Gratitude to Ottawa for Your Incredible Support
I want to express my deepest appreciation to the city of Ottawa for the overwhelming support and encouragement I’ve received. Your enthusiasm has truly meant a lot to me and has contributed significantly to my journey.
Although the recent competition concluded with a challenging setback just shy of achieving my goal of a fifth consecutive win—necessary for an automatic spot in the Tournament of Champions—I am proud of my efforts and grateful for the experience. I commend my opponents, who demonstrated remarkable skill and came on strong, especially during Double Jeopardy, which became a personal highlight of the game.
Having been fortunate to participate in four episodes beyond what most contestants experience, I consider myself fortunate to have had such an extensive opportunity to compete, learn, and grow. While securing a fifth win would have guaranteed a place in the Tournament of Champions, history shows that four wins often suffice to qualify, or at worst, can lead to a wildcard selection.
There’s also a promising note from the show’s host, Ken Jennings, who mentioned at the episode’s conclusion, “Probably not the last time we’ll see Rian on the Alex Trebek Stage.” With my appearance early in the season, I have ample time to prepare for future competitions.
If you happen to see me around Ottawa, please feel free to say hello and challenge me with your favorite trivia questions—it’s a great way to stay sharp and keep the spirit of the game alive. Thank you once again for your unwavering support and encouragement!