
Julie Allen, a third-grade teacher from Spokane, Washington, delivered one of the most jaw-dropping moments of the season on Wheel of Fortune after solving the bonus puzzle instantly and winning a brand-new Ford Bronco. Appearing on the April 16 episode, Allen competed against Thomas Young of Detroit and Nikki Lopez of Florida, proving that her love for the show—developed during maternity leave—paid off in spectacular fashion. From the start, she showed focus, confidence, and an impressive ability to read patterns quickly.
After gaining momentum with the clever “Chili Dog Whisperer” solution, Allen took control during the prize puzzle round by correctly guessing “Lions, Leopards, and Hippos,” earning an African safari and boosting her total significantly. She stayed sharp in the Triple Toss-Up, added more cash, and ended the main game with $23,590, securing her spot in the bonus round.
Choosing “What Are You Doing?” as her category, Allen solved “Being Quite Witty” before the countdown even started. The instant answer won her a $43,760 Ford Bronco, bringing her total to $67,350—and sealing her place in Wheel of Fortune history.