A sixth-grade teacher from Taylorsville, North Carolina, made television history by winning Wheel of Fortune’s first $100,000 prize of its 43rd season.

Cory Earp, a beloved language arts teacher known for his “Tropical Shirt Tuesdays,” stunned audiences on the September 19 episode with his quick thinking and calm under pressure. Competing against fellow educators Alesha Davis from Chicago and BB Fisher from Arizona, Earp kicked off strong, sweeping both Toss Ups and solving “Gorgeous Gown and Golden Crown.”

While Davis briefly took the lead with trips to Mexico and France after solving “Wandering Eye of the Tiger” and “Cobblestone Streets,” Earp refused to back down. His sharp instincts helped him win all three Triple Toss Ups, propelling him into the Bonus Round with $26,450.

Choosing the category “What Are You Wearing?”, Earp instantly solved “Fancy Blazer” and uncovered the grand $100,000 envelope. “That’s crazy!” he shouted as confetti fell. Host Ryan Seacrest praised him: “You’re a great player — so happy for you!”

Fans celebrated online, calling it a “historic teacher win.”