'Jeopardy!' contestant Jamie Ding going for 30th straight win

PHILADELPHIA -- When it comes to 'Jeopardy!,' Lawrenceville, New Jersey's Jamie Ding has become a household name.

Thursday night, he's going for his 30th straight win, an incredible stretch that is as emotional as it is thrilling.

After Wednesday night's game, Jamie Ding has won a 29-game total of $793,602.

He has cheerleaders in his home state of Michigan and his adopted state of New Jersey, along with fans around the world.

"It feels like we're bringing the country together," Ding says with a smile.

Ding works as a policy and programs analyst for the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency.

The Princeton University alumnus is currently a law student at Seton Hall University.

He's also now in 5th place for all time "Jeopardy!" wins.

"It's weird," he laughs. "I still don't believe it, but it's also wonderful. This entire run has felt like a just celebration of my life and my journey."

With win after win, Ding already secured a spot in this year's Tournament of Champions.

He's been a lifelong learner and a student of the world.

"Always be asking questions," he says of his life mantra. "Always be learning, just hold on to that curiosity. It's a wide world out there, and it's full of amazing stuff. Just go exploring."

Before he picks up the buzzer, he recites this affirmation to himself: "May you be happy, may you be healthy, may you be free from internal and external harm, may you speak truthfully."

Ding is the son of Chinese immigrants and knows that his victories aren't just his own.

"I'm proud that that as an immigrant, as person of color, that I've been able to write myself into the history books of this American institution during our 250th birthday," he says.

"I hope that I'm bringing everyone joy and that I give immigrants something to be proud of."

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