Wheel of Fortune Contestant Misses $61,000 in Bonus Round

A Wheel of Fortune episode left fans stunned after contestant Eric Handzel, a Yankees superfan from Chadwicks, New York, missed out on a $61,000 payday.

Handzel played a strong game, racking up $21,350 in cash and prizes, including a South American cruise, by solving puzzles like “Shameless Shoe Shopaholic” and “Don’t Forget Your Phone Charger.” He dominated much of the night against fellow contestants Camila Santos of California and Joanie White of North Carolina, securing his spot in the Bonus Round.

Cheered on by his father Joe — whose booming laugh became an unexpected highlight — Handzel chose the “Around the House” category. The puzzle revealed: “_ _ _ _ P_LL_ _.” Despite multiple guesses, including “Pulley” and “Throw Pillow,” he missed the correct answer: “Body Pillow.”

The slip cost him an additional $40,000, leaving his final winnings at $21,350 instead of a potential $61,000.

Fans reacted quickly online. “I actually guessed ‘Body Pillow’ correctly,” one viewer commented, while another noted, “Good attempt by the player, though.”

Still, Handzel walked away with cash, a dream cruise, and a viral Wheel of Fortune moment that fans won’t soon forget.