“Wheel of Fortune” Contestant’s Last-Second Guess Saves $60,000 Prize
One “Wheel of Fortune” contestant nearly walked away empty-handed — until a dramatic last-second guess secured him a $60,000 payday.
Pat Ralph, from Westfield, New Jersey, had fans on edge during Thursday night’s episode. Preparing for his upcoming wedding, Ralph told host Ryan Seacrest that every dollar counted as he and his fiancée Courtney plan their big day.
Ralph started strong, solving the first two toss-ups and later winning a Barbados trip with the puzzle “Hammock Between Two Palm Trees,” boosting his total to $20,500. His competitors — Kelly Rushford of Buffalo and Stefani Adams of Chicago — had standout moments too, with Adams winning a Hawaii trip before landing on Bankrupt, and Rushford sweeping all three Triple Toss-Ups. Still, Ralph advanced to the Bonus Round.
Choosing the category “Phrase,” Ralph faced the puzzle: “P_C_ A CARD AN_ CARD.” After a near miss, he shouted the correct answer — “Pick a card, any card” — just before the buzzer, winning a $40,000 bonus.
Fans called it a “wedding-saving win” as Ralph ended the night with $60,500.
