Wheel of Fortune Fans Stunned by Bizarre Toss-Up Answer

The February 25 episode of Wheel of Fortune left both viewers and contestants puzzled after an unusual Toss-Up round sparked viral reactions.

The category was Occupation, and contestant Paulomi Dholakia from Orlando buzzed in with a hesitant guess: “Chief Happiness Officer?” To everyone’s surprise, host Ryan Seacrest confirmed it was correct, though even he admitted, “I wasn’t aware that was a thing either.” The moment drew laughter on set and confusion online, with fans calling it the “strangest puzzle ever.”

Despite the odd start, Dholakia impressed early, building a strong lead with $17,750. Fellow contestant Celina Alvarado, however, turned the game around after solving “Life’s simple pleasures” in the “Things” category. Using her Wild Card, she won a trip to Costa Rica and surged to $30,350.

Dholakia battled back in the Triple Toss-Up, finishing with $21,750, while J. Mark Smith closed at $7,100. But Alvarado’s total was too much to beat, securing her spot in the Bonus Round.

Seacrest praised Dholakia’s performance, reminding her—and fans—that walking away with big winnings and a viral moment is “more than okay.”