LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — When James Holzhauer got an email from the NHL asking him to be part of the NHL Awards, he didn't think twice.
But he said it's possible he didn't fully understand what he was getting himself into.
“I’ve never been asked to walk a red carpet," Holzhauer, known as Jeopardy James, said, "probably will never again so one shot at that.”
A couple weeks ago, Holzhauer wrapped a 32-game win streak on Jeopardy and walked away with the second-highest win total of the show’s history. On Wednesday, he'll present at the NHL Awards, alongside other celebrities and NHL greats.
“We’re about 24 hours out and they still haven’t told me when I’m presenting or my lines or anything so hopefully I have enough time to get ready," Holzhauer said.
Ready or not, Jeopardy James will be back in the spotlight Wednesday - an opportunity born out of his love for the Golden Knights.
"The Jeopardy producers tell you to have more fun on stage but I took some liberties I think with that kind of shouting out to the hometown when I got a shot," said Holzhauer. "I think people like having a hometown boy to root for. Especially after the Knights got eliminated from the playoffs in such heartbreaking fashion, they still have something on their TV that represented Las Vegas hopefully in a positive light."
Even before his historic run came to an end, Holzhauer began spreading that positive light in more ways than one - responding to fans with heartfelt notes and spreading his newfound wealth.
“I was raised in a frugal household, this is more money than I’m going to spend and I know it can do a lot better good for other people and I’m thinking where can it do good?" he said.
On Jeopardy, Holzhauer won $2.4 million dollars, about 1.29 million after taxes. So far, he’s written sizable checks to several Southern Nevada charities and places that are special to him.
“I did a lot of my studying at the library," he said, about his donation to the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District. "It’s my kid’s favorite place to go, I take here there all the time and I think we have a wonderful library system her but I know there’s more they could be doing and I think it was the first place I thought to write a check to.”
Although he makes a living predicting the outcome of sports games, Holzhauer could’ve never predicted this - a historic run on his favorite game show and now, fame, money and a platform to do good.
“It’s a simple, hey great job, or pat on the back, I don’t mind too much but I think the best change has been the platform to create change for good in the community. I have not only money but kind of a speaking voice now to raise awareness to these causes. I really think that’s wonderful.”
