Wheel of Fortune Contestant’s Last-Second Win Sparks Heated Debate Online

A recent Wheel of Fortune episode has viewers divided after contestant Sarah LaPilusa won a major prize in a nail-biting finale.

During the February 27 episode, LaPilusa—who runs a mental health clinic in California—competed against Jimmy Holgerson and Yolanda Tillet. Heading into the final round, she led with $15,050, including a Mexico trip.

In the Bonus Round, LaPilusa chose the category “People.” After selecting her letters, she faced the puzzle:

_ _ S S _ B _ B _ E S

She first guessed “Jazzy babies” before quickly correcting herself with the right answer, “Fussy babies.” The timing, however, was razor-close.

Host Ryan Seacrest turned to the judges, who ruled she answered just in time, awarding her a $40,000 bonus and a total of $55,050.

Fans were split. Some praised her quick thinking, calling it a “buzzer-beater moment,” while others insisted she spoke after the buzzer.

Seacrest avoided judgment, saying only, “That was incredible! I’ve never seen anything so close!”

Whether fair or not, LaPilusa’s lightning-fast answer has earned her fame—and sparked one of Wheel of Fortune’s most debated wins in recent memory.