Ben Affleck and Jeopardy! Champion Jamie Ding Triumph on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire

A Million-Dollar Victory for Affleck and Ding

In a thrilling episode of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, actor Ben Affleck and former Jeopardy! champion Jamie Ding clinched the grand prize of one million dollars. The pair successfully navigated to the final question, the 15th of the game, and after a nail-biting moment, they provided the correct answer, marking a significant achievement in their game show experience. Affleck, known for his Oscar-winning performances, partnered with Ding, who previously dominated Jeopardy! with 31 consecutive wins from March to April 2026.

The decisive moment unfolded on July 30, when they confronted a challenging $500,000 question: “What achievement occurred just two months after a New York Times article claimed it wouldn’t happen for ‘1 million to 10 million years’?” Ding proposed that the answer might be the "first aeroplane flight," a suggestion that Affleck backed. He recalled instances where the media had been incorrect, particularly regarding the Wright brothers' historic flight in 1903. Despite some hesitation, they opted for the 50:50 lifeline and ultimately chose Ding's answer, which turned out to be correct.

After successfully answering the $500,000 question, the duo geared up for the million-dollar question, which inquired about the names of turkeys pardoned by US presidents. The options included Peanut Butter and Jelly, Tater and Tot, Mac and Cheese, and Spaghetti and Meatball. They decided to use the Ask-the-Host lifeline, with host Jimmy Kimmel humorously suggesting that Spaghetti and Meatball was not the right choice, referencing his own comedic takes on the tradition.

In a clever strategy, Ding also opted for the Phone-a-Friend lifeline, intending to call a close friend, reminiscent of Affleck's long-standing friendship with actor Matt Damon. When the call went unanswered, Affleck jokingly noted that Ding's friend was akin to Damon. Ultimately, they chose to follow Kimmel's advice, leading them to the correct answer and securing the grand prize.

The winnings from their game will be donated to Affleck's nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to grant-making and community-building efforts. Viewers can catch the thrilling episodes of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire on ABC every Wednesday, with additional streaming options available on Prime Video.