One lucky Wheel of Fortune contestant had a huge spin and a huge win on Monday’s (December 23) episode of the long-running game show. Thomas Russo from Scarsdale, New York, proved to be a force to be reckoned with as he took on the iconic wheel. Russo, a New York Mets and New York Jets fan who dreams of visiting Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, faced off against Brenda Sweetser from Oak Lawn, Illinois, and Cobina Gibson from Chicago, Illinois.
Things started off steady for Russo before he picked up his game in the Express Round, increasing his winnings to $11,700 and bagging himself a trip to the Caribbean island of Bonaire. He continued to dominate in the Triple Toss Up, finishing with $17,100 and advancing to the Bonus Round. After selecting the “What Are You Doing?” category and introducing his mom, Diane, and aunt Carol, Russo was asked by host Ryan Seacrest to give the prize wheel a “big spin.”
Russo delivered such a strong spin, it left Seacrest almost speechless. “A very good spin!” the host remarked awkwardly as the wheel continued to whirl for what seemed like an eternity before finally slowing down. Turning to the puzzle board, Russo studied the blanked-out phrase before selecting the letters “H, G, C, and I” alongside his already chosen letters of “R, S, T, L, N, and E.” This resulted in the three-word puzzle reading: “_ _ _ I N G / T H _ N G S / H _ _ _ E N.”
It didn't take long for Russo to decipher the puzzle. Once the ten-second timer started, he confidently shouted, “Making Things Happen!” “You certainly are,” Seacrest responded, before opening the prize envelope, which revealed Russo had won an extra $40,000. This brought his total winnings to $57,100, and his joyful reaction during the show was, "That is some big money!"
Fans were quick to take to social media to praise Russo's performance. One YouTube commenter quipped, “He definitely did give it a big spin!” Another added, “Way to go, Thomas! You made things happen for sure!” Others echoed sentiments celebrating his accomplishment, emphasizing the exciting boost of $40,000 as resounding holiday cheer. One fan mused, “Thomas made Christmas celebrations happen with $40,000! Merry Christmas!!!”
Russo's notable feat of spinning and winning has been celebrated across various platforms, igniting discussion and admiration for his decisive gameplay and ability to remain composed under pressure. Whether you're a long-time viewer or new to the show, stories like Russo's remind everyone of the fun and unexpected thrills possible on Wheel of Fortune.
What did you think of Russo’s big win? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
