Jeopardy game continues to make news despite the abrupt exit of finalist James Holzhauer.

Now the bigger news is almost half of Holzhauer’s hard-earned winnings money will be taken away by tax men.

After combined tax deductions at 47.6 percent, Holzhauer’s net earnings at the show will be reduced to $1.29 million compared to the $2.46 million he won.

The eventful 33 episodes of the U.S. quiz show had an overwhelming response like Buzzr.

Jeopardy champion James Holzhauer was beaten by a university librarian from Chicago, Emma Boettcher. Even in the untimely exit, Holzhauer won a handsome $2.46 million.

In terms of taxation details, the Federal tax authority IRS cuts tax at the rate of 37 percent and local income tax of the states will also apply to the finalist’s earnings.

Since Holzhauer is a resident of Nevada State, he has to pay the taxes of California where the game was held, according to sports betting website Action Network.

Holzhauer made a few records despite losing. He holds the all-time record for having earned the most money in a single Jeopardy episode — $131,127 and became part of the top four money-winning episodes.

Holzhauer can also take comfort in the fact that he is the second contestant in the show's history to earn more than $1million in a single run.

Only Ken Jennings, another “Jeopardy” champion in 2004 won more money ($2,520,700) and played out more appearances (74) than Holzhauer.

Holzhauer’s popularity

Holzhauer exit was a shocker but it was majestic. In 33 appearances, he also earned $2,000 prize for finishing second.

In Jeopardy, contestants have to provide answers to questions that come as clues. The 34-year-old Holzhauer played differently. Unlike previous contestants, he opted for difficult clues than chasing easy ones.

His bold bets on Daily Double question where players end up losing the entire score for a wrong answer endeared him to the viewers. Audience data suggests 10.3 million viewers watched the game show during Holzhauer's run mainly the first 12 days.

Questions that sealed Holzhauer’s fate

Interestingly, the seemingly unbeaten Holzhauer winning streak was sealed by two questions. That followed Emma Boettcher accepting two Daily Doubles.

Jeopardy James Holzhauer
“Jeopardy!” contestant James Holzhauer is headed back to the show. Sony Pictures Television/Jeopardy Productions, Inc.

The first clue question was: “It’s home to the annual United States sailboat show.”

Emma’s correct answer was “Annapolis,” and doubled her pot, and moved ahead of Holzhauer’s $12,600 with her $15,200.

Despite Holzhauer closing the gap up with her in the next few questions, Boettcher’s second Daily Double altered the fortunes and Holzhauer failed to bridge the lag.

The crucial second Daily Double question was: “On book covers from GOP lawmakers, Jason Chaffetz and Mike Lee is this phrase for the bureaucracy said to be working against democracy.”

Boettcher’s correct answer “The deep state” made her the game show’s winner.