Gemini 2.5 Pro Jeopardy Masters 2025 Prediction: Victoria Groce & Yogesh Raut Showdown?

Gemini 2.5 Pro with "deep research" attempts to predict the Jeopardy Masters! 2025 winner.

Gemini 2.5 Pro has gotten scary good and is likely the best value AI on the market as of June 4, 2025 for the $. Google/Alphabet is cooking with their AI advancement/features, cloud services, and Waymo… but there is serious concern about future revenue from search/ads; I don’t own the stock… just sharing my opinion (will write about this more in the future).

I still use o3 for 90% of my daily queries and don’t mind having to wait for it to research things. Usually the first response in a new thread with o3 is at least like 75% as good as o3 + Deep Research — and sometimes it’s even better (given that Deep Research mixes up dates and/or uses outdated info).

Anyways, I prior to Jeopardy Masters 2025 I predicted that Victoria Groce would win the 2025 Masters Tournament after trouncing the competition in 2024… Yogesh is looking elite as expected… so it’ll likely come down to these 2 juggernauts unless someone makes a massive timely mistake.

Isaac Hirsch and Juveria Zaheer are strong competitors, but clearly not at that “upper echelon” like Victoria and Yogesh. Really good group this year, still wish James would’ve been there for the sake of competition.

Victoria seems mentally dialed and my prediction remains Victoria takes the Trebek trophy with low confidence. Why low confidence? Yogesh. I wouldn’t be surprised if Yogesh finds a way.

Victoria gets in a zone and is borderline invincible… and she never seems to miss the final question… but Yogesh can get freakishly streaky too. If Zaheer or Hirsch somehow won the magnitude of upset would be massive based on what I’ve been watching.

You can read the OG pre-tournament predictions from o1-pro + deep research (the article is a bit longwinded so just skim around). Read: Jeopardy Masters 2025 Prediction (o1-pro deep research).

This prediction below is from Gemini 2.5 Pro + Deep Research. It’s not really saying anything amazing. You can probably predict as well and most people probably predict the same thing it predicts… but I like reading the logic behind it’s predictions and learning new angles that I hadn’t thought of.

TLDR: My prediction remains Victoria with low confidence. Gemini 2.5 Pro pre-semifinals predicts Victoria with high confidence. And the original prediction from o1-pro was Victoria. o3 + deep research (may post its output later) predicts Victoria with “high confidence.”

UPDATE: Yogesh locked TF in during Match 2 after finishing Match 1 with $0. My thought was Juveria would beat Hirsch in the semis (she was more consistent throughout the tourney)… but never expected her to vie for the entire $500k and Victoria skidding to 3rd after being up ~$14.4k in Match 1. Exciting final match. Hoping this trio opts in to return next year — and hoping we get James out of hiatus. Excellent 2025 Jeopardy Masters!

Gemini 2.5 Pro DR: The Climax of Jeopardy! Masters 2025

The world of elite competitive quizzing focuses its attention today, June 4, 2025, on the culmination of the third annual Jeopardy! Masters tournament. This prestigious event has once again brought together some of the brightest minds in Jeopardy! history, battling for a grand prize of $500,000, the coveted Trebek Trophy, and the title of Masters Champion. This year's tournament, which premiered on April 30, 2025, presented an expanded field, with nine champions vying for supremacy, making it the largest and arguably most competitive Masters to date.

The 2025 edition features a compelling mix of talent: the reigning champion, recent Tournament of Champions (ToC) victors, and standouts from the Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament (JIT). A significant factor shaping this year's competition is the absence of James Holzhauer, the 2023 Masters winner, who declined an invitation to participate. Holzhauer's unique, aggressive style often dictated game dynamics; his non-participation has opened the door for a wider range of strategic approaches and potentially shifted the balance of power, placing an even greater premium on broad knowledge, buzzer speed, and adaptability over the strategic dominance of a single player.

