A “Wheel of Fortune” contestant had an incredible run on the game show but left fans in disbelief after a heartbreaking loss in the Bonus Round—missing out on a brand-new Ford Bronco in the process.
Ryan Halsey, a Santa Barbara, California native, dominated most of the game and looked poised for a huge win—until the final puzzle stumped him, despite many viewers thinking it was an easy solve.
Strong Start for Halsey
Halsey got off to a solid start, ringing in first on the opening toss-up puzzle with “Hula Dance Instructor,” securing an initial $1,000. He competed against Hawanya Jackson-Elliott from Detroit, Michigan, and Jo Ann Bomkamp from Woodstock, Illinois.
Jackson-Elliott, a social worker for developmentally disabled adults, secured the second toss-up puzzle with “Green Sea Turtles,” bringing her total to $2,000. But it was Halsey, a self-proclaimed “hotel nerd”, who took an early lead after solving “Margarita, Mojito, Mimosa, Mudslide”—earning him $8,900 in the process.
Halsey Takes Over
The momentum continued as Bomkamp, a retired teacher, hit “Bankrupt”—though with no winnings yet, she had nothing to lose. Halsey, on the other hand, built up a strong streak, solving most of the next puzzle while collecting a Wild Card. But luck wasn’t entirely on his side, as he too landed on “Bankrupt”, cutting his turn short.
Jackson-Elliott guessed a letter, but it wasn’t on the board. Bomkamp then hit “Bankrupt” again. Halsey bounced back quickly, solving “Taking a break from social media,” bringing his winnings to $12,400.
Huge Win—and a Costa Rica Getaway
Halsey’s hot streak continued when he landed on the Express Strip, allowing him to rack up $13,050 in just one round. He confidently solved “Another perfect day” and, to top it off, won a trip to Costa Rica.
In the Triple Toss-Up round, Halsey and Jackson-Elliott each solved a puzzle for $2,000 apiece, before Halsey claimed a third win for another $2,000.
By the time the final puzzle rolled around, Halsey was in prime position, but after landing on “Bankrupt”, his turn ended abruptly. Jackson-Elliott collected nearly $4,000 before the final spin, but it was Bomkamp who secured a last-minute win by solving “Dreams Really Do Come True,” earning $3,700.
Halsey finished as the night’s biggest winner, walking away with $39,450 and his vacation package.
Bonus Round Heartbreak
Halsey picked “Phrase” as his Bonus Round category and had his parents, Tim and Jerry, cheering him on.