Wisconsin professor secures spot in finals of 'Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions'

(CBS 58) -- "Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions" finals airs on CBS 58 starting Tuesday, March 12, and a Wisconsin man is one of three contestants with a chance to take home the title and 250-thousand dollars.

Ben Chan, an assistant professor of philosophy at St. Nobert College in De Pere, spoke with CBS 58's Bill Walsh just hours before the first match is set to air. He says his competition is fierce.

"Both of my opponents are world class quizzers they're internationally known," Chan said.

Through a winning streak that was halted by COVID-19, starting a new winning streak in his return, and now a shot to take down the Tournament of Champions, Chan has become a Jeopardy fan favorite. He says he loves his newfound celebrity status in the Green Bay area.

"People are invested, and proud and feel like I am representing them, and that was important to me that I represent us well, so I am glad that's being picked up on," Chan said.

Chan says he is using his fame to advocate for causes that are important to him.

"In a couple of weeks I'm going to be sleeping over in a dog shelter to raise awareness to try to get to zero-kill shelters across the country," Chan said, "no companion animal should have to die before they are meant to die."

The Tournament of Champions Finals is a best of seven competition, the first contestant to three wins is champion. No spoilers from Chan, but he does make one promise to his fans.

"There's going to be amazing gameplay, there are going to be some really dramatic games, I think I am safe to say that," he said.

You can watch "Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions" right here on CBS 58.