Air Force Veteran Loses $54,000 on 'Wheel of Fortune'

Contestant Hope Kurtz was close to winning big before landing on Bankrupt.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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During the 'Wheel of Fortune' Veterans week episode on February 17, 2026, Air Force veteran Hope Kurtz from Palm City, Florida was close to winning $54,000 in the Bonus Round but lost it all after landing on Bankrupt. Kurtz, who works as an X-ray, mammography, and ultrasound technologist, was playing against Mary McGee from Plainfield, Illinois and Army veteran Kevin Dunn from Dixon, California.

Why it matters

The episode highlighted the challenges contestants face on 'Wheel of Fortune', where even being close to a big win can quickly turn into a devastating loss due to the game's high-stakes nature and elements of chance. The show's 'Veterans week' also shone a spotlight on the military service of some of the contestants.

The details

After solving the second toss-up puzzle and taking the lead, Kurtz had only two letters left to solve the Bonus Round puzzle. However, she landed on Bankrupt, causing her to lose the $54,000 prize she was on the verge of winning.

  • The episode aired on February 17, 2026.
  • It was part of 'Wheel of Fortune's' annual Veterans week programming.

The players

Hope Kurtz

An Air Force veteran who now works as an X-ray, mammography, and ultrasound technologist.

Mary McGee

A contestant from Plainfield, Illinois.

Kevin Dunn

An Army veteran from Dixon, California who joined the military because one of his high school friends did.

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The takeaway

The episode serves as a reminder of the high-stakes, unpredictable nature of 'Wheel of Fortune' and the heartbreak that can come with being so close to a life-changing win, only to have it slip away due to the game's elements of chance.