A contestant on “Wheel of Fortune” nearly missed the chance to win $1 million, falling short by just a single word.
Vivian Tran, a contestant on the long-running game show, watched her chances of winning the grand prize slip away during a crucial moment in the Bonus Round.
Ryan Seacrest has just begun his second week as the new host, stepping in for the recently retired Pat Sajak. The tension was evident as Tran neared her key moment.
The episode kicked off just like usual, featuring contestants spinning the wheel and taking on puzzles.
However, the situation changed significantly when Tran secured her place in the Bonus Round.
“My heart is racing, this is a first for me,” Seacrest said as he explained the significance of the moment. A unique $1 million envelope has replaced the typical $100,000 prize envelope, significantly raising the stakes.
Tran gave the smaller bonus wheel a spin, setting the stage for her destiny in the concluding puzzle. The puzzle’s category was “What Are You Doing?” and Tran gained an advantage by selecting an additional letter thanks to a wild card.
She chose the letters C, H, M, I, and P, while co-host Vanna White presented the puzzle as “_ _ _ E R I N G, S _ M E, HELP.” As time ran out, Tran started to make guesses.
“Wondering some help? Answering some help? Finding some help? Looking around for some help? Boundary for help?” Regrettably, all of her attempts fell short.
As the countdown drew to an end, Seacrest announced the precise response: “Offering some help.”
Tran, clearly affected, buried her face in her hands as the reality of the lost chance hit her hard. The disappointment intensified as Seacrest unveiled the envelope she had chosen, disclosing the $1 million prize that had just slipped through her fingers.
“You were so close to that million dollars,” Seacrest told her sympathetically. In a surprising turn of events, Tran ended up securing $27,300 in winnings along with an exciting trip to Europe, despite the setback.
Supporters rapidly turned to social platforms to convey their shock and compassion for Tran. “It was painful to see the million-dollar loss tonight,” one fan commented, while another wrote, “I literally gasped when Ryan revealed that she had the million.”
Some viewers were astonished by how near Tran was to cracking what they believed was an “easy” puzzle. One viewer remarked, “What makes this even more tragic is that the puzzle was SO EASY.”
Following the show, Tran shared her thoughts on her experience during a conversation with Maggie Sajak, the daughter of the former host Pat Sajak. Tran revealed that her mother had reservations about her involvement, yet she silenced those doubts by securing a major award
“It turned out great, a little bit painful, but I’m grateful for the opportunity,” Tran said. She described that although she was aware of the final two words of the puzzle, it was the initial word that posed a challenge for her.
“I couldn’t get the syllables,” she said. “It was 10 seconds, so by the time it got to the eighth second, I was like, ‘Ugh,’ and I missed it.” Fans poured in support for Tran on social media platforms.
“I’m proud of Vivian for holding it together,” one commenter said. “I’d be crying on live TV if I missed out on a million dollars like that.” Another supporter added, “So close, but Vivian, you still did amazing!”
The situation became even more striking, considering it has been almost ten years since a contestant on “Wheel of Fortune” claimed the $1 million prize. Since 2014, only one celebrity has managed to achieve this feat.
In 2021, actress Melissa Joan Hart achieved a remarkable feat by winning the $1 million jackpot on an episode of “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.” Despite their efforts, frequent participants have found it challenging to secure the sought-after reward.
In the face of a challenging situation, Tran’s composure and strength resonated deeply with both the audience and the program’s presenters. Seacrest, currently acclimating to his hosting duties, recognized the heightened drama of the season thus far.
“The stakes this season are already at an all-time high, and it’s only Week 2,” the official “Wheel of Fortune” Instagram account captioned a clip from the episode. Tran’s close call highlights the unpredictable nature of the competition and how swiftly circumstances can shift.
While she did not win the million-dollar prize, her journey on “Wheel of Fortune” had viewers rooting for her despite a tragic defeat. It was a moment that will surely remain in the memories of fans and viewers for a long time
Feature Image Credit: (Youtube/@Wheel Of Fortune) (Instagram/@ryanseacrest)
