Wheel of Fortune Contestant Loses $74,000 Bonus Round Prize After Giving Up Wild Card

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A Wheel of Fortune contestant named Steven Meeks from Sacramento, California lost out on a $74,000 prize in the Bonus Round after he had previously given up his Wild Card earlier in the game. Meeks had accumulated $45,000 during the main rounds, but was unable to solve the final puzzle "Too Much Hype" and ended up guessing incorrectly.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the high stakes and pressure that contestants face on Wheel of Fortune, where a single mistake can cost them tens of thousands of dollars in potential winnings. It also underscores the importance of strategic decision-making and not squandering valuable game pieces like the Wild Card.

The details

During the game, Meeks had gained the Wild Card in the first round after solving the puzzle "Start a Lengthy Discussion". However, he gave up the Wild Card in the next round to get a free letter, which ended up not being in the puzzle. Meeks went on to win $29,750 in the main game, but his earlier decision to give up the Wild Card came back to haunt him in the Bonus Round when he was unable to solve the final puzzle and lost out on the $74,000 grand prize.

• On February 19, 2026, Meeks competed on an episode of Wheel of Fortune.
• In the first round, Meeks gained the Wild Card after solving the puzzle "Start a Lengthy Discussion".
• In the next round, Meeks gave up his Wild Card to get a free letter, which was not in the puzzle.

What’s next

The episode featuring Meeks' performance will continue to air in reruns, allowing viewers to see the dramatic moment when he lost out on the $74,000 Bonus Round prize.