Jeopardy! has a new star on its hands: 23-year-old Matt Jackson, who's captivated viewers with a nine-day winning streak.
But Jackson is much more than just a promising contestant. It's his on-screen quirks that have earned him legions of Internet fans.
After racking up five victories and more than $166,000 in winnings, Jeopardy! profiled Jackson for its website. Jackson works as a paralegal in Washington D.C., and was inspired to audition after his friend placed second at the 2010 College Championship.
He took the college online test twice with no luck, but decided to try one last time at the adult test in early 2014. Fast forward to Season 23, and Jackson has already qualified for the Tournament of Champions.
This is all impressive on its own. But it's Jackson's slow-building smile that's really got the Internet talking. And by slow-building, we mean slow-building.
He's even coined his own catchphrase: a celebratory "Boom!" after nailing the Daily Double.
Naturally, his enthusiasm has already inspired a viral video.
Is Jackson the next Arthur Chu? Not quite, but he's certainly nailing it so far.
[H/T: Uproxx]