Wheel of Fortune has officially dished out the biggest cash prize of its 50-year history.
On Tuesday night, contestant Christina Derevjanik won an eye-watering $1,035,155 after she managed to correctly guess the final puzzle from the ‘living things’ category with the answer ‘pack of coyotes.’
Confetti rained down in the studio seconds after she declared her answer and host Ryan Seacrest announced she had won the jackpot.
‘I have no words!’ Christina cried out as she jumped up and down amid the fanfare.
The hosts quickly embraced the winner with an emotional Ryan wiping away tears.
Before claiming the massive prize, Christina joked that she would give her two weeks’ notice if she came out victorious, all while her boss was sat in the audience.
Speaking to Maggie Sajak following her triumph, she revealed that she would be using some of the cash to pay off her student loans.
‘I cannot believe I can now pay things off and put stresses aside, this is amazing,’ she said. ‘I’m so happy.’
Wheel of Fortune contestant Christina Derevjanik has become the show’s biggest ever winner
The Connecticut native won an eye-watering $1,035,155 during Monday’s episode
Christina continued: ‘I would love to get a house and actually be able to move out of a one-bedroom apartment.’
Not only did Christina take home six figures, but she also won a trip to Montana and Japan.
‘Now I have some places to travel to,’ she grinned. ‘I’m just thrilled. I’m just so happy to be part of history now.’
Fans went wild for the historic moment and celebrated Christina’s success on social media.
‘THIS MAKES MY HEART SUPER HAPPY!!!’ one exclaimed.
‘This is absolutely amazing! HUGE congratulations to her!’ another praised.
A third continued: ‘Congratulations, Christina! What an incredible performance!’
‘WOOO YAY CHRISTINA,’ echoed a fourth. ‘This is probably the most monumental moment ever. Congratulations Christina on your HUGE WIN!’
She was lost for words after her win as Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest embraced her
Christina revealed she will be using the money to buy a house and pay off her student debt
It wasn’t just fans who expressed their delight over Christina’s triumph, as Maggie and letters whiz Vanna White also celebrated.
‘THE MOMENT WE’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR!!!!’ Maggie, daughter of former long-serving host Pat Sajak, commented.
‘Congrats to our Million Dollar Winner!!!! What a night!’ Vanna added.
Excluding Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, only three previous contestants have even won more than $1 million.
In 2008, Michelle Loewenstein won $1.026 million, in 2013, Autumn Erhard won $1.030 million in 2013 and Sarah Manchester won $1.017 million in 2014.
Disclaimer: This news article has been republished exactly as it appeared on its original source, without any modification.
We do not take any responsibility for its content, which remains solely the responsibility of the original publisher.
Author:
Published on: 2025-10-01 18:04:00
Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
