That’s one way to make a lasting impression! Matt Jackson, who wowed Jeopardy! fans — and host Alex Trebek — on the game show last week with his eight-day winning streak, is making his rounds on the Internet, but not just for his smarts.
The Washington, D.C.-based paralegal’s intro clip is going viral because of what many viewers have dubbed his “slow-smile” and deep, soul-searching gaze.
In the video, which introduces Jackson, 23, the contestant’s smile grows slowly as the camera zooms in, creating a bit of a creepy effect.
The enthusiastic player is also gaining fans for his rapid-fire replies and intense “boom!” sound effect whenever he answers questions correctly.
According to Jeopardy!’s official website, Jackson was encouraged by his college pal Sam Spaulding to compete on the game show after Spaulding won $50,000 with a second-place finish in the 2010 College Championship.
When Jackson got the call to be on the show, he repeated a mantra from Broadway musical Hamilton to psych himself up: “I am not throwing away my shot. I am not throwing away my shot.”
Among the books that he read for inspiration and preparation for his time on the show were Ken Jennings’ Brainiac and Bob Harris’ Prisoner of Trebekistan — both Jennings and Harris were previous champions on the game show.
Jennings’ record of winning 74 consecutive games in a row back in 2004 earned him a total winning of more than $2.4 million.
So far, Jackson has won $230,610, and is continuing on with his winning streak.
