Wheel of Fortune has entertained millions of viewers for decades with its mix of wordplay, luck, and high-stakes moments. But on Friday night’s episode, the long-running game show left fans scratching their heads—not only over a puzzling phrase few had ever heard of, but also over a Bonus Round slip-up that cost a contestant $40,000.

The episode, which aired on September 5, 2025, quickly lit up social media platforms as fans debated the fairness of the puzzle, the rarity of the clue, and the heartbreak of a contestant missing what many believed was an obvious answer.

Contestants Step Into the Spotlight

The episode featured three contestants: Stephen Sporer from St. Paul, Minnesota, Christina White from Long Beach, California, and Megan Russell from Sylvester, West Virginia.

Sporer and Russell wasted no time, snagging the first two toss-ups and earning $1,000 each. But the opening puzzle wasn’t kind to anyone on stage—all three hit Bankrupt in quick succession, leaving the round up for grabs. Eventually, Russell solved the puzzle and banked $3,500, giving her the early lead.

The competition remained tight, but the second puzzle introduced a twist that would spark confusion far beyond the studio.

The Puzzle That Stumped Viewers: “Seeing the Green Flash”

The category was Event, and Christina White buzzed in to solve: “Seeing the green flash.”

Instead of applause and recognition, the phrase prompted bewilderment. Many fans admitted they had never heard of the term. Reddit threads and YouTube comments lit up with questions:

• “What did that even mean?”
• “I’ve never heard that phrase in my life.”
• “Event? That doesn’t sound like something people actually say.”

The show addressed the confusion later, when hosts Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White explained the meaning behind the puzzle.

The green flash, Seacrest revealed, is a rare optical phenomenon that occurs just as the sun dips below the horizon. For a brief second, a flash of green light is visible, caused by atmospheric refraction. “It’s quite beautiful,” Seacrest added, describing the scene as one you might witness relaxing in a lawn chair at sunset with a drink in hand.

While the explanation helped, many viewers still found the clue too obscure. As one fan commented online, “I’ve seen hundreds of sunsets and never once heard of this. Definitely one of the strangest puzzles I’ve seen on the show.”

White Wins Big With the Prize Puzzle

Despite the unusual moment, the game pressed on. Christina White came roaring back in the Prize Puzzle Round, correctly solving “Take a shower under a waterfall.” The win netted her $9,000 in cash plus a dream trip to Aruba, bumping her total earnings and giving her momentum heading into the final stretch.

Megan Russell also kept herself in contention, though her total lagged behind the other two players.

Sporer Dominates in the Final Rounds

Stephen Sporer proved his staying power by dominating the Triple Toss-Ups, sweeping all three and adding a crucial $10,000 to his score. He later solved the puzzle “In the home stretch,” which was fitting given how firmly he had taken control of the game.

By the time the main game concluded, Sporer had secured $35,000, guaranteeing him a shot at the Bonus Round. White finished strong with $22,132, while Russell walked away with $5,800.

The stage was set for a dramatic finish—but few expected the Bonus Round outcome to be so frustrating for fans.

The Bonus Round Blunder

With his partner Jeremy and best friend Mary cheering him on from the audience, Sporer entered the Bonus Round full of confidence. He chose the category Phrase, and the puzzle revealed:

O N O _ R _ _ _

Sporer selected the letters C, M, G, and O. The board filled in slightly, but the correct phrase—“On Our Way”—remained just out of reach.

The tension in the studio was palpable. Despite repeated attempts, Sporer couldn’t piece it together. The timer ran out, and with it, his chance at an additional $40,000.

The miss left fans stunned. Social media reactions were immediate and emphatic:

• “I GOT IT!! I cannot believe he didn’t say ‘On Our Way.’”
• “I was yelling the answer at my TV.”
• “This one was so obvious, I usually struggle but even I solved it right away.”

For many longtime viewers, the Bonus Round slip will go down as one of the more frustrating losses in recent memory.

Fans React: Confusion and Sympathy

The episode quickly became a hot topic online. Some fans sympathized with Sporer, noting the intense pressure contestants face under the lights and cameras. Others argued that “On Our Way” was too simple to miss, making the loss all the more painful to watch.

Meanwhile, the earlier puzzle “Seeing the green flash” continued to draw criticism. Many fans suggested that Wheel of Fortune should avoid overly obscure phrases, especially in categories like Event, which typically feature widely recognized terms.

Still, others appreciated the show’s willingness to introduce viewers to something new. As one fan wrote, “I’ve never heard of the green flash, but now I’ll be looking for it every time I watch a sunset.”

The Final Tally

Although he missed out on the $40,000 Bonus Round prize, Stephen Sporer still walked away with $35,000 in winnings. Christina White took home $22,132 plus her Aruba vacation, while Megan Russell ended with $5,800.

Not a bad night for the contestants, but one that will be remembered more for its bizarre puzzles and missed opportunities than for its cash totals.

Conclusion: A Night to Remember in Wheel of Fortune History

Friday’s Wheel of Fortune episode is a reminder of why the show remains compelling after more than four decades. Viewers tune in not just for the prizes, but for the mix of triumph, tension, and the occasional head-scratching moment.

Between the controversial puzzle “Seeing the green flash” and Sporer’s heartbreaking Bonus Round miss, the episode delivered plenty of drama. Whether fans felt frustrated, amused, or enlightened, one thing is certain: this installment of Wheel of Fortune won’t be forgotten anytime soon.