Philadelphia's own chess master Greg Shahade won Monday night's game, sending Ding home.
After winning 31 straight games, he ended up with more than $885,000.
"The run is over," says Ding. "All good things come to an end. I think we put together some great television."
Ding ends his run in 5th place for all-time consecutive games won, along with 5th place for highest winnings in regular season play.
He also now sits in 7th place for all time winnings, including tournament play.
He has cheerleaders in his home state of Michigan and his adopted state of New Jersey, along with fans around the world.
"It's so wonderful," he says. "It's very humbling."
Ding works as a policy and programs analyst for the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency.
On Monday, he joined New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill as she signed an executive order to support first-time homebuyers, and improve overall affordability.
"There's a there's a lot of work to do," says Ding. "I really love being on Jeopardy!, but I'm also excited to get back to work."
The Princeton University alumnus is currently a law student at Seton Hall University.