Christina Derevjanik Wins $1 Million on “Wheel of Fortune” — Making Game Show History

A new chapter of “Wheel of Fortune” history was written Tuesday night when Christina Derevjanik, a contestant from Connecticut, became only the fifth person ever to win the show’s $1 million grand prize — and she did it with calm precision.

Derevjanik had already snagged the elusive $1 million wedge during regular play, setting herself up for the life-changing moment. In the bonus round, her category was “Living Things.” After choosing the letters M, C, F, and A, the board revealed enough clues for her to confidently shout, “Pack of coyotes!” — instantly solving the puzzle.

When host Ryan Seacrest opened the envelope confirming her $1 million win, Derevjanik broke into tears and laughter as confetti rained down and she embraced Seacrest and Vanna White.

Her total winnings reached $1,035,155, making it the largest payout in the show’s history and the first million-dollar win under Seacrest’s hosting.

“This means I can finally pay off my student loans,” she told Good Morning America, calling the victory “unbelievable” and “life-changing.”