As the tournament reaches its final day, the intensity is palpable. This analysis is formulated with all data available as of the morning of June 4, 2025, prior to the airing of the concluding semifinal matches and the decisive two-game, total-point final. The objective is to dissect the available performance data and tournament dynamics to predict not only the three individuals who will emerge from the semifinals to contest the championship but also their ultimate placements on the Masters podium.

The Path to the Finals: Identifying the Championship Contenders

The journey to the Jeopardy! Masters final is a grueling multi-stage gauntlet. The tournament began with nine contestants in the Knockout round, where three were eliminated. The remaining six advanced to the Quarterfinals, which saw a further two players eliminated. This left four formidable competitors to battle in the Semifinals, from which only three will advance to the championship round.

Throughout the Knockout, Quarterfinal, and Semifinal stages, contestant standings are determined by "match points": 3 points for a win, 1 point for second place, and 0 points for third place in each game. Tiebreakers, if needed, are applied in the following order: number of games won, cumulative correct responses (including Final Jeopardy!), cumulative score (excluding Final Jeopardy! and Daily Double wagers), and finally, cumulative score (excluding Final Jeopardy!). It is critical to note that points from the Quarterfinal round do not carry over to the Semifinals; the four semifinalists started this stage with a clean slate. The Final itself is a two-game, total-point affair, where match points no longer apply, and only the combined dollar scores from the two games determine the champion.

As of the morning of June 4, 2025, before the final two semifinal games are played, the standings are as follows, based on data from the official Jeopardy! website and TheJeopardyFan.com:

• Victoria Groce: 6 Match Points (2 Wins, 0 Second, 0 Third) - Played 2 of 3 Semifinal Games

• Yogesh Raut: 2 Match Points (0 Wins, 2 Second, 0 Third) - Played 2 of 3 Semifinal Games

• Isaac Hirsch: 0 Match Points (0 Wins, 0 Second, 1 Third) - Played 1 of 3 Semifinal Games

• Juveria Zaheer: 0 Match Points (0 Wins, 0 Second, 1 Third) - Played 1 of 3 Semifinal Games

Each semifinalist participates in three games in a round-robin format. Victoria Groce's commanding start, winning both of her initial semifinal games, has already secured her a place in the final and puts immense pressure on the remaining contenders. Yogesh Raut's two second-place finishes demonstrate his consistency but also highlight a potential vulnerability in closing out games against the absolute top tier in this round, a factor that could become critical if tiebreakers come into play.

The remaining semifinal matches today will determine the final lineup:

• Semifinal Game 3: Victoria Groce vs. Isaac Hirsch vs. Juveria Zaheer. Victoria, already qualified, will be playing for seeding. For Isaac and Juveria, both currently on 0 match points, this game is pivotal. Victoria's consistent high-level performance throughout the tournament, particularly her leading statistics from the Quarterfinals (13 points, 4 wins, 125 correct responses, $96,200 Coryat score), makes her a strong favorite to win or place second. The contest for the remaining match point(s) between Isaac and Juveria will be intense. Isaac's slightly higher overall Coryat and buzzer statistics in the tournament thus far may offer a marginal advantage, though Juveria's demonstrated prowess with Daily Doubles, often making bold wagers, remains a significant wildcard.

• Semifinal Game 4: Yogesh Raut vs. Isaac Hirsch vs. Juveria Zaheer. Yogesh will be looking to secure his place in the final with a strong performance. Depending on the outcome of Game 3, Isaac and Juveria could be in a desperate fight for their tournament survival. Yogesh, the 2024 Masters runner-up and a consistently strong statistical player, is favored to perform well. The pressure on Isaac and Juveria will be at its peak.

Based on this, the projected 3 finalists are:

1. Victoria Groce: Her 6 match points virtually guarantee her progression.

2. Yogesh Raut: His current 2 points, combined with his strong overall play, suggest he will accumulate enough in his final game. A victory by Victoria in Game 3 would significantly bolster Yogesh's position.

