mean “tenth” or “I have spoken.”
• Mabel – A lovable name of Latin origin meaning “lovable.”
• Callie – Whether or not your daughter is Greek, this name of Greek origin means “beautiful” and will be a beautiful name for your daughter.
• Rosie – Just as it sounds, this name means “rose.”
• Tabitha – Of Aramic origin, meaning “gazelle.”
• Lulu – Usually short for Lucy or Louise, this name of Arabic origin means “pearl.”
• Lottie – Can be short for Charlotte and means “free man.”
• Betsy – A vintage name of Hebrew origin that means “pledged to God.”
• Bobbi – Usually short for Barbara or Roberta, this name can mean “bright fame” or “foreigner.”
• Lucy – Light up your world when you name your daughter the Latin origin name Lucy, meaning “light.”
• Addie – Usually short for Adelaide or Adeline, this name means “nobility” or “noble.”
• Joanna – A Latin name meaning “God is gracious.”
• Jenna – This name of Welsh origin can mean “white shadow” or “white wave.”
• Allie – This former nickname turned first name means “noble.”
• Evie – You’ve just brought a new life into the world, which makes this name meaning “life” or “to live” all the more beautiful.
• Hannah – This Hebrew name means “grace.”
• Lindy – This beautiful name means “pretty one,” “beautiful.”
• Pearl – This name has Latin origins, meaning “a pearl.”
• Daphne – This name of Greek origin means “laurel tree.”
• Eliza – This popular name with Hebrew origins means “God is my oath.”
• Tate – You might recognize this name of Scandinavian origin, meaning “cheerful,” from the famous pop star Tate McRae.
• Aubrey – This happy-sounding name that rolls off the tongue means “elf ruler.”
• Elsa – You can thank Disney’s Frozen for popularizing this name of German origin, meaning “my God is abundance.”
• Dana – This name has several English meanings, including “From Denmark,” “gift,” or “wise.”
• Greta – While you may know an older friend or relative with this name of German origin meaning “pearl,” it has become increasingly popular in recent years.

Unique Western Girl Names

• Shiloh – A peaceful sounding Hebrew name meaning “His gift” or “tranquil.”
• Andie – Suitable for a strong daughter, meaning “strong and manly.”
• Magnolia – A sweet name (often a French last name) meaning “Magnol’s flower” or “Magnolia flower.”
• Arizona – This name, with Native American origin, means "place of the little spring.”
• Brandy – Of Dutch origins, meaning “burnt wine.”
• Liberty – Means “freedom.”
• Scarlett – Just like Taylor Swift’s song (and album), this name means “Red.”
• Capri – While a name of a popular Italian island, this name also means “wild boar” or “goats.”
• Cady – A rare name (and the name of the protagonist in Mean Girls) meaning “pure” or “idyllic place.”
• Cora – A name of Greek origin that can mean “heart” or “maiden.”
• Thea – A pretty Greek name meaning “goddess.”
• Augusta – A great Western girl name meaning “great,” or “magnificent.”
• Emmylou – Perfect for your daughter, who will be your entire universe, meaning “entire,” or “universal.”
• River – Means “stream of water.”
• Camille – A chic name with French origins meaning “young ceremonial attendant.”
• Aspen – If you want to name your daughter after your favorite Colorado city, you would probably want to know this name means “a shaking tree.”
• Reba – While you might associate this name with the famous country singer, it’s a name with Hebrew origins meaning “fourth born.”
• Memphis – “Enduring and beautiful.”
• Aggie – A name sometimes short for Agatha or Agnes, meaning “Good,” “pure” or “good woman.”
• Cornelia – A Latin name meaning “horn.”
• Hazel – An English name meaning “the hazelnut tree.”
• Calla – A beautiful name with Greek origins for your beautiful daughter, meaning “beautiful.”
• Cadence – “Rhythm, beat”
• Felicity – You might recognize this name, meaning “good fortune, happy,” from the popular American Girl doll.
• Arden – This name of English origin rhymes with garden and means “Valley of the eagle” or “high.”
• Charity – Give your child this English name meaning “hiving,” “kindness.”
• Prairie – Reminiscent of nature, “Flatland.”
• Opal – A beautiful name for your beautiful “gem” of a daughter.
• Missy – Often short for Melissa, meaning “honeybee.”
• Clementine – While a small orange might pop into your head when you hear this name with Latin origins, it actually means “mild,” “merciful.”
• Ophelia – A Greek name meaning “help.”
• Star – Your daughter will be a shining “star,” so this is a fitting four-letter name.
• Sunny – Means “sunny,” but can also mean “cheerful.”
• Jodi – Means “praised” or “woman from Judea.”
• Addilyn – A French name meaning “nobile, nobility.”
• Dani – This name of Hebrew origin means “God is my judge.”

