Paolo Pasco: A Filipino-American Champion Changing the Game on Jeopardy!
As a long-time Jeopardy! fan, I’ve watched countless contestants stand behind that podium, clickers in hand, and face off in the ultimate test of knowledge and nerves. Every now and then, though, someone comes along who feels different — not just another trivia master, but a true game-changer. Paolo Pasco is one of those rare champions.
Paolo’s rise on Jeopardy! stunned fans. With his calm presence, quick recall, and razor-sharp wagering strategy, he quickly made his mark. But what makes his story even more inspiring — to me personally, and to so many others in the Filipino-American community — is that he’s not just a trivia genius. He’s a Filipino-American genius.
Born in 2000 and raised in San Diego, Paolo grew up with the kind of curiosity and intellect that later propelled him into the world of puzzles. He’s more than a contestant; he’s a professional puzzle constructor. His work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The New York Times, and beyond. For those of us who have struggled just to finish the Saturday crossword, it’s staggering to think that Paolo is one of the minds actually creating them. He even served as an assistant crossword editor at The Atlantic and has run his own puzzle site — shaping the very games that others labor over with pencil and eraser.
Paolo is also a Harvard graduate (Class of 2022, computer science). While at Harvard, he was profiled as a “Filipino-American puzzle constructor” who grew up in San Diego. That detail matters. Representation matters. As a Filipino-American myself, I know how meaningful it is to see someone who shares our heritage standing tall in spaces where we haven’t often been visible. Watching Paolo thrive on national television, while knowing he’s also innovating in the world of puzzles and games, fills me with pride.
Now based in New York, Paolo continues to shape the puzzle community while carrying the title of Jeopardy!champion — and possibly a future Tournament of Champions contender. His blend of intellect, creativity, and cultural representation reminds us that success is not one-dimensional. It is not just about winning games or collecting titles; it’s about breaking ground, opening doors, and showing what’s possible.
For me, Paolo’s story isn’t just about Jeopardy! — it’s about visibility, excellence, and pride. He has shown the world that Filipino-Americans aren’t just participants in the cultural conversation; we can be leaders, innovators, and yes, champions.
Here’s to Paolo Pasco: a name we’ll be hearing for a long time, both in the puzzle world and on that famous Jeopardy!stage. For additional details read:
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