A recent Bonus Round on Wheel of Fortune delivered a moment of suspense that stayed with viewers long after the final spin. One contestant came within seconds of solving the last puzzle—just short of winning a brand-new Mercedes-Benz. Although the luxury prize slipped away, the atmosphere on stage remained supportive, and the contestant walked away with impressive winnings and a memorable experience.

The episode first aired on May 16 and later returned on August 29 during the show’s Bragging Rights Week, a special theme that paired friends against one another. Representing the Chicago area, Wanda Ruff competed alongside Joyce Underwood and Terri Houston, creating a friendly yet competitive dynamic throughout the game. The match stayed close, but Ruff gradually pulled ahead through consistent puzzle-solving and smart gameplay.

By the end of the main rounds, Ruff secured the lead with $21,398 in cash along with a vacation to Portugal. Houston finished with $7,700, while Underwood earned $2,000. In the Bonus Round, Ruff faced the category “Thing” and worked with a partially revealed puzzle reading “A PATCH _ _ TH_C _ _ _.” Despite making strong progress, time ran out before she could complete the phrase.

The correct answer—“A PATCH OF THICK FOG”—was revealed moments later. When host Ryan Seacrest opened the prize envelope to show the Mercedes-Benz, the audience responded with audible sympathy. Seacrest quickly highlighted Ruff’s overall success, reminding viewers of her substantial winnings. After the episode aired, fans shared supportive reactions online, praising her performance and acknowledging just how challenging the final puzzle had been—proof that even a near miss can still be a winning moment.