Western Cowgirl Baby Names

• Daisy – An English name meaning “day’s eye.”
• Sadie – A name meaning “princess” (after the Hebrew name, Sarah).
• Laura – A Latin name that means “from Laurentum or bay laurel.”
• Tess – An English name meaning “to harvest.”
• Morgan – Of Welsh origins, this name means "sea-born, sea-song or sea-circle.”
• Elizabeth – A popular Hebrew name meaning “pledged to God.”
• Beatrice – With Italian and Latin origins, this name means “she who brings happiness,” or “blessed".
• Jess – Short for Jessica, this Hebrew name means “behold or wealthy.”
• Nellie – This name, with Latin origins, means “horn” or “sun ray.”
• Tatum – An English name meaning “Tate’s Homestead.”
• Jessie – Short for Jessica, this name means “behold or wealthy.”
• Gracie – Short for Grace, this name means “favor” or “blessing.”
• Sutton – An English name meaning “from the Southern homestead.”
• Cassidy – If your daughter has curly hair, it’s hard to go wrong with this Irish name meaning “curly-headed.”
• Harlow – This name means “rock hill or army hill.”
• Peyton – This English name means “fighting man’s estate.”
• Skye – It’s a smart decision to name your daughter this Scottish name meaning “Skye.”
• Tabitha – An Aramaic name meaning “gazelle.”
• Elanor – Your daughter will shine with this name, meaning “sun star.”
• Penny – Short for Penelope, this name means “weaver.”
• Finley – Perfect for a fair-haired daughter, this Irish and Scottish name means “fair-haired hero."
• Annie – A nickname for Ann meaning “grace.”
• Hope – This English name means “faith.”
• Presley – An English name meaning “priest’s meadow.”
• Lainey – Of French origins, this name means “bright shining light.”
• Hattie – This fun-sounding name means “estate ruler.”
• Harper – As the name suggests, this English name means “harp player.”
• Sally – Short for Sarah, this Hebrew name means “princess.”
• Velma – While you might recognize this name from “Scooby-Doo,” this German name means “helmet.”
• Wendy – This name means “friend” or “white.”
• Tammy – Perfect for a twin girl, meaning “twin.”
• Darcy – With French and Irish roots, this name means “dark-haired.”
• Darla – An English name meaning “darling.”
• Florence – Latin for “flourishing” or “prosperous.”
• Adeline – A French name meaning “noble, nobility.”
• Georgia – While this name might be one of a state, it also means “farmer.”
• Kimber – A shortened version of Kimberly, meaning “Cyneburga's meadow.”
• Baylor – Is an English name meaning “horse trainer.”
• Dale – An English name meaning “valley.”
• Brooke – An English name meaning “small stream.”
• Jo – A name meaning “he shall increase” in Hebrew or “violet flower” or “modest” in Greek.
• Lesley – Scottish for “garden of holly.”
• Evangeline – A soft Greek name meaning “bearer of good news.”
• Blaire – A Scottish name meaning “dweller on the plain.”
• Kendall – An English name meaning “Valley of the river Kent.”
• Matilda – A widely recognized name (thanks to the popular film) meaning “battle-mighty.”
• Tilly – A German nickname or shortened version of Matilda, meaning “battle-mighty.”
• Trixie – This cute name (short for Beatrice), meaning “she who brings happiness.”
• Frankie – Short for Frances, this Latin name means “from France” or “free man.”
• Paige – This English name means “young servant.”
• Oakley – You might think of an oak tree when you hear this name, and that’s because it’s an English name meaning “oak wood or clearing.”
• Jane – Means “God is gracious.”
• Alma – A Latin name for “soul.”
• Kacey – Is a Greek name meaning “thorny.”
• Camryn – Is a Scottish name meaning “crooked nose.”
• Carmen – A Latin name that can mean “garden” or “song.”
• Emerson – Means “child of Emery.”
• Ella – Can mean “all, completely,” or “fairy maiden."
• Irma – A German name meaning “universal,” “whole, or “great.”
• Peggy – Can be a nickname for Margaret, meaning “pearl.”
• Vicki – Short for Victoria, meaning “victory.”
• Sloane – Is an Irish name meaning “raider.”
• Logan – This Scottish name, meaning “little hollow,” is perfect for your little girl.
• Susan – Can be short for the Hebrew name, Susannah, meaning “lily.”
• Clea – Deriving from the Greek, kléos, this name means “to praise,” or “acclaim.”
• Landry – This French and English name, meaning “ruler,” literally rules.
• Maple – A Latin name meaning “maple tree.”
• Sage – Your daughter will shine with this name, meaning “wise and knowing.”
• Marigold – Name your daughter Marigold after the popular flower, meaning “golden flower.”
• Kit – This Greek name means “pure.”
• Kaye – Another Greek name meaning “pure.”
• Eunice – A Greek name meaning “Victory.”
• Rainy – Often short for Regina, this Latin name means “queen.”
• Celia – This is a heavenly Latin name meaning “heavenly.”
• Laurel – Latin for “laurel tree.”