3. Isaac Hirsch: The contest for the third spot is extremely close, likely coming down to the wire between Isaac Hirsch and Juveria Zaheer. Isaac is given a slight edge due to marginally stronger overall tournament metrics, such as his higher number of correct responses in the Quarterfinals and currently in the Semifinals (11 to Juveria's 9 after one game each). This latter statistic is the second tiebreaker and could prove decisive. While Juveria possesses remarkable clutch potential, particularly with Daily Doubles, Isaac's potentially higher performance floor and consistency in correct responses might give him the crucial advantage.

Semifinalists' Performance Snapshot (Leading into Final Day's Games)

Note: Average Coryat and FJ! Accuracy are based on available cumulative data leading into the final day's semifinal games and may include data points from earlier in their careers as reported by TheJeopardyFan.com. Semifinal correct responses and FJ! accuracy are specific to the 2025 Masters Semifinals played thus far.

Profiles of the Predicted Finalists

Should the semifinal predictions hold, the championship will be contested by Victoria Groce, Yogesh Raut, and Isaac Hirsch. Each brings a distinct set of skills and experiences to the ultimate showdown.

Victoria Groce

• Overview: Victoria Groce is the reigning Jeopardy! Masters Champion, having secured the title in 2024. Her return to Jeopardy! has been nothing short of spectacular, also winning the 2024 Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament (JIT). An accomplished international quizzer, she also won the World Quizzing Championships in 2024.

• Tournament Performance (2025 Masters): She has been in formidable form throughout this tournament. She dominated the Quarterfinals, accumulating 13 match points with 4 wins, 125 correct responses, and a cumulative Coryat score of $96,200. Her semifinal performance has been flawless so far, with 6 match points from 2 wins and 43 correct responses after two games. Her buzzer accuracy (career 42.32% first on buzzer) and Coryat scores have been consistently high, and she boasts a perfect 2/2 on Final Jeopardy! questions in the semifinals.

• Strengths: An exceptionally broad and deep knowledge base is her foundation, complemented by strong buzzer timing and a proven clutch gene, as evidenced by her 2024 Masters victory and current commanding performance. She also demonstrates astute Daily Double strategy.

• Potential Weaknesses: The immense pressure of defending a prestigious title can be a factor. While not prominently seen in this tournament, highly aggressive opponents could occasionally catch her on high-value clues if her buzzer timing is marginally off.

• Path to Finals (Projected): A dominant Quarterfinal display followed by decisive early wins in the Semifinals, leveraging her experience and current peak form to secure her place with authority.

Yogesh Raut

• Overview: Yogesh Raut was the runner-up in the 2024 Jeopardy! Masters and the winner of the 2024 Tournament of Champions. He is renowned for his incredible recall, lightning buzzer speed, and the capacity to achieve very high Coryat scores.

• Tournament Performance (2025 Masters): Yogesh delivered a strong Quarterfinal performance with 9 match points, 2 wins, 106 correct responses, and a $76,200 Coryat score. He has been consistent in the Semifinals, securing two second-place finishes, which translates to 2 match points and 45 correct responses after two games. Notably, his pre-Final Jeopardy!/Daily Double Coryat score in the semifinals ($33,200) is higher than Victoria's ($29,600) for this stage, indicating strong fundamental gameplay. One report even highlighted a "record-setting" performance in an early round of this tournament.

• Strengths: Phenomenal knowledge recall and exceptional buzzer speed are his hallmarks, allowing him to rack up impressive scores. His correct response rate in the semifinals is an outstanding 96%.

• Potential Weaknesses: Despite his strengths, he has sometimes faced challenges in converting dominant game positions into wins against other super-elite players, as seen in his two second-place semifinal finishes. His Daily Double accuracy in the semifinals stands at 50% (one correct, one incorrect, though summary tables can sometimes simplify multi-game DD performance), and Final Jeopardy! can be a variable element in his game.

