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Wheel of Fortune Contestant Skips Extra Letter After Seacrest Prompt, Forfeiting $45,000 Bonus Chance

The on-air prompt underscored how a single choice can swing tens of thousands in the champions tournament.

Overview

  • Terry Smith’s final decision, which aired Wednesday, came after Ryan Seacrest asked if he wanted to call a letter worth $1,700.
  • He declined and solved at once, finished regulation at $12,200, and advanced to the Bonus Round.
  • He did not solve the Bonus Round and the envelope held $45,000, putting his missed potential at $57,200.
  • Viewers expressed disbelief on Reddit at passing up guaranteed cash, with many noting Seacrest tried to nudge him toward the extra letter.
  • The Spring Forward champions format brings back winners on consecutive nights, so choices about calling letters and banking cash can swing outcomes by tens of thousands.