Additional Coverage:
- ‘Wheel of Fortune’ contestant loses out on $1 million after failing to answer one word in puzzle (marketrealist.com)
Lady Luck Takes a Spin, Leaving ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Contestant Just Shy of a Million
A “Wheel of Fortune” contestant named Sam recently experienced the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, all in one game. While he ultimately walked away with a respectable $28,050, a million-dollar prize slipped through his fingers during the bonus round. Adding a touch of irony, Sam’s friends cheered him on from the audience wearing “Wheel of Misfortune” t-shirts, a foreshadowing of the near-miss to come.
After spinning the wheel and selecting his category – “Phrase” – Sam confidently called out his letters. Host Ryan Seacrest, ever the showman, had to remind an enthusiastic Sam to let the wheel finish spinning before choosing his bonus round card.
With the letters R, S, T, L, N, and E revealed, the puzzle tantalizingly displayed “O_T O_ _ _ C.” Sam correctly guessed “Out of,” but the final word remained elusive.
As the timer ticked down, the answer, “Out of whack,” was revealed, along with the news that the hidden prize behind his chosen card was $40,000. Adding insult to near-injury, Seacrest revealed that the elusive million-dollar wedge was just a few spots away from Sam’s spin.
This latest loss marks the twelfth consecutive bonus round without a winner, sparking a wave of frustration among fans online. Some viewers expressed their disappointment on social media, with comments ranging from playful jabs about the “Wheel of Misfortune” to theories about the show’s budget constraints influencing puzzle difficulty. While Seacrest’s tenure on “Wheel of Fortune” may be facing some headwinds with these disgruntled fans, his previous popularity on “American Idol” suggests he still holds a place in the hearts of many television viewers.