A Wheel of Fortune Bonus Round loss left viewers stunned last week after a contestant narrowly missed out on a massive payday many fans considered an easy solve. Eric Handzel, a Yankees superfan from Chadwicks, New York, reached the final round of Thursday’s episode with strong momentum and $21,350 already secured. What followed, however, quickly became one of the night’s most talked-about moments.

Handzel competed against Camila Santos of Sunnyvale, California, and Joanie White of St. Pauls, North Carolina. White jumped ahead early by solving both Toss-Ups, but Handzel soon took control with “Shameless Shoe Shopaholic.” He widened the gap by solving the Prize Puzzle, “Don’t Forget Your Phone Charger,” winning a cruise to Argentina and Patagonia and boosting his total to $17,350.

The game remained competitive through the Triple Toss-Ups and final puzzle, but Handzel finished with the highest score, earning a spot in the Bonus Round. Host Ryan Seacrest lightened the mood by pointing out the booming laugh of Handzel’s father, Joe, cheering from the audience—a moment that instantly charmed viewers.

Choosing “Around the House,” Handzel selected C, P, H, and A. The puzzle appeared as “_ _ _ _ P _ L L _.” As time ticked down, he cycled through guesses like “pillow” and “throw pillow,” missing the correct answer: “Body Pillow.” The mistake cost him an extra $40,000, bringing the missed total to $61,000. Still, Handzel walked away with cash, a cruise, and a moment fans won’t soon forget.