Ben Affleck and “Jeopardy!” champion Jamie Ding won $1 million on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,
donating the prize to Affleck’s Eastern Congo Initiative after using lifelines and a guest guess from host Jimmy Kimmel.
Ben Affleck’s latest victory isn’t just about fame—it’s about philanthropy. The 2x Oscar winner and “Jeopardy!” champion Jamie Ding claimed the $1 million top prize on ABC’s Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,
with the winnings directed to Affleck’s Eastern Congo Initiative.
The Final Question and Lifeline Strategy
The duo’s path to victory hinged on a Thanksgiving-themed question: In an annual Thanksgiving tradition, all but which of these have been pardoned by a U.S. president?
The options were Peanut Butter & Jelly, Tater & Tot, Mac & Cheese, and Spaghetti & Meatball. Stumped, Affleck and Ding used their “Ask-the-Host” lifeline, prompting Kimmel to guess Spaghetti & Meatball.
Ultimately, they trusted Kimmel’s guess, a decision that paid off when the correct answer was revealed.
Kimmel’s nervous guess came with a side of humor. I have such a stomach ache right now,
he admitted during the suspenseful moment, per Variety. Affleck, ever the confident performer, quipped, I would bet on Jimmy,
before Ding locked in the answer. The pair’s gamble not only secured the $1 million prize but also highlighted the show’s blend of strategy, luck, and celebrity camaraderie.
A Legacy of Charity and Celebrity
This win isn’t just a personal milestone for Affleck—it’s a continuation of a tradition he shares with his Good Will Hunting
co-star Matt Damon. Exactly one year prior, Damon and “Jeopardy!” host Ken Jennings won the same prize, also donating the funds to charity. Affleck’s Eastern Congo Initiative, the first U.S.-based advocacy and grant-making organization dedicated to supporting the people living in the African region, has long benefited from such high-profile donations.
Ding’s role in the victory was no accident. The “Jeopardy!” champion, who won 31 consecutive games on “Jeopardy!” earlier this year, brought his trivia expertise to the game show. His streak, which earned him more than $880,000, cemented his status as a trivia icon. Ding didn’t just show off his trivia chops.
The Human Side of the Win
Beyond the numbers and strategy, the moment captured the human elements of the game. Affleck’s reaction—I would go for it
—revealed his trust in Kimmel’s judgment, while Ding’s composure under pressure showcased his experience.
Kimmel, ever the showman, played up the drama. I’m not sure Ben knew that he was paired with a champion when he agreed to do the show,
he told Variety, adding, He seemed surprised and delighted.
The host’s remarks hinted at the unexpected chemistry between Affleck and Ding, a duo that managed to blend star power with trivia prowess.
What’s Next for the Winners?
While the immediate focus is on the $1 million donation, the win also elevates Ding’s profile. The “Jeopardy!” champion, already a media favorite, now joins an elite group of game show victors. His record-breaking streak and on-screen charisma have already earned him features in the New York Times and recognition as a Style Champion.
For Affleck, the victory adds another chapter to his public persona. The Eastern Congo Initiative, the first U.S.-based advocacy and grant-making organization dedicated to supporting the people living in the African region, will now benefit from this latest windfall. The charity’s mission—to support the people living in the African region—aligns with Affleck’s long-standing commitment to humanitarian causes.
Affleck and Ding’s win, like Damon and Jennings’ before them, underscores the show’s enduring appeal—and the power of celebrity to amplify good causes.
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