• Path to Finals (Projected): A solid Quarterfinal run followed by consistent, high-scoring (though not winning) performances in the Semifinals, relying on his profound knowledge base and strong underlying metrics to secure sufficient match points.

Isaac Hirsch

• Overview: Isaac Hirsch is a 9-game Jeopardy! champion and was a co-runner-up in the 2025 Tournament of Champions. He is recognized as a steady, strong, and consistently performing player.

• Tournament Performance (2025 Masters): Isaac had a solid Quarterfinal showing, earning 6 match points with 2 wins, 62 correct responses, and a $41,000 Coryat score. His single semifinal game played before today resulted in 0 match points but yielded a respectable 11 correct responses.

• Strengths: Consistent gameplay is his forte, backed by good buzzer skills (career 38.24% first on buzzer) and the ability to put up solid, competitive scores.

• Potential Weaknesses: His overall Coryat scores (career average $15,322) tend to be slightly lower than those of Victoria or Yogesh at their peak. He possesses less experience in the super-elite, high-pressure environment of a Masters tournament compared to the other two predicted finalists. His Daily Double and Final Jeopardy! statistics are generally good but not as consistently dominant. His one semifinal Final Jeopardy! was incorrect.

• Path to Finals (Projected): Steady play throughout the Quarterfinals. He will require strong, clutch performances in his remaining two Semifinal games, likely distinguishing himself from Juveria Zaheer through a higher cumulative total of correct responses or a crucial game win or second-place finish. The pressure of these deciding semifinal games could forge a very sharp and battle-tested finalist.

Predicted Finalists – Key Metrics Comparison (Cumulative for 2025 Masters up to end of Semifinals)

Note: Average Coryat for the tournament is an estimation based on available game data. Buzzer Success % and DD/FJ accuracy for Semifinals are based on cumulative stats for games played in that round as of June 4 morning.

Predictive Analysis for the Championship

The Jeopardy! Masters final discards the match point system; victory is determined solely by the combined dollar scores from two complete games. This format demands a specific blend of knowledge, strategy, and nerve.

Several core factors will dictate the outcome:

• Knowledge Base & Recall Speed: This is the bedrock of Jeopardy! success. All three predicted finalists possess vast knowledge, but subtle differences in breadth, depth, or recall under extreme pressure can emerge.

• Buzzer Dominance: Controlling the buzzer is paramount. It dictates the flow of the game, provides more opportunities to score, and, crucially, increases the chances of uncovering Daily Doubles. Victoria has demonstrated excellent buzzer performance (career 42.32% first on buzzer, 56% success in current Semis). Yogesh is also renowned for his buzzer speed, with a 55% success rate in the current Semis. Isaac is proficient but perhaps not as consistently dominant on the buzzer as Victoria and Yogesh at their peak (34% success in current Semis). Effective buzzing directly correlates with the ability to select clues and thus hunt for Daily Doubles. A player who consistently rings in first gains a significant advantage in controlling these game-changing moments.

• Daily Double Strategy & Execution: Daily Doubles are often the turning points in high-level Jeopardy!.

  • Finding DDs: While somewhat random, players who control the board more often have more chances.

  • Wagering Acumen: This is where champions are often made. In a total-point final, bold yet calculated wagers are essential. Victoria and Yogesh have shown the capacity for significant Daily Double wagers in past high-stakes tournaments.

  • Conversion Rate: Correctly answering these high-pressure clues is vital. Victoria is 1/1 (100%) on DDs in the Semifinals thus far. Yogesh is 1/2 (50%), and Isaac is also 1/2 (50%). Successfully converting Daily Doubles with strategic wagering has a disproportionately large impact on scores in a total-point final compared to the earlier match-point rounds.

• Final Jeopardy! Performance:

  • Accuracy: Consistently providing correct responses in Final Jeopardy! is key.

