Below you’ll find the Final Jeopardy clue for Friday, January 17, 2025. In last night’s match, two contestants made it through as semi-finalist in the Jeopardy Champions Wildcard by betting nothing and keeping their high totals intact. It’s possible that we might see that same tactic in today’s game with math professor Marko Saric from North Carolina, lawyer Adam Hersh from New York, and technical program manager Will Weiss from New York. Here are the question and answer for Final Jeopardy on 1/17/2025, in addition to wagers and the winner of the match.

Final Jeopardy Question for January 17

The Final Jeopardy question for January 17, 2025 is in the category of “Historic Statements” and has the following clue:

He wrote of his intent “to reserve & throw away my first fire, & I have thoughts even of reserving my second fire”

The correct response to this clue has been put at the end of this guide, so you have time to figure it out first.

Final Jeopardy Wagers and Winner for January 17

In a hotly contested match, Marko became the winner of the January 17 match. Sadly for another contestant, Adam, he lost his place on the wildcard standing by risking too much.

Marko had $24,400 by the second round and guessed incorrectly with “Nixon.” Luckily, he didn’t risk anything and ultimately won, making him another semi-finalist.

Adam was very close with $18,600, but unfortunately wagered it all. His wrong guess of “Baldwin” left him with $0. If he had risked nothing, he would have reached the next phase of the tournament through the wildcard standings. That said, contestants don’t know what happened in prior episodes, though he still shouldn’t have risked it all. It would have been better to wager $5,801 so that he could become the winner with the right response or still have enough left over to become a semi-finalist anyway.

Meanwhile, Will also lost his entire total of $5,400. He failed to provide a response and ended with $0 as well.

Final Jeopardy Answer for January 17

The correct answer for Final Jeopardy on January 17, 2025 is “Who is Alexander Hamilton?”

The quote in the clue comes from Alexander Hamilton before his infamous duel with Aaron Burr. As confirmed by his second in the duel, Nathaniel Pendleton, he wrote, “I have resolved to reserve and throw away my first fire, and I have thoughts even of reserving my second fire.”

Unfortunately, his plan didn’t come to fruition as Burr shot him in the abdomen and he fell instantly due to the mortal wound and would not survive, despite doctor Dr. David Hosack being on the scene. While Burr dueled Hamilton to repair his reputation, arrest warrants were issued against him and he was forced to flee to Philadelphia.