In a stunning turn of events on the popular Italian game show L'Eredità, Gabriele Paolini, a 29-year-old contestant from Mulazzo, was eliminated on Friday, April 18, 2025, after an impressive run that saw him accumulate over 300,000 euros in gold tokens. His journey, marked by 33 episodes, was celebrated as one of the most remarkable in the show's history, bringing him close to breaking the all-time record of 321,000 euros.
Gabriele's elimination came during a critical moment in the game, where a double error led him to mistakenly identify Antonio, one of his opponents, during a high-stakes duel to avoid elimination. This misstep cost him precious seconds and ultimately his place in the competition. Host Marco Liorni acknowledged Gabriele’s extraordinary performance, stating, "You are the champion of records of this edition," as the studio erupted in applause.
Despite the disappointment of his exit, Gabriele reflected positively on his experience, expressing gratitude for the opportunity. "It has been a beautiful experience that has changed my life a bit. I say goodbye to everyone, including those behind the scenes who always made me feel at home," he shared. His journey on L'Eredità has not only made him a fan favorite but also a significant figure in the realm of Italian quiz shows.
As viewers pondered the impact of Gabriele's departure, questions arose about the actual amount he would take home from his substantial winnings. While the show reported his total winnings as over 300,000 euros, this figure does not reflect the reality of what he will receive after taxes and conversion losses.
The winnings on L'Eredità are awarded in gold tokens rather than cash, a detail that many viewers might overlook. These tokens, while appearing valuable, do not equate to the market value of pure gold. Instead, their worth is influenced by various factors, including manufacturing costs, VAT, and commissions, which significantly reduce their actual value.
According to the regulations outlined on the Rai website, the gold tokens are not considered investment gold and are instead crafted as decorative pieces featuring the Rai logo. This means that while the show may announce a prize of 300,000 euros, the real value of the gold will be lower due to these additional costs.
Taxation also plays a crucial role in determining Gabriele’s final payout. Under Italian tax law, a 20% tax is applied to winnings exceeding 500 euros. For Gabriele, this means that after accounting for taxes on his winnings, which total approximately 299,500 euros, he could expect to pay around 59,900 euros in taxes.
Taking into consideration the various deductions, Gabriele's theoretical net amount after taxes could be around 240,100 euros. However, additional losses due to fluctuations in gold prices and conversion fees could further decrease this sum by an estimated 2% to 5%. Therefore, the final estimated amount that Gabriele might receive is between 230,000 and 240,000 euros.
This outcome still positions him as one of the most successful contestants in the history of L'Eredità, but it serves as a reminder of the realities that come with game show winnings. The excitement of winning can often be tempered by the complexities of taxes and the actual value of prizes awarded.
Gabriele’s journey has not only been a personal triumph but also a captivating narrative for viewers, who have followed his progress with enthusiasm. His elimination has sparked a mix of emotions among fans, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment. One viewer lamented, "With everyone he could have lost to, why did it have to be that annoying Antonio?" This sentiment reflects the strong connection audiences feel with contestants and the high stakes involved in such competitions.
As Gabriele moves on from L'Eredità, his legacy as a champion remains intact, and his future endeavors are sure to be watched closely by fans who have grown to admire his skill and charisma. His experience serves as an inspiring tale for aspiring contestants, highlighting both the thrill of competition and the importance of understanding the intricacies of game show winnings.
In the end, Gabriele Paolini's time on L'Eredità may have come to an end, but his impact on the show and its audience will undoubtedly linger. With his impressive record and a substantial prize to show for his efforts, he leaves a mark that will be remembered in the annals of Italian television history.
