In a heartwarming episode of The Price Is Right, emotions ran high when longtime fan Neil Lipitz, a city councilman from the quaint town of Beaufort, South Carolina, finally made his dream come true—after 17 attempts.

To most of his community, Neil is a passionate leader. But behind the scenes, he’s been a dedicated superfan of the iconic game show for years. With relentless determination, he attended taping after taping, always hopeful that he’d hear those famous words: “Come on down!”

And then, it happened.

On his 17th visit, the dream became reality. When announcer George Gray called his name, Neil leapt to his feet in an eruption of joy. But excitement got the better of him—literally. As he made his way to the stage, Neil tripped and took a tumble, a moment hidden from viewers thanks to some thoughtful editing. But inside the studio, it was unforgettable. Neil picked himself up with a smile and a shrug, his self-deprecating humor instantly winning over the crowd.

Host Drew Carey welcomed him with a chuckle. “Neil, where were you?” he asked. “I fell on the floor!” Neil replied, sending the audience into fits of laughter. And just like that, Neil became more than just a contestant—he became a fan favorite.

His first bid was for a sleek set of drones. He guessed $1,350—just under the actual price of $1,782. It wasn’t perfect, but it was the closest without going over. He advanced to the main stage, cheered on by a studio full of new fans.

His game? One Wrong Price. The challenge: identify which of three high-priced items was incorrectly labeled. Neil made his guess—the DJ equipment. Tension filled the air. Unfortunately, the real “wrong price” was the gym equipment. But Neil took it like a champ, flashing a grin and reminding everyone why they loved him.

Then came the legendary Big Wheel. Neil gave it all he had, landing first on 85 cents. A strong showing, but not enough. He spun again and landed on 35—just over the limit. His run was over. But his smile never faded.

Though he didn’t walk away with the showcase prize, Neil left the stage with something arguably more valuable: a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a hilarious story, and the drones he’d won earlier.

In an interview with The Island Packet, Neil laughed off the fall, blaming it on his bad knees and a breakfast overloaded with sugar and caffeine. But beneath the humor, he expressed deep gratitude. Grateful that he’d finally made it. Grateful to share his story with millions. And grateful for a moment he would never forget.

Neil’s journey resonates because it’s so relatable. We’ve all had “Neil moments”—dreams that take longer than expected, stumbles that threaten to steal the spotlight. But Neil showed us that falling isn’t failure. It’s part of the fun.

His story is about more than game show glory. It’s about resilience, humor, and heart. About showing up again and again for something that matters. And when the moment comes—however messy—you seize it.

Will Neil be back for his 18th, 19th, or even 30th appearance? Maybe. Or maybe he’ll continue serving his community with the same joy he brought to the Price Is Right stage.

What we know for sure: Neil Lipitz is more than a contestant. He’s an inspiration. And his unforgettable stumble is a reminder to all of us—never stop dreaming, and never be afraid to laugh when you fall.