  • Wagering Strategy (Two-Game Context): Understanding optimal betting across two games, considering the opponent's scores and potential Game 2 scenarios (often guided by principles like Shore's conjecture), is a sophisticated skill.

  • Analysis: Victoria is 2/2 in Semifinal Final Jeopardy! rounds. Yogesh is 1/2, and Isaac is 0/1. Victoria's 2024 Masters victory was underpinned by strong Final Jeopardy! play.

• Consistency & Composure: Maintaining peak performance across two full, high-stakes games requires immense mental fortitude. Minimizing unforced errors and staying composed under pressure are critical. Victoria's track record as the defending champion and her calm on-stage demeanor suggest high composure. Yogesh, despite his extraordinary talent, has occasionally shown vulnerability at the very final hurdle. Isaac is less tested at this ultimate stage of a Masters tournament.

• Adaptability: The ability to adjust strategy based on the evolving game state—opponents' scores, remaining categories, and Daily Double locations—is crucial.

Comparing the finalists:

• Victoria vs. Yogesh: This is a potential rematch of the 2024 final, which Victoria won. Both are exceptionally strong. Victoria may hold a slight edge in proven big-game temperament and current-tournament consistency in converting advantages into wins. Yogesh has demonstrated slightly higher raw Coryat potential in some phases of this specific tournament, for instance, his Semifinal Coryat before Daily Doubles and Final Jeopardy!.

• Victoria vs. Isaac: Victoria possesses a significant advantage in terms of experience and overall statistical performance. Isaac would enter as the underdog but could benefit from playing with less pressure.

• Yogesh vs. Isaac: Yogesh has the higher demonstrated ceiling and more experience at this level. However, Isaac's consistency could pose a challenge if Yogesh has an inconsistent game.

The psychological dimension of a two-game final cannot be overstated. A strong performance in Game 1 can build a significant mental and scoreboard advantage, forcing opponents into riskier, potentially suboptimal, plays in Game 2. Conversely, a deficit after Game 1 necessitates aggressive DD hunting and wagering, increasing variance and the chance of critical errors.

Jeopardy! Masters 2025: Predicted Podium Finish

Integrating the season-long performance data, semifinal dynamics, and the fundamental requirements for success in a two-game total-point final, the following predictions are made for the Jeopardy! Masters 2025 championship:

Predicted Winner: Victoria Groce

• Odds: 3:2 (equivalent to a 60% probability)

• Confidence Level: High

• Rationale:

  • Championship Pedigree & Experience: As the reigning Masters champion, Victoria has proven she can navigate and win this exact high-pressure, two-game total-point format against the world's best. This experience is a significant asset.

  • Peak Current Form: Her dominant performance in the Quarterfinals and her flawless winning start to the Semifinals (2 wins, 100% DD and FJ! accuracy) indicate she is operating at the zenith of her abilities.

  • Statistical Superiority in Key Areas: She consistently posts high Coryat scores, demonstrates excellent buzzer timing, and, crucially for the final, has shown outstanding Daily Double and Final Jeopardy! conversion rates in the pivotal semifinal games.

  • Composure and Consistency: Victoria exhibits remarkable calm under pressure. Her ability to perform consistently at an elite level across multiple rounds and high-stakes games is a primary differentiator.

  • Alignment: She excels across all critical factors: deep knowledge, effective buzzing, astute Daily Double strategy, reliable Final Jeopardy! execution, and formidable mental toughness. Her victory in the 2024 final against Yogesh Raut and James Holzhauer demonstrated her capacity to outmaneuver even the most aggressive players through fundamentally sound play and capitalizing on key opportunities.

Predicted Runner-Up: Yogesh Raut

• Odds: 5:2 (equivalent to approximately 28.5% probability of winning)

• Confidence Level: Medium (for the runner-up position)

• Rationale:

  • Elite Quizzing Talent: Yogesh is undeniably one of the world's premier quizzers, evidenced by his 2024 Tournament of Champions win and his runner-up finish in the 2024 Masters.