Top 10 Greatest Jeopardy Champions

Top 10 Greatest Jeopardy Champions

M Hasan    6:56 AM   

The Legacy of Jeopardy! Champions

Jeopardy! has produced some of the most iconic and unforgettable contestants over the past four decades. From Ken Jennings to James Holzhauer, the show has seen a variety of winners who have made their mark on the game. As the 2025 TV schedule approaches, it's exciting to think about who might be the next big name to emerge from the competition.

Each of the top 6 on Jeopardy!'s Leaderboard of Legends has earned six figures on arguably the best game show ever, so let's take a look at the Top 10. First, though, let's get a couple of things out of the way:

Scott Riccardi Makes His Way Into The Record Books

While our most recent superchamp Scott Riccardi didn't crack the Top 10 winningest Jeopardy! contestants, he still made his way into the record books before his run came to an end on July 25, 2025. The engineer from Somerville, New Jersey, lost his 17th game in the Season 41 finale after securing $455,000 in winnings. That's good enough for 8th place in the list of Highest Winnings in the regular season, outside of tournaments. He also stands tied for 10th place in Consecutive Games Won with Ryan Long, whose own 16-game streak came in 2022. We'll see Riccardi in the Tournament of Champions!

An Important Rule Change

For years, there was a rule on Jeopardy! that contestants could win a maximum of five consecutive games before stepping down with an invitation to return for the annual Tournament of Champions. That rule changed before the start of Season 20 in 2003, allowing every player to proceed until they lost, and as a result, the win streaks and money earned by single players increased dramatically. In fact, only one of the 10 winningest Jeopardy! champions on this list competed on the show prior to the rule change.

A Note About The Totals

The winnings attributed to the top 10 winners of all time on Jeopardy! include everything they won as a contestant on the standard game as well as in various tournaments over the years — like the Tournament of Champions and Jeopardy! Masters. However, the official Jeopardy! totals do not include consolation prizes (which are sometimes significant amounts of money), so those have been noted separately on this list when applicable. Here are the winningest Jeopardy! contestants of all time:

Top 10 Winningest Jeopardy! Contestants

1. Cris Pannullo ($748,286)
   Cris Pannullo was one of three players in 2022 to crack the Top 10 in all-time winnings, going on a 21-game win streak. During his run he accumulated $748,286 in official winnings, as well as the $1,000 consolation prize for his final game and a $5,000 consolation prize from the 2024 TOC. His streak puts the customer success operations manager from Ocean City, New Jersey, at sixth place in consecutive wins, and only four contestants have won more money in regular-season play than Pannullo.

2. David Madden ($763,733)
   David Madden, an art historian from Ridgewood, New Jersey, earned cash winnings totaling $430,400 in 2005. Following his 19-day run on the show, he also split the $1 million prize for being part of the 2019 All-Star team that included Larissa Kelly and Brad Rutter, for an additional $333,333. Not included in the official total are $10K from the 2024 JIT, the $10K consolation prize from his Tournament of Champions, and the $2,000 consolation from the loss in his 20th game. In total, Madden took home $785,733.

