Biggest Blunders on ‘Wheel of Fortune’ EVER
Blunders on “Wheel of Fortune” can be as entertaining as the big wins. Contestants’ slip-ups, mispronunciations, and hilarious guesses have given us some of the most memorable moments on TV. Here are some of the biggest blunders that have left viewers and participants laughing, cringing, and sometimes even arguing. Dive into these unforgettable and hilarious mistakes that make “Wheel of Fortune” a show you can’t forget!
Sticking to the Rules
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Fans were outraged in March 2022 when contestant Chris Davidson narrowly missed out on an $8,400 trip to Puerto Rico due to a technicality. Chris said “a frozen concoction” instead of “frozen concoction,” adding an unnecessary article. Pat Sajak had to explain the strict rules, saying, “He threw in that article. We can’t accept it.” Bummer for Chris!
Pat Sajak Clashes With Contestant
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In January 2023, a contestant named Ben struggled with his bonus round puzzle in the Fun & Games category. After failing to guess, “Taking a quick jog,” Sajak teased, “Wow, that was so unclose.” Ben humorously responded, “I just don’t consider jogging fun and games,” earning a laugh from the audience.
The Tackle
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When wrestler Fred earned $75,800 in March 2023, Sajak jokingly offered to body-slam him. Grabbing Fred’s arm, Sajak pretended to pin him, turning a tense moment into a hilarious spectacle. Fred took it in stride, showing that even serious winnings can lead to playful antics.
Pat Sajak Snaps at a Player
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In a viral moment, Sajak yelled at contestant Nicole to “please, solve the darn puzzle!” After Nicole solved it, Sajak admitted, “It’s a horrible moment when you know that, ‘Everyone in America knows what this is, why don’t I?'” The exchange highlighted the pressure contestants face under the bright lights.
An Uncommon Phrase
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In September 2023, Mark Henderson lost $50,000 on a puzzle deemed “impossible” by fans. The answer, “whirling around,” was criticized as not being a common phrase. Viewers took to social media, with one tweeting, “No one says ‘Whirling Around!?'” Talk about a tough break.
‘Puentin Tarantino’In
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October 2023, Rashad Jennings made a memorable blunder on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune by guessing “Puentin Tarantino” instead of “Quentin Tarantino.” The mix-up in the “Rhyme Time” category left everyone in stitches. Rashad’s playful nature added to the fun.
A Mispronounced Mistake
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In January 2024, Shauna Williams lost her chance at winning big by mispronouncing “congenial” during a puzzle solve. Her error allowed fellow contestant Steve Sporre to swoop in and correctly pronounce it. Shauna’s mistake showed just how critical pronunciation can be on the show.
Mumble Mishap
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Contestant Megan Carvale faced controversy in January 2024 when fans argued she mumbled the correct answer, “pink orchid,” but wasn’t awarded the prize. Despite the dispute, Megan walked away with $14,007 and a vacation to Aruba. Sometimes, clarity is key!
The NSFW Answer
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In May 2024, contestant Tavaris humorously guessed, “Right in the butt?” for a puzzle reading “_ _ _ _ I_ T_E B_ _T!” His quick and cheeky response left Sajak nearly speechless. Sajak joked about handling the clip “tastefully,” adding a memorable moment to the show’s history.
New Baby Buggy Answer
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During a 2014 episode, Emil de Leon shocked everyone by solving “New Baby Buggy” with just two letters revealed. Sajak tweeted about the win, calling it the “most amazing solve” in his decades on the show. Emil’s incredible guess remains legendary.
The Achilles Mispronunciation
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Julian Batt, an Indiana University freshman, lost $1 million in 2014 by mispronouncing “Achilles.” The heartbreaking moment underscored the importance of getting every detail right under pressure. Julian’s slip remains a cautionary tale for future contestants.
Pronounced Pristinely Wrong
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In 1994, a contestant bungled the Megaword puzzle by mispronouncing “pristinely.” This simple mistake cost them the game, showing how even a slight misstep can lead to big losses. The incident still resonates as a memorable mispronunciation on the show.
Pat Sajak Snaps on Contestant
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In December 2020, Sajak snapped at contestant Darin for arguing over the phrase “kitchen oven.” Sajak exclaimed, “Ungrateful players! I’ve had it!” His rare outburst ended with an apology, but the moment highlighted the host’s human side.
Getting a Second Chance
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Tony Harrison made headlines in 2017 when he got a second try at a prize three years later due to a production issue. While some fans weren’t thrilled, Tony’s return showed the show’s commitment to fairness. Not everyone gets a do-over on national TV!
The ‘And’ Crossword Puzzle Rule
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The crossword puzzle format introduced in 2016 has caused many headaches. Contestants like David Pederson, who lost in 2021 by saying “and” in his answer, faced harsh backlash from fans. The controversial rule remains a sticking point for many viewers.