Fans of the iconic RTL quiz show "Wer wird Millionär?" were treated to an exciting week as the show aired its highly anticipated 3-million-euro week starting on Monday, April 21, 2025. Hosted by the charismatic Günther Jauch, the show culminated in a thrilling finale on Thursday night, April 24, 2025, that captivated millions of viewers.
The finale was broadcast in two parts, first from 8:15 PM to 10:15 PM, and then again from 10:35 PM until midnight. It was a resounding success, attracting a total of 3.23 million viewers and achieving a market share of 16.4 percent, according to the industry magazine DWDL. This impressive performance solidified "Wer wird Millionär?" as the clear winner among private broadcasters for the day, narrowly trailing behind the public broadcaster ZDF, which had 3.71 million viewers for a new episode of "Lena Lorenz – Gefährliche Liebe."
Günther Jauch had reason to celebrate as he dominated the primetime slot with his beloved quiz show. The excitement of the 3-million-euro week brought in a wave of viewers eager to see who would take home the grand prize. Among the contestants was Arman Hodzic, who entered the show as an alternate candidate after stepping in for a friend who fell ill. Hodzic made quite an impression, not only for his charm and wit but also for his unique WWM-logo jacket, a rare item he received from a friend in Great Britain.
Hodzic, who has lived in Germany for five years and learned German by watching "Wer wird Millionär?" since he was a child, quickly became a fan favorite. He reached the 16,000-euro question during the show, and with the help of Jauch, the audience, and a clever use of a joker, he made his way to the finale where he ultimately won 50,000 euros. His victory was met with jubilation as he celebrated with a wild run through the studio, showcasing his excitement.
However, not all contestants had such fortune. Another participant, Ingo Kugenbuch from Ilsenburg, appeared three times during the 3-million-euro week but ultimately did not win the grand prize. Despite initially answering questions confidently, Kugenbuch faced a setback when he miscalculated the answer to a question about the 2025 Golden Globe winner, leading him to lose 26,000 euros and leave with only 6,000 euros.
On the same episode, Tamara Löchel, who had previously won 16,000 euros, faced a similar fate when she lost her entire winnings on a 500-euro question. The pressure of the show and the stakes involved proved too much for some contestants, leading to dramatic moments that kept audiences on the edge of their seats.
Another highlight of the week occurred during the episode on Tuesday, April 22, when contestant Carsten Abbes used the audience joker for a tricky 4,000-euro question. The question stumped not only Abbes but also Jauch, leading to a surprising revelation when Jauch mistakenly accused a studio guest of voting for the wrong answer. After the production team intervened and clarified the situation, Jauch humorously apologized to the wrongly accused guest, showcasing the light-hearted nature of the show even amidst the tension.
Throughout the week, Jauch's interactions with contestants were filled with humor and warmth, as he guided them through challenging questions while also providing support. His patience was evident when Hodzic struggled with understanding certain terms, and Jauch took the time to explain them, emphasizing the show's commitment to making the quiz accessible to all.
As the finale approached, the excitement continued to build. Contestants like Hodzic and Kugenbuch showcased their knowledge and quick thinking, while Jauch's witty remarks kept the atmosphere lively. The combination of high stakes, engaging personalities, and unexpected twists made for a memorable week of television.
In the end, the 3-million-euro week of "Wer wird Millionär?" not only entertained but also highlighted the diverse backgrounds and stories of its contestants. From Hodzic's impressive journey to Kugenbuch's near misses, each participant brought their own unique flair to the show. As the credits rolled on the finale, viewers were left eagerly anticipating the next installment of this beloved quiz show, knowing that the thrill of competition and the joy of learning would continue to captivate audiences for years to come.
With its blend of excitement, humor, and valuable lessons, "Wer wird Millionär?" remains a staple of German television, proving once again that knowledge is power—and sometimes, it can lead to a life-changing fortune.
