'Jeopardy' champion claims HQ Trivia never paid him his $20K winnings

A former Jeopardy contestant who won the game show's "Tournament of Champions,” claims he never received a $20K prize from HQ Trivia, a popular app that offers real cash to players.

Alex Jacob, who thrilled and confused Jeopardy viewers in 2015 by jumping around categories in search of the Daily Double and making large wagers, claims that HQ Trivia owes him the hefty funds.

While the former professional poker player isn't strapped for cash after winning more than $150,000 from Jeopardy, plus the $250,000 grand prize for the Tournament of Champions, he believes that HQ should honor their jackpots.

The game, which users can download onto their smartphones, is played live every day. According to TechCrunch, the company laid off 20 percent of its staff last week.

"Guys, I need your help. I won $20,000 on @hqtrivia on June 10 and still haven’t heard anything about payment. Sadly, I don’t think they’re going to pay," Jacob tweeted on July 8.

While HQ Trivia did not immediately respond to Yahoo Lifestyle’s requests for comment, it informed FOX Business that it can take 90 days for winners to receive prizes. Based on his tweet, Jacob won on June 10 and submitted his request to cash out on June 11th. The 90-day period expires on September 9th.

“We strive to make a game that is fair and fun for all players. As such, we have a rigorous process of reviewing winners for eligibility to receive cash prizes,” HQ Trivia said in a statement to FOX Business. “Infrequently, we disqualify players for violating HQ's Terms of Service and Contest Rules. It may take some eligible winners up to 90 days to receive cash prizes, however 99% of players have been able to cash out within 48 hours of winning a game and we have paid out a total of $6,252,634.58 USD to players since launch.”

The spokesperson went on to add, “We are confident in our decision to withhold the funds while we investigate.”

Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:

• Mother arrested after filming daughter licking tongue depressor, returning it to jar in doctor's office

• Mom says nail salon refuses service to daughter with cerebral palsy: 'This cannot be tolerated'

• Family says request to remove Virgin Mary statue from front yard is 'an attack on our religion'

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.