Matt Damon and Ken Jennings reignited their playful feud with Jimmy Kimmel on the July 30 episode of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, winning $1 million for Water.org, which sparked both celebration and mock dismay from Kimmel, highlighting their long-standing rivalry and the joy of giving back.

 

Matt Damon Reignites 'Feud' with Jimmy Kimmel as He Competes on “Who Wants  to Be a Millionaire”: See If He Won the $1 Million Prize

 

In a thrilling episode of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire that aired on July 30, 2025, Matt Damon reignited his long-standing playful feud with Jimmy Kimmel while teaming up with Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings to win the grand prize of $1 million.

The episode featured a mix of humor, competition, and charity, as the duo aimed to raise funds for Water.org, Damon’s nonprofit organization dedicated to providing clean water to communities in need.

The excitement began when Damon made a surprise appearance as Jennings’ trivia partner, catching Kimmel off guard.

This unexpected twist added an extra layer of drama to the show, especially considering the history between Damon and Kimmel, which dates back to 2005 when Kimmel first made a light-hearted jab at Damon on his late-night talk show.

Since then, their playful rivalry has become a staple of pop culture, with both stars frequently referencing it in interviews and public appearances.

 

Matt Damon Reignites 'Feud' with Jimmy Kimmel as He Competes on “Who Wants  to Be a Millionaire”: See If He Won the $1 Million Prize

 

As the episode unfolded, Jennings and Damon faced off against challenging trivia questions, with only two remaining when they entered the final stretch of the game.

The first significant question they encountered asked, “With another career path already established, who got his first taste of the entertainment world when he entered a Steve Martin look-alike contest?” The options included notable figures like Dr. Oz, Jerry Springer, Bill Nye, and Anthony Bourdain.

In a moment of tension, Jennings and Damon decided to utilize the “As the Host” lifeline, which allowed Kimmel to weigh in.

Kimmel confidently pointed to Bill Nye as the correct answer, and the duo, trusting Kimmel’s expertise, followed his lead.

The atmosphere was electric as they moved closer to the million-dollar question.

Kimmel humorously commented on the situation, suggesting it was “the least dramatic million-dollar moment in Who Wants to Be a Millionaire history” when they ultimately answered correctly.

 

Matt Damon Competes on 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire': Find Out What  Happened

 

The final question posed to Damon and Jennings was, “Which of these words is often used to describe one of the most beautiful auditory effects on Earth: the sound made by leaves of trees when wind blows through them?” The choices were Apricity, Petrichor, Susurrus, or Eudaemonia.

Jennings, feeling confident, recalled the term “Susurrus” before they opted to use their 50:50 lifeline, which eliminated two incorrect answers, leaving them with Petrichor and Susurrus.

Trusting Jennings’ instinct, they chose Susurrus, and their correct answer sent confetti raining down as they celebrated their monumental win.

In the aftermath of their victory, Kimmel jokingly approached Damon and said, “I’m begrudgingly going to shake your hand,” as they posed with the oversized check.

The camaraderie and rivalry between the three men were palpable, making for an entertaining segment that delighted viewers.

 

Matt Damon Reignites 'Feud' with Jimmy Kimmel as He Competes on “Who Wants  to Be a Millionaire”: See If He Won the $1 Million Prize

 

Throughout the episode, Kimmel maintained a humorous tone, frequently poking fun at the situation and at Damon, who had finally made an appearance on Kimmel’s show—albeit not in the way Kimmel had anticipated.

The banter continued as Damon quipped, “This is like if you challenged me to a pick-up basketball game and I showed up at the park with Michael Jordan, ’cause this dude is the Michael Jordan of trivia.” Kimmel, never one to back down, retorted, “I look at it as if Michael Jordan showed up with a hemorrhoid.”

As the episode concluded, viewers were left not only with the excitement of the win but also with the renewed energy of the Damon-Kimmel feud.

Fans of both stars are eager to see how this friendly rivalry will evolve, especially with the backdrop of Damon’s recent triumph.

With their ongoing antics and the charitable cause behind their win, the episode served as a reminder of the power of friendship, humor, and competition in the entertainment industry.

As Matt Damon continues to shine in his philanthropic efforts and Kimmel remains a staple of late-night television, audiences can expect more entertaining moments from these beloved figures.

The episode was a testament to their enduring connection and the lighthearted spirit that keeps fans coming back for more.