In a thrilling episode of Wheel of Fortune aired on April 16, 2025, two contestants, Julie Allen from Spokane, Washington, and Becky Lenski from Yorkville, Illinois, showcased their skills and luck, resulting in impressive winnings and unforgettable moments. Both women not only emerged victorious in their respective games but also shared personal stories that resonated with viewers.
Starting with Allen, a dedicated third-grade teacher at Meadow Ridge Elementary School, she faced off against Nikki Lopez from Melbourne, Florida, and Thomas Young from Detroit, Michigan. Allen, who humorously noted that watching Wheel of Fortune every night helped her through maternity leave, proved to be a formidable contestant.
In the early rounds, Young made a strong start by winning $2,000 after successfully solving the first two toss-ups. However, his fortune took a turn when he landed on Bankrupt after revealing two letters in the first puzzle. Despite the setback, Young managed to regain his footing and completed the puzzle for a total of $8,600.
Lopez, a bachelor who works as a landscaper, also had her share of ups and downs. She completed most of the crossword puzzle before falling victim to the dreaded Bankrupt. As the game progressed, Allen took the lead by tackling the puzzle titled “Lions, Leopards, and Hippos.” Young's unfortunate landing on “Lose a Turn” allowed Allen to seize the opportunity, ultimately winning an African safari, which boosted her total to $17,890.
In the subsequent rounds, Allen continued to shine. She accumulated $4,000 by solving two of the three Triple Toss-Ups, while Young added $2,000 with a single solve. Allen also solved the final riddle, “I Appreciate You,” bringing her total winnings for the game to an impressive $23,590. Lopez left the game with $1,000, while Young took home $10,600.
The excitement didn’t stop there for Allen, who invited her friend Amy to join her for the Bonus Round. Selecting the category “What are you doing?” she stood on the “&” space of the wheel. After receiving the standard letters “R, S, T, L, N, and E,” she chose “G, D, H, and I.” The puzzle appeared as “_EING _ _ ITE _ITT_.” With barely a second on the timer, Allen confidently exclaimed, “Being Quite Witty,” and was met with the enthusiastic confirmation from host Ryan Seacrest. The moment was exhilarating as Seacrest revealed her grand prize: a Ford vehicle valued at $43,760, bringing her total winnings to an astounding $67,350.
Meanwhile, on a different episode of Wheel of Fortune, which also aired on April 16, Becky Lenski, a military mom, made headlines with her remarkable performance. Competing against Yolande Johnson from Montgomery, Alabama, and Josh Ficciotti from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Lenski brought her personal story into the game, sharing that she has two sons, one of whom recently enlisted in the army.
The competition was fierce from the start. Johnson solved the first toss-up, while Lenski took the second, earning both contestants $1,000. Johnson initially took the lead by solving the first puzzle but quickly lost it after landing on Bankrupt. This misfortune allowed Ficciotti to take charge, leading with $4,100 after he solved most of a subsequent prize puzzle. However, Lenski turned the tides by solving “Walking through a cloud forest,” which won her a trip to Costa Rica.
As the game continued, Lenski solidified her lead by solving two of the Triple Toss-Ups, while Johnson managed to solve one. She also completed the final puzzle, “From Rags to Riches,” which brought her total to $23,150 as she headed into the Bonus Round. Johnson left with $5,000, and Ficciotti took home $4,100.
In the Bonus Round, Lenski selected “What are you doing?” as her category and brought her sons along for support, with Max celebrating his 18th birthday that day. Seacrest acknowledged the occasion, asking Max if winning a trip to Costa Rica was a good birthday present, to which he enthusiastically agreed.
After receiving the standard letters “R, S, T, L, N, and E,” Lenski chose “D, M, C, and A.” The puzzle appeared as “MEM_R_ _ _N_ A _ _EM.” Without hesitation, she shouted, “Memorizing a poem!” before the timer even hit one second. Seacrest, visibly impressed, revealed that she had won an additional $50,000, bringing her grand total to an astonishing $73,150.
After her victory, Lenski took to Instagram to share her excitement, stating, “My DREAM came true and was a contestant on ✨️ Wheel OF Fortune!!!” She expressed her gratitude for the experience and shared that she had grown up watching the show with her parents, continuing that tradition with her sons. Although she wished her parents could be there, she felt their presence in spirit.
In a light-hearted moment following her win, Lenski challenged Ryan Seacrest to a planking duel, showcasing her playful spirit. The interaction provided a humorous end to an already thrilling game show experience.
Both Julie Allen and Becky Lenski left their respective episodes as champions, their stories resonating with audiences across the nation. Their victories not only brought them significant prizes but also highlighted the personal journeys that make Wheel of Fortune a beloved television staple.
