A Wheel of Fortune competitor watched $61,000 slip through his fingers during last week\u2019s Bonus Round, leaving audiences completely stunned over what many considered to be one of the easiest puzzles in recent history.<\/p>\n
Eric Handzel, a massive Yankees supporter hailing from Chadwicks, New York, successfully advanced to the final stage during Thursday\u2019s broadcast after accumulating a remarkable $21,350 in prizes. However, when faced with the puzzle that could have increased his total to $61,000, Handzel fell short\u2014and the response from his father, who was supporting him from the crowd with a roaring laugh, spoke volumes.
\nHandzel competed against two formidable rivals: Camila Santos, a mother of two from Sunnyvale, California, and Joanie White, a hairstylist based in St. Pauls, North Carolina. White had a powerful start, cracking both Toss-Ups to secure a quick $3,000. Nevertheless, Handzel swiftly commandeered the match by solving the initial main puzzle, \u201cShameless Shoe Shopaholic,\u201d which elevated his bank to $3,500.<\/p>\n
White fought her way back by guessing \u201cAnnual Chili Cook-Off,\u201d increasing her total to $4,650, yet Handzel absolutely crushed the Prize Puzzle with \u201cDon\u2019t Forget Your Phone Charger.\u201d That victory earned him a spectacular South American cruise to Argentina and Patagonia, rocketing his earnings to $17,350.
\nDuring the Triple Toss-Ups, Handzel deciphered two of the three, while White snagged the final one. White subsequently solved the concluding puzzle, \u201cGone on a Blind Date,\u201d wrapping up her appearance with $8,350. Santos unfortunately failed to notch a victory, but she still departed with the program\u2019s standard $1,000 consolation reward.<\/p>\n
Holding the highest total at the final bell, Handzel advanced into the Bonus Round. Presenter Ryan Seacrest took a moment to point out a robust chuckle echoing from the crowd. \u201cIs that your father laughing?\u201d Seacrest inquired. Handzel grinned, validating that it was indeed his dad, Joe, whose contagious laughter rapidly transformed into one of the episode\u2019s highlights.
\nOpting for the \u201cAround the House\u201d category for his Bonus Round, Handzel picked the letters C, P, H, and A to complement the standard R, S, T, L, N, and E. The puzzle board subsequently displayed: \u201c_ _ _ _ P_LL_ _.
\nAs the timer ticked away, Handzel faltered. Initially, he mumbled \u201cpulley,\u201d before pivoting to \u201cpillow.\u201d Chuckling with anxiety, he tossed out frantic guesses such as \u201cBed Pillow, Throw Pillow, Pillow.\u201d Tragically, the accurate answer was \u201cBody Pillow.\u201d<\/p>\n
The incorrect guess deprived him of $40,000 in cash, which would have escalated his potential grand total to a staggering $61,000. Nevertheless, Seacrest maintained a lighthearted atmosphere, quipping, \u201cI use one every night too,\u201d following Handzel\u2019s confession that he actually utilizes a body pillow when he sleeps.
\nAudiences watching from home swiftly voiced their thoughts on social media. A YouTube commenter confessed, \u201cWow, I actually guessed \u2018Body Pillow\u2019 correctly \u2014 and it was just a lucky shot!\u201d A second viewer contributed, \u201cWe don\u2019t have body pillows. But the good letters are W and B. Good attempt by the player, though.\u201d
\nEven though the Bonus Round outcome wasn\u2019t what he hoped for, Handzel still exited the stage clutching more than $21,000 and a complimentary holiday. Yet, for the devoted Yankees supporter and his father, it will probably be the $40,000 body pillow that remains the toughest to shake off.<\/p>\n