in addition to the aforementioned cash prize, the winner also earns an automatic spot in the next tournament of champions, although one winner (larry martin in 2018) died from pancreatic cancer before reaching that tournament. so far, two teachers tournaments winners have made it to the finals of the tournament of champions (colby burnett in 2013 and francois barcomb in 2019); only burnett won the event. 2016 winner jason sterlacci is only other winner to advance to the semi-finals of the tournament of champions. burnett was also invited back to the battle of the decades in 2014 where he advanced to the semifinals, and was team captain in the all-star games in 2019, where he drafted 2017 tournament of champions finalist alan lin and november 2000 college champion pam mueller as his team members. his team finished as the second runner-up in the event. 2015 winner jennifer giles also competed in the all-star games, as a member of team buzzy cohen. john pearson was the alternate in the all-star games.