‘Wheel of Fortune’ Contestant Goes Viral After Missing \$73,000 Bonus Puzzle
On a recent episode of Wheel of Fortune, one contestant turned heads and sparked a wave of online reactions—not for what she solved, but for what she missed.
Brooklyn native Maki Asrat was in the hot seat during the show’s Bonus Round, where she stood to win a staggering \$73,000. The puzzle board revealed several letters, and the nearly complete phrase appeared as:
With only seconds to guess, Maki blurted out “cursing… cursing…” multiple times, clearly flustered but still smiling. Her humorous and genuine response had host Ryan Seacrest laughing on set, and the moment quickly made the rounds online.
The correct answer? “Causing an uproar.”
Unfortunately, Maki’s answer didn’t hit the mark, and the big prize slipped away.
Despite the miss, viewers applauded her spirited personality and positive attitude. Social media lit up with supportive comments, many saying they, too, would’ve struggled under the pressure. Some even joked that her memorable reaction was worth more than the prize money.
This isn’t the first time Wheel of Fortune has delivered a viral moment, but Maki’s reaction stood out for all the right reasons. Her charm, quick wit, and light-hearted frustration reminded fans why they love the show—not just for the puzzles, but for the people who play them.
