On a bright January evening in 2025, viewers across the U.S. watched as Drew Goins clinched victory in Jeopardy!’s Second Chance Tournament. A respected journalist turned viral sensation, Goins—Assistant Op-Ed Editor at The Washington Post—wasn’t just winning trivia; he was capturing hearts. His quick wit, calm demeanor, and occasional slip-ups (like typo-ing “Tinder” as “Tindr”) earned him affectionate memes, thousands of retweets, and a wave of positive media attention.
→ Curious about his editorial background? Read what Assistant Op-Ed Editors like Drew Goins really do behind the scenes.
Drew’s mix of high intellect and humble charm stood out, especially in an era craving authenticity. What started as a quirky game show appearance evolved into full-blown media attention. LGBTQ+ fans rallied around him. Reddit threads dissected his best answers. Even The U.S. Sun covered his behind-the-scenes antics. Suddenly, Drew Goins wasn’t just an editor—he was a 2025 breakout icon.
Where Did Drew Goins Grow Up? Verified Background and UNC Education
Drew Goins was born in 1994 and raised in the suburbs of Charlotte, North Carolina, though he was born in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. That mix of Southern upbringing and island origins shaped his personality—grounded, soft-spoken, but globally curious. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a Bachelor’s in Journalism and Hispanic Linguistics in 2016 with a perfect 4.0 GPA. During college, he studied abroad in Pamplona, Spain, which helped deepen his multilingual fluency (English, Spanish, and Portuguese).
Though much about his family remains private, it’s publicly known that he has a brother named Zach Goins, a fellow journalist who writes for Inside The Film Room. Zach is married to Rebecca Goins. Drew’s upbringing was rich in reading, writing, and baking—skills he later brought into both his kitchen and newsroom.
At around 30 years old in 2025, Drew appears to stand slightly over average height with a lean, athletic frame—based on TV appearances. His zodiac sign would likely be Libra or Scorpio, depending on his birth month, though it hasn’t been publicly confirmed.
Is Drew Goins Married? Personal Life and Relationship Status in 2025
In 2025, Drew Goins is not married but is publicly in a committed relationship with his partner, Sam Cohen, a judicial clerk. The couple first caught attention through a few subtle social media photos, and then a wave of fan curiosity after Drew’s Jeopardy! rise. The two reportedly split time between Washington, D.C., and Honolulu, embracing a lifestyle that balances ambition and tranquility.
Drew is openly gay and has never shied away from that aspect of his identity. However, he maintains a grounded boundary between public presence and personal life. He rarely overshares, but when he does open up—whether about his partner or his baking experiments—it adds a relatable warmth that deepens his fanbase connection.
No past relationships or controversies have been publicized, further adding to the sense of quiet integrity he projects in both life and work.
Drew Goins' Career Journey at The Washington Post and Jeopardy!
Drew began his journalism career in 2016 as a summer intern on the multiplatform news desk at The Washington Post. Over the next few years, he worked across departments—including Local Living and the Education team—eventually landing full-time in the Opinions section by 2018. In June 2021, he was promoted to Assistant Op-Ed Editor, a significant leadership role where he oversees contributor coordination, editorial tone, and digital strategy.
One of his standout contributions is Today’s Opinions, a daily newsletter he created that has become a must-read for politically engaged readers. He also co-hosts Impromptu, a podcast that blends politics, culture, and insider perspectives.
But it was Jeopardy! that gave him mainstream visibility. His original appearance aired in September 2024, but he returned in January 2025 as a wildcard replacement in the Second Chance Tournament. Not only did he win that tournament—earning over $36,000 in the finals—but he became the first Second Chance contestant to advance into the Tournament of Champions semifinals.
→Explore how Drew Goins is also shaping LGBTQ+ representation in journalism.
Viewers loved his calm confidence, Céline Dion quips, and accidental “singing” faux pas (which was edited out of the episode due to licensing issues, but later confirmed by The U.S. Sun).
How Much is Drew Goins Worth in 2025? Net Worth, Salary, and Jeopardy Earnings
As of 2025, Drew Goins’ estimated net worth is around $500,000, based on publicly available earnings from journalism and game show winnings. His full-time editorial role at The Washington Post is believed to pay in the range of $85,000 to $110,000 annually, which is standard for high-level editors at legacy media outlets.
His Jeopardy! A tournament win brought in roughly $36,000, and while he didn’t win the Tournament of Champions, his fame led to paid interviews and speaking opportunities. He has not endorsed any products, started a business, or launched personal monetization platforms—keeping his brand grounded in editorial work and occasional media appearances.
Drew lives modestly, frequently flying between Honolulu and Washington, D.C., where he likely splits rent or owns a home with his partner. His social media posts reflect quiet luxury: bookstore runs, kitchen baking, and sunlit balconies—not flashy cars or designer fits. It’s a refreshing kind of influence: rooted in credibility, not consumption.
Summary: Who is Drew Goins and Why He Matters Now
Drew Goins is a Honolulu-born, UNC-educated journalist and the current Assistant Op-Ed Editor at The Washington Post. He rose to national prominence in 2025 as a viral Jeopardy! champion and authentic LGBTQ+ role model. His clean editing style, warmth in interviews, and unfiltered human presence make him one of the most trusted emerging names in digital journalism and pop culture.
From baking kouign-amann to outwitting Harvard grads on Jeopardy!, Goins reflects the rise of a new type of public figure—one who leads not with spectacle, but with substance.
FAQ About Drew Goins in 2025: Career, Partner, and Jeopardy History
Who is Drew Goins?
Drew Goins is an Assistant Op-Ed Editor at The Washington Post, known for shaping public discourse through editorial curation and supporting diverse opinion voices. He rose to broader recognition in 2025 following his memorable appearance on Jeopardy! and continues to advocate for inclusivity and journalistic integrity in mainstream media.
Is Drew Goins a real editor at The Washington Post?
Yes, Drew Goins has been the Assistant Op-Ed Editor since June 2021. He previously created the Today’s Opinions newsletter and works closely with the digital strategy team.
When did Drew Goins appear on Jeopardy!?
His original episode aired in September 2024, and he returned in January 2025, winning the Second Chance Tournament and entering the Tournament of Champions semifinals.
Is Drew Goins gay and in a relationship?
Yes, Drew is openly gay and is currently in a relationship with judicial clerk Sam Cohen. They reportedly split time between D.C. and Hawai‘i.
How much is Drew Goins worth in 2025?
As of 2025, his estimated net worth is $500,000, combining his editorial salary and Jeopardy! earnings. He has no public sponsorships or business ventures.
Is Drew Goins on Wikipedia?
As of now, Drew Goins does not have a dedicated Wikipedia page, but his contributions have been acknowledged in various news and editorial platforms. His growing public presence and editorial influence make him a notable figure in modern American journalism.