3. Victoria Groce ($772,801)
   Victoria Groce made her initial appearance on Jeopardy! back in 2005, when she won just a single game and earned $22,801. What was notable about the appearance, however, was that she was the player who ended the 19-game win streak of David Madden. Because of that and her continued success in the world of trivia — she appears with other Jeopardy! alums on The Chase — Groce was invited to compete in the inaugural Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament in 2024, which she won to earn $100,000 and a ticket to Jeopardy! Masters. There, she defeated reigning champ James Holzhauer and 2024 TOC winner Yogesh Raut to earn $500,000, and she added $150,000 more by placing third in the 2025 Masters tournament.

4. Mattea Roach ($810,983)
   Mattea Roach, who was 23 years old when they started their streak in 2022, is the youngest player on this list. The tutor from Toronto compiled $560,983 in 23 victories. As well as becoming the winningest Canadian in the game show’s history — an honor that would make Alex Trebek proud — Roach also became one of just three contestants to reach their age in Jeopardy! victories. Roach came in second to James Holzhauer in the 2023 Jeopardy! Masters tournament to earn a cool $250,000, and when you add in the $75,000 parting gift from 2024’s Jeopardy! Masters, $10,000 from the 2022 Tournament of Champions and their initial $2,000 consolation prize, they’ve taken home a total of $897,983.

5. Yogesh Raut ($1,096,403)
   In 2023, Yogesh Raut won $96,403 in three Jeopardy! victories, becoming just the second contestant to advance to the TOC with so few wins. He made the most of it, too, winning the 2024 Tournament of Champions to collect $250,000 and advance to Jeopardy! Masters Season 2, where his second-place finish earned him another $250,000. He returned to Masters in 2025 and defeated Victoria Groce and Juveria Zaheer for the $500,000 grand prize, making him the sixth millionaire in Jeopardy! history. He also earned a $2,000 consolation prize from his initial run.

6. Amy Schneider ($1,682,800)
   Second behind only Ken Jennings with 40 consecutive games won, Amy Schneider made history during her win streak in 2022. Early in her run, she became the first openly transgender champion to qualify for the Tournament of Champions, and she just kept winning! She crossed the million-dollar mark in regular-season play, earning $1,382,800, even before appearing in the Tournament of Champions. She went on to win that too, adding an extra $250,000 to her total, and in 2024 she earned another $50,000 as runner-up of the Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament.

Though it doesn't count toward her official total, Schneider also received $100,000 for fourth place in 2024’s Jeopardy! Masters, $75,000 for her fifth-place finish on the 2023 Jeopardy! Masters, and with the $2,000 consolation prize from her regular season loss, Schneider has taken home a total of $1,859,800.

1. Matt Amodio ($1,818,601)
   Matt Amodio’s 38-game win streak in 2022 ended just a couple of months before Amy Schneider’s first appearance. He won $1,518,601, and almost as impressive as that is the fact that Amodio has competed under seven different hosts, as his time on the show came when Jeopardy! was auditioning guest hosts following Alex Trebek’s death.

In 2025 he won the JIT to earn $150,000, which followed his sixth-place finish on 2024 Jeopardy! Masters for $50,000 and third in 2023’s Jeopardy! Masters to win $150,000. Not counting toward his official winnings are the $75,000 consolation prize from 2025's Masters, $10,000 for his 2022 TOC appearance, and the $1,000 consolation prize from his regular-season loss. Altogether he's taken home $1,954,601 to date.

1. James Holzhauer ($3,612,216)
   A sports gambler from Las Vegas, Nevada, whose 32-day cash winnings totaled $2,462,216, Holzhauer took the Jeopardy! world by storm in 2019, bringing in record ratings with his swashbuckling style and the odd, but daring, amounts of his bets on Daily Doubles and Final Jeopardy. Holzhauer was not the first to bounce around the board in search of the Daily Double, but he was especially good at keeping control until he found it. His gesture of going "all in" to make it a True Daily Double has been picked up and copied by numerous contestants since, but his ability to double huge amounts of money stands unrivaled. He finished his 33-day run with 21 of the 25 highest single-day scores, including the biggest one-day total ever: $131,127 on April 17, 2019.

