History was made on Wheel of Fortune when Christina Derevjanik, a contestant from Connecticut, became only the fifth person ever to win the show’s $1 million prize. During regular play, Derevjanik secured the coveted $1 million wedge, setting the stage for a potentially life-changing finale. Before the bonus round, she even joked about quitting her marketing job if luck was on her side — and it turned out, it was.

The bonus puzzle’s category was “Living Things.” After selecting the letters M, C, F, and A, the board revealed just enough clues. As host Ryan Seacrest began the countdown, Derevjanik confidently answered, “Pack of coyotes.” In seconds, she realized she’d solved it — and when Seacrest opened the envelope to reveal the $1 million jackpot, she burst into tears as confetti filled the studio.

Derevjanik told Good Morning America that her top priority is paying off her student loans, though she plans to keep her job for now. She also hopes to buy a new home, marking a fresh start after her historic win.

With total winnings of $1,035,155, Derevjanik became the first million-dollar winner under Ryan Seacrest’s hosting era, earning a place in Wheel of Fortune history — and the hearts of fans nationwide.