Cory Earp, a sixth-grade language arts teacher from Taylorsville, North Carolina, celebrated a remarkable achievement on the game show Wheel of Fortune. Earp became the first contestant of Season 43 to win $100,000 in the Bonus Round, wrapping up a thrilling episode with total earnings of $126,450.
Earp, known for wearing a tropical shirt every Tuesday while teaching, competed against Alesha Davis from Chicago and BB Fisher from Tempe. Earp swiftly took the lead by solving both initial Toss Ups, securing $3,000. Although he briefly lost a Wild Card to a Bankrupt segment, he rebounded by solving “Gorgeous Gown and Golden Crown,” putting him at $4,150.
Davis, a middle school math and science teacher, took the spotlight during the Mystery Round with the puzzle “Wandering Eye of the Tiger,” earning a year’s supply of school supplies and a trip to Mexico, followed by a prize puzzle victory with “Cobblestone Streets,” which awarded her a trip to France. This series of successes elevated her total to $25,682.
The game intensified as Earp solved all three Triple Toss-Ups, adding $10,000 to his total of $17,150, and subsequently earned $9,500 in the final puzzle, securing his place in the Bonus Round with a winning total of $26,450. Davis concluded with her substantial winnings, while Fisher, a high school psychology and history teacher, received the show’s consolation prize of $1,000.
In the Bonus Round, Earp chose the category “What Are You Wearing?” After the standard letters “R, S, T, L, N, E” and his additional picks “B, F, K, A,” the puzzle was nearly complete: “FAN_ _ BLA_ER.” Earp quickly answered “Fancy Blazer,” earning him the $100,000 prize. Host Ryan Seacrest announced Earp’s victory, which was met with excitement and disbelief from Earp as he embraced his mother and friend.
The episode not only marked a major milestone for Earp but also energized Wheel of Fortune fans, many of whom expressed their congratulations on social media. The win underscores the excitement and unpredictability of the game, bringing joy and recognition to both contestants and viewers alike.
Wheel of Fortune airs weekdays, with episodes available for streaming on Hulu and Peacock, allowing fans to follow the latest winners and their prized moments.