He went on to add $250,000 as the 2019 Tournament of Champions winner, another $250,000 as the runner-up in the 2020 Jeopardy!: The Greatest of All Time tournament, $500,000 in the 2023 Jeopardy! Masters tournament and $150,000 for third place in 2024’s Masters. Adding in the $2,000 consolation from his regular-season loss, he took home a total of $3,614,216.

1. Ken Jennings ($4,370,700)
   The mighty Ken Jennings! A computer scientist from Seattle, Washington, compiled 74-day cash winnings totaling $2,520,700 plus another $500K for a second-place finish in the 2005 Tournament of Champions and $1 million (plus the title of “Greatest of All Time”) in 2020’s GOAT Tournament. As the 2019 All-Star Games captain whose team was first runner-up, he won $100,000, got another $100K as the 2014 Battle of the Decades first runner-up and won $150,000 as first runner-up in the 2011 IBM Challenge. Small potatoes now, but he also took home $2,000 as a consolation from the loss in his 75th-consecutive game.

Ken Jennings was the first true Jeopardy! celebrity contestant, expanding his popularity beyond just the show’s hardcore fans and into pop culture when he went on his almost unfathomable 74-day win streak in the summer of 2005. He parlayed his Jeopardy! celebrity into a career, writing trivia books, appearing on other game shows, and co-hosting the podcast Omnibus.

The GOAT would also serve as the first guest host to take over following Alex Trebek’s death in November 2020, a position he ultimately made permanent. Now, as the host, Ken Jennings is technically banned from ever returning as a player, but EP Michael Davies has suggested he'd be willing to make an exception if Jennings ever got the itch.

1. Brad Rutter ($4,938,436)
   So, at number one is someone you might not have expected: Brad Rutter, a record store employee from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, whose 5-day cash earnings in 2000 totaled $55,102. Yes, you read that right. Rutter was a 5-day Champion who had to retire after his first run. His winnings have primarily come in tournaments, proving his place as one of the best players of all time.

In the years since being a 5-day champ, Brad Rutter has won $2 million in the 2005 Ultimate Tournament of Champions, $1 million in the 2002 Million Dollar Masters Tournament, another $1 million in 2014’s Battle of the Decades, and hundreds of thousands more in the 2001 Tournament of Champions, the IBM Challenge, 2019’s All-Star Tournament and the Greatest of All Time tournament in 2020.

After a five-year hiatus, he returned to the Alex Trebek Stage (thanks to James Holzhauer) for Jeopardy! Masters Season 3, where he placed 7th out of 9 and earned $15,000 (not counted toward his official total).

Honorable Mentions

Julia Collins won nearly $500,000 from her appearances in the 2014 season and 2019 All-Star Games, and while that may no longer be enough for the top 10, she remains at No. 7 in Most Consecutive Games Won. Her win streak lasted for 20 games, and those who followed haven’t forgotten how she paved the way, with both Amy Schneider and Mattea Roach mentioning her when they reached their own respective 20th victories.

Another honorable mention goes out to Chuck Forrest, because if you have a popular play style named after you, you deserve to be on this list. Forrest competed in Season 2 in 1985, where he won the maximum five games and ultimately the 1986 TOC. In an era where contestants typically chose clues in order from top to bottom of a category, he preferred to jump around the board to throw other players off. The strategy became known as the “Forrest Bounce,” and despite the fact that it drove Alex Trebek nuts, it’s the preferred style of play in Jeopardy!’s current era. Forrest was invited back to participate in the 2024 Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament, where he lost in the quarterfinals.

Finally, a third honorable mention goes to IBM’s supercomputer known as “Watson,” whose artificial intelligence software was specifically designed to compete on Jeopardy! It faced off against Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter in a 3-day game in February 2011, defeating possibly the two best human players to ever compete on Jeopardy! and winning a total of $77,000.

Brad Rutter and Ken Jennings may not have beat Watson but will anyone ever be able to top Rutter’s nearly $5 million in winnings? Will a contestant ever last long enough to surpass Jennings’ 74-game winning streak? Those benchmarks seem pretty insurmountable, but only time will tell.

Daily Horoscope: July 26, 2025 Forecast

Daily Horoscope: July 26, 2025 Forecast

M Hasan    6:01 AM   

Celestial Alignment and Romantic Opportunities

The Moon in Leo is set to align with Venus, creating a celestial duet that emphasizes love and hope. This alignment encourages individuals to open their hearts to new opportunities and let their souls shine brightly. For those born under the signs of Sagittarius, Capricorn, and Aquarius, this cosmic event promises sparks to fly, urging them to embrace their romantic sides and explore potential connections.

