Wildest Moments on ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Over the Years
For decades, “Wheel of Fortune” has delighted audiences with its mix of luck, skill, and occasional hilarity. The show has provided countless memorable moments, from legendary guesses to awkward missteps. Pat Sajak and Vanna White have been the iconic faces of the show, guiding contestants through thrilling puzzles and unexpected twists. Here are some of the wildest moments that fans still talk about today.
New Baby Buggy Surprise
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In 2014, Emil de Leon shocked everyone by guessing “New Baby Buggy” with just two letters showing. Pat Sajak called it the “most amazing solve” in his three decades on the show. Emil’s incredible intuition and quick thinking made this episode a classic moment that fans remember vividly.
Achilles’ Heel Mispronunciation
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Julian Batt, an Indiana University freshman, lost $1 million due to a pronunciation slip. He guessed all the letters for “The Mythological Hero Achilles” but stumbled over the last word. Julian later admitted he didn’t process it correctly in time. This mishap remains one of the show’s most heartbreaking and talked-about moments.
Pristinely Incorrect Guess
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In 1994, a contestant hilariously mispronounced “pristinely” in the Megaword puzzle, creating an unforgettable moment. This simple mistake showed how high the pressure can be, even for seasoned wordsmiths. It’s a funny reminder that even the best can falter under the game show lights.
Pat Sajak’s Rare Outburst
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December 2020 saw Pat Sajak losing his cool with a contestant who argued over the phrase “kitchen oven.” Sajak’s uncharacteristic outburst, yelling, “Don’t argue, you won!” became a viral sensation. The host later apologized, but the moment added a human touch to the usually calm and collected host.
Tony Harrison’s Second Chance
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In 2020, Tony Harrison returned to the show after a production error during his 2017 appearance. Pat Sajak explained they brought Tony back for fairness, though fans had mixed feelings. Tony’s second chance highlighted the show’s commitment to giving contestants a fair shot, even if it bends the rules a bit.
The Controversial ‘And’ Rule
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The crossword puzzle format, introduced in 2016, confused many contestants with its no “and” rule. David Pederson’s 2021 mistake of saying “and” before the last word sparked debates online. Fans found the rule unnecessarily tricky, and David’s blunder became a hot topic among Wheel of Fortune enthusiasts.
Flamenco Mix-Up
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Johnny Knowles mispronounced “flamenco” as “flamingo” in 2018, missing out on $7,000 and a trip to Spain. This hilarious error cost him dearly but became a memorable moment for viewers. It’s a perfect example of how one small mistake can change the outcome dramatically.
NSFW Blunder
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In 2018, Melanie Sinany stunned everyone by guessing “bridal and gold shower” instead of the correct phrase. This unexpected and somewhat inappropriate error brought laughter and shock to the audience. It was a reminder that live TV can be unpredictable and sometimes a bit risqué.
Winning with a Mistake
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Steven Page in November 2021 solved “Quality Craftsmanship” but missed letters in the second word. Despite the error, he won, causing an uproar among fans. This controversial win highlighted how even imperfect answers can sometimes lead to victory on Wheel of Fortune.
Pat Sajak’s Accidental Solution
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In April 2021, Pat Sajak inadvertently solved a bonus round puzzle by saying the answer while commenting on its difficulty. Viewers caught his slip-up, adding an amusing layer to the host’s long career. This moment showed that even experienced hosts can have their off days.
Yung Joc’s Name Spelling Gaffe
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In December 2021, a spelling error turned rapper Yung Joc into “Young Jock,” leading to a contestant’s incorrect guess. Fans were upset that the mistake wasn’t corrected, sparking debates about fairness. This incident highlighted how even small errors can have big impacts on the game.
The Audi Controversy
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Charlene Rubush’s near miss of an Audi in December 2021 due to a technicality stirred viewer outrage. Audi later stepped in to ensure she got the car, showcasing the power of community support. This incident became a feel-good story after an initial wave of disappointment.
Pat Sajak’s Anniversary Snub
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Fans were outraged in December 2021 when Pat Sajak’s 40th anniversary as host went unmentioned. Viewers expected a celebration, but the oversight led to a flurry of disappointed tweets. This moment underscored how much Sajak’s presence means to the show’s loyal audience.
Land or Band Mix-Up
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In January 2022, a contestant mixed up “land” with “band” in “This Land Was Made for You and Me,” sparking laughter online. Social media had a field day with the mistake of creating memes and jokes. This humorous blunder became an instant classic among fans.
The Pointless Story Mockery
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In March 2022, Pat Sajak mocked a contestant’s story about losing a toe, calling it “the most pointless story ever.” Fans quickly defended the contestant, highlighting the importance of empathy. This incident reminded everyone that even game shows should balance humor with kindness.