Hollywood star Ben Affleck has joined the elite ranks of television game show history by winning the grand prize of $1 million on a special charity episode of *Who Wants To Be A Millionaire* on Thursday, July 30, 2026. The Oscar-winning actor-director put on a stellar performance, showcasing his trivia knowledge and strategic thinking to secure the massive donation for Eastern Congo Initiative, a non-profit organization he co-founded to support community-building initiatives in the region.
A Dynamic Duo: Affleck Teams Up with Jamie Ding
To tackle the high-stakes trivia ladder, Affleck was paired with 31-time *Jeopardy!* champion Jamie Ding under the show’s special celebrity-expert format. The partnership proved to be formidable, with Ding’s rapid recall and Affleck’s broad knowledge base helping them navigate the initial rounds without using any lifelines. The chemistry between the two kept viewers entertained as they discussed history, pop culture, and science questions.
As they reached the final stretch, the questions became increasingly difficult. The $500,000 question required identifying a obscure historical treaty from the 17th century. After a brief discussion and using their "Double Dip" lifeline, Affleck confidently locked in the correct answer, setting the stage for the dramatic million-dollar final question.
The Million-Dollar Question Explained
The final question, worth $1 million, tested their knowledge of classic literature and astronomy: *"Which 19th-century novel contains the first known literary reference to the rings of Saturn?"* The options included works by Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Mary Shelley, and Thomas Hardy. With no lifelines remaining, the tension in the studio was palpable as Affleck and Ding debated the possibilities.
Relying on his love for classic literature, Affleck recalled reading a specific passage in a Jules Verne novel during his youth that described a journey through the solar system. After consulting with Ding, who supported the choice, Affleck gave the final answer: *Jules Verne*. The studio erupted in cheers as host Jimmy Kimmel confirmed the answer was correct, making Affleck one of the few celebrities to win the top prize in the show's history.
Supporting Eastern Congo Initiative
The $1 million prize will go entirely to the Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI), which focuses on providing grants, capacity building, and advocacy for local organizations in the Democratic Republic of Congo. ECI works to improve access to clean water, healthcare, and education, while supporting local farmers and entrepreneurs.
Following the historic win, Affleck expressed his gratitude to the show and his partner Jamie Ding. *"This is an incredible moment,"* Affleck said. *"Winning this money for the Eastern Congo Initiative will make a tangible difference in the lives of so many people. I couldn't have done it without Jamie's brilliant mind. It’s a win for all of us."*
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