This day is also an opportunity for authenticity. The cosmic energy empowers individuals to radiate positivity and confidence, making it easier to influence those around them. As the stars guide us, there are insights and guidance available for each zodiac sign.

Aries: Embracing Charisma and Creativity

For Aries, the Moon and Venus alignment suggests a time of heightened appeal. Individuals may find themselves more magnetic, expressive, and caring. This is an ideal moment for romance, socializing, or discussing new ideas. If spontaneous and theatrical tendencies arise, they should be embraced and enjoyed. Let your natural fire illuminate every room you enter.

Taurus: Comfort and Quality Time

Taurus will feel a strong connection to home, but this doesn’t mean isolation. Instead, it could lead to beautifying living spaces, organizing cozy gatherings, or spending quality time with loved ones. Conversations about comfort and family projects can be insightful. This is a day to indulge in small pleasures that nourish the soul and senses.

Gemini: Socializing and Wit

With the Moon in expressive Leo aligned with Venus in Gemini, Geminis will be great fun to be around. Whether dating, storytelling, or pitching ideas, people will be attentive, and someone might even be smitten. This is a good time for socializing, showcasing wit, and basking in deserved attention. New friendships could blossom during this period.

Cancer: Subtle Power and Intuition

Cancer individuals may not be shouting from the rooftops, but their energy will still attract attention. An understated allure and an enigmatic smile could draw others in. Financial or emotional insights may surface, so trusting intuitive nudges is essential. Music, a beautiful meal, or a heartfelt chat can provide comfort and joy.

Leo: Charisma and Expression

Leo’s natural charisma is amplified as the Moon aligns with Venus in Gemini. Words may seem like pure gold, drawing attention from crowds, friends, or group chats. This is a prime time for self-expression, creativity, and connecting with kindred spirits. Let warmth envelop everyone around you.

Virgo: Insight and Reflection

Virgos will work well behind the scenes today, with words that carry surprising insight. Inspiration may come from solitude or revisiting ideas from a fresh perspective. Professionally, it's an excellent time to showcase skills and impress the right people. Thoughtful compliments can have a significant impact.

Libra: Merging Ideas and Connections

Libras will find the Moon/Venus link perfect for mingling, sharing inspiring ideas, and connecting with admired individuals. Friends and kindred spirits will be drawn to their energy. Conversations will flow with warmth, whether planning a trip, attending an event, or chatting over coffee. Building bridges and spreading positive vibes is key.

Scorpio: Persuasion and Influence

Scorpios will shine today, with their presence and ideas noticed by others. It's a perfect moment to share brilliant ideas, negotiate deals, or charm through tricky situations. Using words effectively, they can be persuasive and impossible to ignore.

Sagittarius: Adventure and Spontaneity

Sagittarius’ adventurous spirit is on fire, making it ideal for exploring new perspectives, making connections, and embracing spontaneity. One-on-one conversations will be delightful, and individuals may inspire or attract others. Whether it's a date, a debate, or a travel plan, openness and cooperation are key.

Capricorn: Serious Matters and Influence

Capricorns are ready to tackle serious matters such as finances, partnerships, or power dynamics. Their powerful insights can make them a force to be reckoned with. People are more open to their ideas now, especially when using charm and persuasion. There may also be some romantic intrigue or meaningful conversations.

Aquarius: Relationships and Originality

With the Moon in the partnership zone aligned with flirty Venus in Gemini, relationships are in focus. Whether romantic, platonic, or creative, connections are uplifting with a touch of mischief. Being authentic and original will attract people who complement and stimulate the mind.

Pisces: Productivity and Play

Pisces will find even chores enjoyable. Blending productivity with play leads to satisfaction. It's a great time to refresh workspaces, reconnect with colleagues, or find new ways to enjoy wellness routines. Homely comforts and great conversation go hand in hand, so keeping things light and enjoying small pleasures is encouraged.

Daily Horoscope Insights

Every morning, including weekends, daily horoscopes are available for all zodiac signs. To check the forecast, visit the dedicated horoscopes page. Those interested in personalized readings can sign up for a free daily newsletter, ensuring a tailored horoscope delivered directly to their inbox.