IBM Watson Wins on Jeopardy

Ever since the computer was first invented, it was designed to challenge and surpass human capabilities.  With countless developments and advancements, it is no surprise that a computer can complete a complex math equation in less time than a person could imagine, but the computer’s dominance has expanded to include far more unlikely realms.  IBM first pushed the boundaries of computer “thinking” capabilities in 1997 by designing Deep Blue, which defeated reigning chest champion, Garry Kasparov.  In 2011, IBM embarked on an even more daring challenge.

On this day, February 17th, in 2011, IBM’s Watson computer defeated two of Jeopardy’s best contestants, Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter.

Watson played two total matches against Jeopardy’s most accomplished competitors and was victorious by more than $20,000 in the first match and more than $50,000 in the second.  IBM’s impressive super computer won $1 million in the competition, all of which was donated to charity.