'Jeopardy' champ's tearful revelation to Alex Trebek wins the day

Ron Dicker

Burt Thakur earned $20,400 to win his first “Jeopardy!” game on Thursday’s episode. But the victory meant so much more.

Thakur, a project engineer who’s an immigrant, gave the game show’s longtime host Alex Trebek a tearful thanks for a very important reason.

“Here’s a true story, man,” Thakur said. “I learned English because of you. And so, my grandfather who raised me ― I’m gonna get tears right now ― I used to sit on his lap and watch you every day. So it’s a pretty special moment. Thank you very much.”

In a “Winner’s Circle” interview posted by the show, Thakur said his “Jeopardy!” triumph brought him full circle.

“I just feel really special right now and it’s awesome,” he said.

  • This article originally appeared on HuffPost.

Advertisement