For many Americans, appearing on Wheel of Fortune is the stuff of daydreams—a chance to spin the famous wheel, solve puzzles under bright studio lights, and maybe, just maybe, walk away with life-changing money. For Courtney White, a military veteran from San Diego and former Marine, that dream was more than a fleeting wish. It was a goal she’d nurtured since seventh grade, when she would rush home from Okeeheelee Middle School in West Palm Beach, Florida, just to catch the nightly broadcast with her best friend, Jessica. On May 14, 2025, that childhood dream finally came true during the show’s Bragging Rights Week, as she faced off against two friends—Tess Lee, a Marine Corps veteran, and Joe Vargas, an active duty Navy chief.
According to TV Insider, the episode, which originally aired in May, was brought back as part of the summer reruns and officially retired on August 27, 2025. The excitement and anticipation around the episode were palpable, especially for White, who had waited years for this shot. As the show’s new host, Ryan Seacrest, put it, "She’s been dreaming of this day since back in Okeeheelee Middle School in West Palm Beach, Florida."
White’s journey to the iconic game show was a testament to her persistence and passion. She shared during her interview segment that she and Jessica had spent countless evenings watching Wheel of Fortune, and she’d even selected her favorite Bonus Round letters—C, D, H, and A—back in middle school, just in case she ever got the chance to play.
The stakes were high as the three military contestants vied for bragging rights and cash prizes. The camaraderie was evident, but so was the competitive spirit. White, Lee, and Vargas engaged in some good-natured trash talk, each hoping to out-spin and out-solve the others. As the main game unfolded, White proved her puzzle-solving mettle, amassing $15,200 and securing her place in the coveted Bonus Round. Her competitors didn’t leave empty-handed—Tess Lee took home $10,500 and a trip to Mexico, while Joe Vargas walked away with $8,000.
But for White, the real prize was yet to come. As she approached the Bonus Round, the atmosphere in the studio shifted. Seacrest highlighted the gravity of the moment, reminding viewers and contestants alike that White had been waiting for this chance since childhood. With the familiar chime, the Bonus Round began, and White confidently announced her chosen letters, the very ones she had picked out years before: "C, D, H, and A." Added to the standard "R, S, T, L, N, and E," the puzzle board revealed the following for the "Place" category: _A_-_AC_ED CA_E.
White’s excitement was palpable—this was her moment. But as the ten-second timer started, the pressure mounted. She managed to say "Map," but couldn’t get any further as the seconds slipped away. The correct answer? "JAM-PACKED CAFE." Seacrest offered words of consolation, saying, "Those letters were good choices, but maybe you need the J in there to get it." The audience groaned in sympathy, recognizing just how tricky the puzzle was.
The loss was a tough pill to swallow. Had White solved the puzzle, she would have won an additional $40,000, bringing her total Bonus Round loss to $55,000. As TV Insider reported, her dream was crushed in that instant, despite her years of preparation and anticipation. The moment resonated with viewers, many of whom took to social media to share their thoughts. One YouTube user commented, "Courtney had good letter choices. I got jam-packed as well." Another wrote, "I guessed cafe, but that was a tough solve." A fan chimed in, "That was hard to answer in such a short amount of time." And yet another summed it up: "That was really tough."
For White, the disappointment was clear, but so was her sportsmanship. She took the loss in stride, congratulating her fellow contestants and expressing gratitude for the experience. The show’s Bragging Rights Week was designed to honor military service members and veterans, and all three contestants exemplified the spirit of friendly competition and mutual respect.
The episode’s emotional impact wasn’t lost on viewers, either. Many found themselves rooting for White, not just because of her military service but because of the relatable nature of her story. Who hasn’t dreamed of turning a childhood fantasy into reality, only to come up short at the last hurdle? The tension of the Bonus Round, the rapid-fire nature of the puzzle, and the sheer unpredictability of the game all contributed to a dramatic and memorable episode.
Ryan Seacrest, who recently took over hosting duties, handled the moment with empathy and encouragement. His acknowledgment of White’s lifelong dream and his supportive comments helped soften the blow. The show’s tradition of celebrating its contestants’ backstories and aspirations was on full display, reminding audiences why Wheel of Fortune remains a beloved staple of American television after more than four decades.
The episode also shone a spotlight on the unique camaraderie among military contestants. While the competitive banter was lively, it was clear that the shared experience of service created a bond that went beyond the game itself. Lee’s win of $10,500 and a vacation to Mexico, and Vargas’s $8,000 prize, rounded out a night of both triumph and heartbreak.
As for White, her journey on Wheel of Fortune may not have ended with a windfall, but it certainly left a mark. The episode’s airing and subsequent rerun retirement on August 27, 2025, sparked conversations about perseverance, the unpredictability of game shows, and the bittersweet nature of chasing one’s dreams. As reported by TV Insider, her loss resonated with fans and fellow contestants alike, many of whom recognized the difficulty of the Bonus Round puzzle and the pressure of the moment.
In the end, Courtney White’s appearance on Wheel of Fortune was about more than money. It was a testament to the enduring power of dreams, the thrill of competition, and the importance of savoring the journey—even when the final result isn’t what you hoped for. For White, Lee, and Vargas, their night on the wheel will be remembered not just for the numbers on the scoreboard, but for the memories made and the dreams pursued, however jam-packed the cafe of fate may have been.
