Christina Derevjanik made headlines on September 30 by setting a remarkable record on “Wheel of Fortune,” where she won the largest amount ever awarded on a single episode of the iconic game show. Hailing from Stamford, Connecticut, Derevjanik’s extraordinary victory totaled an astonishing $1,035,155, including the coveted $1 million prize.
Her journey began with a rocky start as she struggled to win the initial two toss-ups. However, her luck turned during the first main puzzle when she landed on the $1 million wedge, subsequently securing a trip to Montana, which brought her winnings to $10,556. Despite not winning the second puzzle, she bounced back in the third puzzle with an additional $5,350 and a trip to Tokyo, bringing her total to $27,505.
Derevjanik continued to build her earnings, adding $2,000 during the triple toss-up and another $5,650 by solving the fourth puzzle, advancing her total to $35,155 and securing her place in the bonus round. The anticipation heightened when the bonus round featured the $1 million wedge in place of the standard $100,000 envelope.
As she prepared for her big chance, she humorously revealed to host Ryan Seacrest that she might be ready to resign from her job, light-heartedly suggesting, “I may be putting in my two weeks (notice), but we won’t tell her that yet.”
When the bonus round began, Derevjanik spun the wheel and landed on the ampersand before correctly solving the puzzle in the “Living Things” category with the phrase “Pack of coyotes.” To her astonishment, Seacrest opened the envelope to reveal “One Million,” and confetti rained down as the studio erupted in celebration.
“You won a million dollars!” Seacrest exclaimed, while Derevjanik, visibly emotional, rejoiced with hugs from both Seacrest and co-host Vanna White, exclaiming, “You’re a millionaire!”
With her historic win, Derevjanik joins an elite group of only four contestants who have claimed the $1 million prize on “Wheel of Fortune,” marking the first time this milestone has been reached since Ryan Seacrest took the helm as host. This moment not only reflects Derevjanik’s incredible skill and luck but also adds a hopeful narrative for future contestants, demonstrating that with determination and a bit of fortune, monumental accomplishments are possible.