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Lawrenceville Today
By the People, for the People
Wheel of Fortune Contestant Wins $13,000 in Last-Second Comeback
The returning champion couldn't solve the Bonus Round puzzle but still took home a sizable prize.
Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:04pm
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The shattered remains of a game show's glittering prize symbolize the thrill of a last-second victory and the agony of a near-miss.Lawrenceville TodayA Wheel of Fortune contestant from Joliet, Illinois named Karen Stevenson returned on April 8 after winning $33,934 the night before. She competed against Gabriella Araneta, a speech-language pathologist from Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and Jim Spallina, a sports fan from Chicago, Illinois, on April 9. Spallina solved the final puzzle for $6,800, putting him in the lead at $13,800. Aranetta ended with $13,560, while Stevenson went home with $1,000 and a two-day total of $34,934. Spallina advanced to the Bonus Round, where he chose 'Place' and couldn't solve the 'Spacious House' puzzle, missing out on a $40,000 prize.
Why it matters
Wheel of Fortune is one of the longest-running and most popular game shows on television, with millions of viewers tuning in each night. Dramatic last-second wins and losses on the show often generate significant buzz and discussion among fans.
The details
In the final round, Spallina solved the puzzle 'Licking Your Face' for $6,800, putting him in the lead at $13,800. Aranetta ended with $13,560, while Stevenson went home with $1,000 and a two-day total of $34,934. Spallina advanced to the Bonus Round, where he chose 'Place' and couldn't solve the 'Spacious House' puzzle, missing out on a $40,000 prize.
- Karen Stevenson returned on April 8 after winning $33,934 the night before.
- The episode featuring Stevenson, Araneta, and Spallina aired on April 9, 2026.
The players
Karen Stevenson
A contestant from Joliet, Illinois who returned to Wheel of Fortune on April 9 after winning $33,934 the previous night.
Gabriella Araneta
A speech-language pathologist from Lawrenceville, New Jersey who competed against Stevenson and Spallina.
Jim Spallina
A sports fan from Chicago, Illinois who competed against Stevenson and Araneta, solving the final puzzle for $6,800 and advancing to the Bonus Round.
What’s next
Spallina will return on Thursday for a second chance in the Bonus Round, where he could potentially win $40,000.
The takeaway
Wheel of Fortune continues to produce dramatic, last-second finishes that captivate viewers and showcase the excitement and unpredictability of the long-running game show.
