First Jeopardy! champion reflects as Trebek hosts final episode

New at four - a final goodbye.

Today americans saw alex trebek host the game show jeopardy!

For the very last time.

"you have to admire someone with that kind of courage and professionalism."

The last show he hosted aired right here on waay 31 news less than an hour ago.

Today waay 31's sophia borrelli spoke with the first jeopardy!

Champion -- who just so happens to live right here in huntsville.

They talked about his experience with the legendary television host.

Greg hopkins, first jeopardy!

Champion: "my attitude from the get-go was i got your answers, you got my money, let's go."

Greg hopkins had tried out for two other game shows before auditioning for jeopardy!

In 1984 with alex trebek.

Greg hopkins, first jeopardy!

Champion: "at one of the gameshow tryouts, someone said hey did you know jeopardy!

Was coming back.

I go, you're kidding!

That's my favorite."

After he won, becoming the first jeopardy!

Champion, hopkins ended up losing the second game.

Greg hopkins, first jeopardy!

Champion: "alex was very personable the whole time.

Very kind and he came up to me and shook my hand and said man, i thought you were going to be not only our first champion but our first five day champion."

Sophia look live: "during his time on the television show - hopkins says trebek was a true professional."

Greg hopkins, first jeopardy!

Champion: "when he walked out that first time and started, it was like he had done that show already for 10 years.

He was a stone cold professional as far as his talents as a game show host were.

As a person, just like his staff, he was much more open and caring about the contestants."

Hopkins admires trebeck as he watched these final episodes, seeing him host the show while battling pancreatic cancer.

Greg hopkins, first jeopardy!

Champion: " he was a good fella and he brought a lot of people a lot of joy."

And as the game show jeopardy!

Closes one chapter and continues onto a new one - hopkins says he believes fans of the show will continue to watch.

Greg hopkins, first jeopardy!

Champion: "i think it will continue it's popularity for many years to come."

In huntsville - sophia borrelli waay 31 news.

Ken jennings will be the first gest host of jeopardy!

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