‘Wheel of Fortune’ Contestant Misses $1 Million by One Word in Heart-Stopping Episode

Viewers were left stunned after Jesse Larson came within inches of winning $1 million on Wheel of Fortune—only to miss the final puzzle by a single word.

Larson had dominated the game, snagging both the Wild Card and the elusive $1 million wedge, plus a luxury trip to Panama. By the Bonus Round, she led with $16,400, far ahead of her competitors. Host Ryan Seacrest, stepping into his new role, amped up the suspense as Larson spun for a chance at the life-changing prize.

Choosing the “Phrase” category, she selected letters using her Wild Card—H, M, C, O, and B—revealing “HE _ O_ THE C_R_E.” As the seconds ticked away, she hesitated, unable to find the missing word. The correct answer—“Ahead of the Curve”—flashed on screen, leaving her visibly crushed.

Had she solved it, the $1 million envelope sitting on the “S” in America’s was hers. Fans flooded social media calling the loss “heartbreaking” and “brutal.”

Though Larson didn’t win the jackpot, her near-historic performance became one of the show’s most unforgettable moments.