ATLANTA — Crowned "Jeopardy James" on social media, James Holzhauer is cementing his champion status after surpassing the $1 million milestone this week on Jeopardy!
Holzhauer's streak of success is not only capturing audience attention -- it's also raising questions on social media about whether the show can afford so many wins so fast.
Our Verify team reached out to Jeopardy! for clarification on the handling of payouts and show budgeting for big winners.
According to a spokesperson for Jeopardy!, the show previously had a limit of winning five shows but that limit was lifted in 2003 with the 20th season.
Holzhauer's success in season 35 has been record-breaking.
The professional gambler won his 16th consecutive episode of "Jeopardy" Thursday. It's the fourth-longest winning streak for the game show since it removed its five-game limit.
Holzhauer has now won $1,225,987 which includes four jackpots over $100,000 including his single-game record of $131,127 on April 17.
Still, Holzhauer has millions to go before catching the show's top earners. A Jeopardy! spokesperson tells 11Alive, the record for all-time Jeopardy! winnings including tournaments is Brad Rutter with $4,688,440. Ken Jennings holds the record for winnings during regular season with $2,520,700.
There's no cap for contestant total and daily winnings, and for those wondering whether Holzhauer will dent Jeopardy!'s budget, a spokesperson verified winnings are accounted for each season.
"Contestant winnings are budgeted for every season and James’ winnings are no different. Jeopardy! is always thrilled when our contestants succeed, and James is no exception," the spokesperson said.