"Jeopardy!" Champion Paolo Pasco: 5 Key Facts You Should Know

Paolo Pasco: The Jeopardy! Champion with a Passion for Puzzles

Paolo Pasco, a 25-year-old Jeopardy! champion, has made a significant impact on the show this season. With three impressive victories already under his belt, he is set to return for his fourth game on Monday, September 15, aiming to increase his total earnings of $79,741. His performance has been nothing short of remarkable, with nearly every appearance resulting in a runaway win.

Pasco's journey began with a victory over one-day champion Ian Morrison on September 10, marking the start of his three-day winning streak. While much is known about his puzzle-solving skills, very little is publicly shared about his personal life, including his relationship status. However, there are several fascinating facts about him that reveal more about his background and interests.

A Multifaceted Career

In addition to being a puzzle writer, Pasco holds multiple roles in the world of crosswords and games. He currently serves as a Games Editor for TED Conferences, an organization renowned for hosting TED Talks. According to his LinkedIn profile, he has been with the organization since August 2025. Additionally, he has worked as the Assistant Editor at American Values Club Crossword since 2019, previously serving as a Crossword Constructor there. Pasco has also contributed to crosswords for various publications, including The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Buzzfeed Puzzles, and more.

Before his career in puzzles, Pasco worked as a Games Editor at LinkedIn and as a Data Scientist at ASML. His diverse professional background showcases his versatility and dedication to his craft.

Harvard Graduate

Pasco earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science from Harvard University in 2022. During his time at Harvard, he was actively involved in numerous student organizations. He served as president, treasurer, and social media manager of the Three Letter Acronym Improv, a lyricist and tech crew member for the Hasty Pudding Theatricals, and a proctor of the First-Year Arts Program. He was also part of the Asian Students Arts Project, Asian American Christian Fellowship, and the Asian American Dance Troupe.

A Published Author

Despite his success in puzzles, Pasco has also ventured into writing books. He authored "Pause for Puzzles: Easy Crosswords for Serenity," which was released in May 2025. This 128-page book features 56 10×10 easy crosswords designed to provide relaxation and entertainment. According to the publisher, Hachette Books, the book’s themes are crafted to keep readers engaged and stress-free.

A Love for Crosswords

Pasco's passion for crosswords began during his eighth grade in San Diego, California. According to his Alumni Profile on Harvard’s website, he discovered his love for crosswords during a family road trip. He downloaded The New York Times crossword app on his tablet and became instantly hooked. Before this, he enjoyed other puzzles like Sudoku and Dell Magazine puzzle books from airports.

Pasco shared that he realized crosswords were not just about knowing everything but rather about using context to solve them. This revelation sparked his interest in creating puzzles, leading him to become a published puzzle writer by his freshman year of high school.

A Creative Outlet

Pasco maintains a blog called "Grids These Days," where he shares his own puzzles. The blog's tagline, “Crossword puzzles. Not every Sunday, but any Sunday,” reflects his commitment to creating engaging content. Many of his puzzles have a pop culture twist, occasionally featuring 1940s opera singers. On his blog, he also mentions his hobbies, such as golf and movies.

Conclusion

Paolo Pasco's journey from a puzzle enthusiast to a Jeopardy! champion highlights his dedication, intelligence, and creativity. His multifaceted career and contributions to the world of crosswords make him a standout figure in both entertainment and intellectual circles. As he continues to compete on the show, fans eagerly await his next moves and future achievements.