Christian Ie, a senior at Kentridge High School from Renton, is one of 15 players selected to compete in this year’s “Jeopardy!” Teen Tournament. The tournament will broadcast nationally beginning Thursday, Feb. 17 through Tuesday, March 2.

Ie first learned he was selected to compete when a crew from KOMO 4 showed up at his high school library with his parents and told him the news. “I was lost for words. All I could do was smile and laugh,” he explained. “My friends and family are excited to see what’s coming.”

If Ie wins the grand prize, he will receive $75,000. The second-place winner receives a minimum of $50,000, and the third place winner receives a minimum of $25,000. Semifinalists receive $10,000, and contestants eliminated in the first round receive $5,000.

The episodes will be taped on the Sony Pictures Television lot in Culver City, Calif., Dec. 6-7. Ie will be also be joined by his parents who will be watching from the live studio audience. Ie has been preparing for the competition by reading a variety of books that cover many subjects. “I’ve also been eating mints before watching ‘Jeopardy!.’ It seems to help my reaction time,” he said.

Ie is involved with his high school’s key club and Junior State of America chapter. Ie is planning to attend the University of Washington to study bioengineering and would eventually like to attend medical school.

“Jeopardy!,” the winner of 28 Emmy awards since its debut in 1984, was inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records for the most awards won by a TV Game Show. The series is the No. 1-rated quiz show in syndication with nearly 9 million daily viewers. “Jeopardy!” is produced by Sony Pictures Television, a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company. It is distributed domestically by CBS Television Distribution and internationally by CBS Television International, both units of CBS Corp.