When Dropout’s improv‑game show Game Changer promised that anything could happen, fans probably didn’t expect a contestant to walk away with a six‑figure cheque. But that’s exactly what happened when comedian Jacob Wysocki took the stage in July 2025. The episode was designed as a quiz tailored to him, and at the end of the hour host Sam Reich presented Wysocki with a cheque for $100,000.
The moment went viral not just because of the eye‑popping sum but because of the context behind it. Wysocki had been open about having a difficult year, and the prize represented a much‑needed act of kindness. Here’s how the show of generosity unfolded and why it resonated so deeply with fans.
A Game Like No Other
For those new to Game Changer, the Dropout series is an improv‑style competition where the rules change every episode. Contestants are often left guessing what game they’re playing until it’s underway. Wysocki had competed on the show before, but this time the game was unusual from the outset. Every question related to his own life, career and personal history. He answered them all correctly, and when Reich handed over the $100 k cheque, Wysocki was visibly stunned.
He later said that winning such a large sum felt “insane,” especially because he’d been dealing with personal tragedy. In interviews he described the previous year as “pretty sh***y,” noting that he had lost both his mother and a close friend from his sketch group. The surprise gift was Dropout’s way of acknowledging his hardships and supporting him in front of the show’s audience.
A Year of Loss and Support
Wysocki’s mother died in early 2025, and a colleague from his long‑running sketch troupe passed away not long after. He spoke candidly about trying to keep working while grieving, and he credited the Dropout team with being understanding when he needed time off. The $100 k episode aired against that backdrop, turning what could have been just a comedic game into a heartfelt moment of solidarity.
Giving Back Before the Windfall
What made the surprise even more meaningful was Wysocki’s track record. A few months before the $100 k episode, Game Changer aired a special episode called “One Year Later.” In that installment, contestants were given long‑term challenges to complete. Wysocki invested his seed money in tech stocks and nearly tripled his investment. Instead of pocketing the profits, he announced on air that he would donate all of his earnings to Rainbow Services, a nonprofit supporting survivors of domestic violence.
Rainbow Services was important to Wysocki’s late mother, who had volunteered and advocated for the organization. His donation sparked a wave of contributions from fans: within two weeks, supporters raised more than $8,000 for Rainbow Services. The nonprofit’s director said the extra funds would help provide food for shelters and cover legal and case‑management services for survivors. Wysocki said it made him proud to boost the organization in his mother’s memory.
A Community of Care
Taken together, the two episodes paint a fuller picture of Wysocki and the culture around Dropout. In “One Year Later,” he used his platform to support a cause he cares about. In the July episode, Dropout turned around and supported him. The reciprocity underscores the show’s community‑driven spirit. Rather than framing the $100 k prize as a gimmick, Reich and his team presented it as a gesture of gratitude and recognition for a performer who had given his all in the face of loss.
The public response shows how far that kindness travels. Fans didn’t just celebrate Wysocki’s win; they also honored his mother by donating to Rainbow Services. In an entertainment landscape often focused on spectacle, Game Changer’s mix of humor and heart stood out.
Why It Matters
For viewers unfamiliar with Dropout or Game Changer, the $100 k episode might seem like an outlier. Yet it highlights what makes the platform unique: creators who care about each other and audiences who respond to that care.
Wysocki’s story is ultimately about more than a big cheque. It’s about a comedian navigating grief, using his spotlight to uplift a small nonprofit, and then being surprised by his colleagues in return. That full‑circle generosity resonated because it felt genuine—a reminder that kindness can thrive even in the competitive world of entertainment.
Sources
- Wysocki wins a $100 k cheque in a Game Changer episodevulture.com.
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