History was made on Wheel of Fortune when Christina Derevjanik from Connecticut became only the fifth contestant ever to win the show’s $1 million grand prize — and she did it with confidence and speed.

Derevjanik had already snagged the coveted $1 million wedge during regular play, setting the stage for an unforgettable finale. In the bonus round, the category “Living Things” gave her just enough clues after choosing the letters M, C, F, and A. As host Ryan Seacrest started the countdown, she instantly solved it — “Pack of coyotes.”

The crowd erupted as confetti fell and Derevjanik broke into tears of joy. Her total winnings hit $1,035,155, marking the largest payout in the show’s history and the first million-dollar win since Seacrest took over hosting duties.

The marketing professional shared that her first goal is to pay off her student loans and eventually buy a new home.

Quote: “I can pay off my student loans!” Derevjanik said, still in disbelief.

A once-in-a-lifetime moment — and proof that sometimes, fortune really does favor the bold.