A sixth-grade language arts teacher from North Carolina made Wheel of Fortune history by becoming the first $100,000 winner of the show’s 43rd season. Cory Earp, who teaches in Taylorsville, stepped onto the iconic game show stage on the September 19 episode and quickly proved his puzzle-solving skills were as sharp as ever. Known at school for wearing a tropical shirt every Tuesday, Earp traded the classroom for television lights—and left with a life-changing prize.

Earp competed against fellow educators Alesha Davis of Chicago and BB Fisher of Tempe, Arizona. The episode opened strongly for the North Carolina teacher as he swept both Toss-Up puzzles, earning an early $3,000 lead. Although he briefly lost momentum after hitting Bankrupt, he rebounded by solving “Gorgeous Gown and Golden Crown,” adding $4,150 and keeping himself firmly in the game.

The competition tightened when Davis surged ahead in the Mystery Round, winning a Mexico vacation and a year’s supply of school supplies, then followed it with a trip to France. Despite her strong lead, Earp staged a dramatic comeback by winning all three Triple Toss-Ups for $10,000 and solving the final puzzle for another $9,500. He ended regular play with $26,450, securing a spot in the Bonus Round.

Choosing the category “What Are You Wearing?”, Earp confidently solved “Fancy Blazer” almost instantly. Host Ryan Seacrest revealed the $100,000 prize, pushing Earp’s total winnings to $126,450. Hugging his family, the stunned teacher called the moment “crazy,” while fans online celebrated the long-awaited six-figure win.