Additional Coverage:
- ‘Wheel of Fortune’ contestant solves $40,000 puzzle instantly — fans call it a ‘miracle’ (marketrealist.com)
‘Wheel of Fortune’ Contestant’s Instant Solve Deemed a ‘Christmas Miracle’
After a frustrating 19-episode losing streak in the bonus round, “Wheel of Fortune” fans finally had something to cheer about. Contestant Sunita Baru, armed with her lucky belt, not only made it to the bonus round but also solved the puzzle instantly, winning $40,000. Fans online are calling it a Christmas miracle.
Baru’s journey to the big win wasn’t without its challenges. Initially trailing in the Toss Up round, she rallied during the Express Round, winning a trip to Walt Disney World worth over $9,000. Later, a misstep by her fellow contestants allowed Baru to capitalize, securing her spot in the Bonus Round with $11,000 and the Disney trip already in hand.
Joined by her husband and daughter, Baru selected “Event” as the category for her bonus puzzle. With the standard letters revealed, and after choosing “M, H, D, and A” as her additional letters, the puzzle board read “_ R _ D A L S H _ _ E R.”
Before host Ryan Seacrest could even start the timer, Baru confidently yelled out “BRIDAL SHOWER.” The audience erupted as Seacrest revealed the $40,000 prize, bringing Baru’s total winnings to over $51,000.
Seacrest commented on Baru’s immediate solve, noting her deep breath before confidently delivering the correct answer. Online, fans echoed the host’s enthusiasm, with one commenting, “That’s definitely a Christmas miracle!”
Another attributed the win to Baru’s lucky belt. One fan jokingly exclaimed, “Sunita, some steal Christmas, you can just buy it with $40,000!”
This exciting win comes shortly after another contestant narrowly missed out on a $100,000 jackpot.