kenneth wayne jennings iii (born may 23, 1974) is the highest money earning contestant on the american television game show "jeopardy!". he won a total of 74 times, earning $2,522,700. his winning streak lasted from june 2, 2004 through november 30, 2004. he lost after that time to a player named nancy zerg, who lost within a day to katie fitzgerald. he was brought back to appear in the final three games of the show's ultimate tournament of champions. in the tournament, he lost to brad rutter, who became the highest money winner on "jeopardy!".