‘Wheel of Fortune’ Contestant Misses Out On $108k After Failing To Solve Tough Puzzle

A Wheel of Fortune player came within inches of an even bigger payday Friday night, but still managed to leave the stage tens of thousands richer after one of the most memorable games of the season.

Joe Ferroni of Sarasota, Florida, squared off against Marianna Reid from Omaha, Nebraska, and Sharona Nafisi of Atlanta, Georgia, on the September 12 broadcast. Ferroni, a multi-talented musician known for playing both harmonica and guitar simultaneously, quickly emerged as the frontrunner.

Reid, competing in honor of her late husband who passed away four years ago, jumped out first by snagging the opening Toss-Up. But Ferroni answered back immediately, solving the second Toss-Up and setting the tone for the rest of the evening.

Momentum shifted firmly in Ferroni’s direction during the first puzzle. Landing on $2,500 and uncovering two “P’s,” he padded his score significantly. He then hit the coveted “Year of Fun” wedge, adding $5,000 and securing a trip to Hawaii. After his competitors stumbled, Ferroni swept in to solve “The Ultimate Party Planner,” shooting his total up to $27,830.

Nafisi, an avid monster truck fan, nearly cracked the following puzzle but derailed with a “Q.” That misstep opened the door for Reid, who pieced together “Guilt Trip of a Lifetime,” putting $2,000 in her bank. Her luck didn’t hold, though. On the Express Wedge, Reid gambled with an “F” that wasn’t there, sending her back to zero. Ferroni capitalized once again, solving “Drink In My Hand, Toes In the Sand” to claim a luxury trip to Turks and Caicos and boosting his total to $45,268.

From there, Ferroni dominated. He swept all three Triple Toss-Ups, banking another $10,000. He then solved the last puzzle of the main game — “Peanut Butter Milkshake” — adding $7,750 more. By the end of regulation, Ferroni’s earnings stood at an impressive $63,018. Reid finished with $2,000, while Nafisi left with the show’s $1,000 consolation prize.

With his wife and daughter cheering from the sidelines, Ferroni entered the Bonus Round and selected the “Phrase” category. After being given the standard letters R, S, T, L, N, and E, he chose C, M, G, and I. Only one letter appeared on the board, leaving the puzzle as “ER _ S_I_N _LE.”

“That’s all you got,” host Ryan Seacrest told him.

As the clock ticked down, Ferroni rattled off guesses — “Very Personable,” “Very Distinguishable,” “Very Disturbing,” “Very Refreshing” — but none hit the mark. The correct solution was “Very Fashionable.”

Missing that final answer cost him an extra $45,000, which would have pushed his grand total to a jaw-dropping $108,018.

Despite the near-miss, Ferroni kept his spirits high. “You know what? I’ll take it,” he said, grinning.

Even without the bonus prize, Ferroni’s $63,000-plus haul, two exotic trips, and undeniable stage presence made him one of the standout contestants of the season.