  • Exceptional Scoring Potential: He is capable of achieving massive scores, driven by his vast knowledge and rapid buzzer work. His pre-DD/FJ Coryat in the semifinals was notably high, and his overall correct response rate is exceptional (96% in Semis).

  • Strong Motivation: Having finished second in 2024, his drive to claim the title will be immense.

  • Potential Vulnerabilities: While his knowledge is encyclopedic, his 50% conversion on both Daily Doubles and Final Jeopardy! questions in the semifinals indicates slight inconsistencies compared to Victoria's current perfection in those areas during this crucial stage. In a tight final, these moments are often decisive. He has also placed second in both his semifinal games so far, suggesting a potential difficulty in securing outright wins against the very top contenders in this specific tournament phase.

Predicted Third Place: Isaac Hirsch

• Odds: 6:1 (equivalent to approximately 14.3% probability of winning, aligning with one UPM scenario)

• Confidence Level: Medium (for the third-place position)

• Rationale:

  • Solid and Improving Competitor: As a 9-game champion and 2025 ToC co-runner-up, Isaac has firmly established his credentials among elite players. His performance throughout the Masters has been commendably steady.

  • Battle-Tested Path to Final: He will have emerged from a highly competitive struggle for the third finalist position, ensuring he enters the final in sharp competitive form.

  • Core Strengths: He possesses a good knowledge base and consistent buzzer play.

  • Challenges Against the Apex Tier: While a formidable player, his peak statistical outputs (e.g., Coryat scores, Daily Double conversion under pressure) have not quite matched the demonstrated best of Victoria or Yogesh in this tournament. He has less experience in the unique crucible of a Masters final. His 0/1 Final Jeopardy! record in the semifinals is also a point of concern.

  • The "Variance" Element: As noted by external analysts, high-level Jeopardy! inherently contains variance. Isaac is certainly capable of causing an upset in a single game, but winning a two-game, total-point final against Victoria and Yogesh, given their current form and experience, presents a very significant challenge. The choice of Isaac over Juveria for this predicted third spot hinges partly on his potentially more consistent "floor" performance—a tendency for fewer incorrect answers and a steadier Coryat, even if Juveria has demonstrated moments of greater brilliance with aggressive Daily Double play. In the semifinal round-robin, consistent accumulation of correct responses (a key tiebreaker) can be more strategically valuable than sporadic high-scoring bursts, and Isaac currently leads Juveria in semifinal correct responses.

Final Prediction Summary – Jeopardy! Masters 2025

Anticipating the Crowning of a Champion

The stage is set for a memorable conclusion to the 2025 Jeopardy! Masters. The final promises an enthralling contest of intellect, speed, strategy, and nerve. The dynamic between Victoria Groce and Yogesh Raut, should they both feature as predicted, will be particularly fascinating, given their history and mutual respect. Isaac Hirsch, if he secures the third spot, will be a dangerous wildcard, capable of disrupting the established order. Daily Doubles and the two Final Jeopardy! rounds will, as always in a total-point final, be the crucibles where the championship is forged or lost.

Victoria Groce enters this final day as the favorite, not merely due to her status as reigning champion, but because of her compelling blend of profound knowledge, strategic acumen, current exceptional form, and proven composure under the brightest lights. Her performance throughout this tournament has been indicative of a champion playing at the peak of her powers.

Nevertheless, the beauty of Jeopardy! at this rarified level lies in its inherent unpredictability. A single challenging category, a missed Daily Double at a crucial juncture, or an unexpected Final Jeopardy! outcome can dramatically alter the trajectory of the game. While this analysis points strongly towards a repeat victory for Victoria Groce, the brilliance of her fellow competitors ensures that the title of 2025 Jeopardy! Master will be hard-earned and celebrated.