‘Wheel of Fortune’ Player’s Delay Costs Him $1 Million Jackpot

A Wheel of Fortune contestant missed out on some serious cash!

TV Insider reported that during the May 13 episode of the game show, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, three Texas-based co-workers, Sam Oh, Peter Jung, and Daniel Park, faced off. Oh managed to get over $28,000 and a Costa Rican trip by winning the second toss-up and solving two puzzles, including one during the Jackpot Round, putting him in the lead. While Park managed to get $1,700, Jung ended up winning $16,450.

During the game, Jung managed to get the $1 million wedge, which the contestants intended to share if it was won during the Bonus Round. Oh played the Bonus Round, where he received “R, S, T, L, N, and E,” to fill out a “Phrase.” Oh was then tasked to choose one vowel and three consonants to solve the puzzle. After picking the letter “C,” Oh stopped speaking. Following a pause, Seacrest urged him to continue guessing. Oh replied that he would pick “G, M, and O.” While he managed to correctly guess “Out of,” he didn’t finish the final phrase, which was “Out of Whack,” within his allotted 10 seconds.

Following the game, Oh said he was “feeling really lucky” that he won nearly $30,000 and a trip. He also said he enjoyed competing against Jung and Park.

“I just really enjoyed being able to do this with them. And to have this experience with close friends is something that I’ll never forget,” said Oh during the aftershow interview.

Jung also shared that he and Park “are so happy for Sam” that he did well playing the game.

Seacrest replaced Pat Sajak as the host of Wheel of Fortune in November 2024. During a May 14 interview on LIVE with Kelly and Mark, Seacrest said he has enjoyed interacting with the show’s contestants.

“They are so excited to be there. And they all walk away with money. And many time a lot of money. $100,000, $75,000, in 30 minutes. And it’s the best. That’s the most fun,” said Seacrest during the interview.