Wheel of Fortune Contestant’s $40K Blunder Leaves Ryan Seacrest Stunned

A contestant’s slip-up on Wheel of Fortune had fans — and host Ryan Seacrest — doing a double take.

On the November 18 episode, Joey Sweet, a program director from Oceanside, California, reached the bonus round with a chance to win $40,000. The category was Phrase, and the nearly solved puzzle read: CA_ED’ _Y _AND after his chosen letters appeared.

Sweet confidently guessed, “Cleared in hand.” Unfortunately, the correct answer was “Carved By Hand.”

Even Vanna White reacted with visible frustration, throwing her hands up as the buzzer sounded. Seacrest, trying to soften the blow, told Sweet: “You were on the right track. This is a tricky one… even with the head start.” He then revealed the $40,000 prize Sweet narrowly missed.

Despite the loss, Sweet kept his cool, smiling and telling the crowd, “It’s okay!” He still walked away with $16,000 in cash and a trip to Mexico.

The viral moment follows another recent fan-favorite blunder where a contestant guessed “Treat yourself a round of sausages” instead of “Give yourself a round of applause.”

Clearly, Wheel of Fortune never fails to deliver must-watch surprises.