Drew Goins has a way of making headlines, whether it’s for his impressive Jeopardy! performances, his undeniable charm, or his playful interactions with fans who have dubbed him an “international s– symbol.” But beyond the trivia questions and the viral Reddit threads, Goins is a journalist, a proud North Carolinian turned Hawaiian transplant, and, yes, a gay man whose relationship status has intrigued the internet.
Born in Hawaii but raised elsewhere, Drew Goins found himself back on the islands thanks to his boyfriend’s job. His partner, whose name has been kept relatively private, landed a prestigious role clerking for a judge, prompting the move to Honolulu. The shift wasn’t just a geographical one but a cultural immersion. Hawaii, with its deep-rooted traditions and history, isn’t always the easiest place for newcomers, but Goins took the challenge seriously. He read voraciously about its past, approached the transition with humility, and embraced the local culture—even ensuring that his wardrobe choices, like his now-famous Aloha shirts, were worn with the appropriate respect.
What Is Drew Goins’ Relationship Status?
Drew Goins, who is gay, is not married and does not have a wife, but he is in a committed relationship with his boyfriend. They have been dating for some time, and their relationship led them to move to Hawaii together for his partner’s job.
i hereby apologize for my role in the demise of Ken Jennings pic.twitter.com/hii2Oei7Dp
— Drew Goins (@drewlgoins) January 24, 2025
While Jeopardy! viewers first met him during his original run in September 2024, it was his second act that solidified his place in the show’s history. After an initial loss, Goins made a triumphant return in January 2025, securing a win in the Second Chance Tournament. His road to the Tournament of Champions was unexpected—he hadn’t originally qualified, but when Lisa Ann Walter dropped out, Goins stepped in and delivered a performance for the ages.
In his February 3 quarterfinals game, the 30-year-old dominated with 25 correct responses, racking up $24,600 and breezing into the semifinals. He wasn’t just a last-minute replacement; he became the first-ever Second Chance winner to advance to the ToC semifinals, a feat that had fans buzzing.
But for all the excitement over his trivia prowess, a different kind of discussion has taken place in online circles—one about his looks, his energy, and his perceived flirtations with the camera. From the moment he stepped on stage, clad in a turtleneck that emphasized his broad shoulders, viewers took notice. Reddit threads lit up with posts about his charisma. One user declared him “the prettiest man ever seen,” while another jokingly asked if he had ever imagined Jeopardy! would turn him into an online sensation. Drew Goins’ response? He had, in fact, assumed going on the show would ensure he never became one.
babe wake up we get to watch drew goins play jeopardy tonight@drewlgoins @Jeopardy #JeopardySecondChance #DrewRound2 pic.twitter.com/Rb8NV4Mt0C
— Zach Goins (@zach_goins) January 9, 2025
Born in 1994, his playful nature extended beyond the competition. In an AMA (Ask Me Anything) session on Reddit, he fielded questions ranging from his love of Taylor Swift to his passion for glassblowing. But when asked about his relationship, he kept things more guarded. Fans quickly pieced together that he was in a long-term relationship with his boyfriend, a fact confirmed when he mentioned their move to Hawaii together. While Drew Goins hasn’t made his partner the focal point of his public persona, he hasn’t hidden their life together either. The couple enjoys the laid-back island lifestyle, though Goins’ job as an editor and writer for The Washington Post keeps him busy.
The speculation about his relationship status reached a fever pitch after a viral Jeopardy! moment involving a misspelled Final Jeopardy response. Given the clue about a “21st-century business called Matchbox” that had to change its name, the correct response was “Tinder.” Goins answered “Tindr,” omitting the vowel in a style unmistakably reminiscent of Grindr, the popular gay dating app. Viewers immediately latched onto this, wondering if it was a deliberate wink or just an innocent typo. The internet being what it is, the moment spiraled into a full-fledged meme, cementing Goins as not just a trivia whiz but a pop culture darling.
thanks for the shirt @Tinder but I think you have a misspelling? pic.twitter.com/VxWrrSA8AC
— Drew Goins (@drewlgoins) January 26, 2025
His appearances on Jeopardy! weren’t without a few notable blunders. He famously missed a Céline Dion question right after thanking the singer in his introduction, a gaffe that led to him dramatically walking off the stage in mock shame. He later redeemed himself by correctly answering a Taylor Swift question—after having previously botched one about her during his initial run. These moments, far from damaging his reputation, only endeared him more to fans who loved his mix of intelligence and self-deprecating humor.
DREW YOU CAN’T THANK CELINE DION AND THEN NOT GET CELINE DION!!!!! #Jeopardy! @drewlgoins pic.twitter.com/hk6RDnL2Oh
— Zach Goins (@zach_goins) January 25, 2025
As for what’s next for Drew Goins, the possibilities seem endless. He has half-joked about wanting to host Jeopardy! one day, though he acknowledges that Ken Jennings is essentially irreplaceable. His journalism career continues, and his passion for baking and glassblowing keeps him busy outside the trivia world. But for now, his focus is on enjoying the moment, whether that means taking in another sunset in Honolulu or just riding the wave of unexpected fame that came with a buzzer and a few well-timed Daily Doubles.
