What should have been a life-changing win turned into a moment viewers still can’t forget. A Wheel of Fortune contestant came agonizingly close to winning a brand-new car—only to lose it because of one missed word.
The category was “Phrase,” and the puzzle was nearly complete: _Y OLD _ _ _ NTS. With seconds left, the contestant confidently gave an answer—but it wasn’t “MY OLD PARENTS.” That single mistake ended the round instantly and cost them the car.
The audience gasped. Even the host appeared stunned. Viewers at home reacted fast, many saying the answer seemed obvious in hindsight, while others noted how pressure can cloud even simple solutions.
Moments like this are why Wheel of Fortune remains so gripping. One spin can change your life—and one small slip can take it all away.
