03-06-2025
Wheel of Fortune fans fume over impossible puzzle 'no one would have guessed'
Wheel of Fortune fans have been left fuming over an impossible puzzle that 'no one would have guessed.'
Karen Binge, from Aliso Viejo, California, suffered a devastating loss during the Bonus Round on the hit game show.
The teacher - who has worked at Tustin Ranch Elementary for over 30 years - was supported in the studio by her parents and brother with her husband and 14-year-old daughter cheering on from home.
Karen was facing off against Santio Cupon, from Malden, Massachusetts, and Trish Diaz, from Slidell, Louisiana.
The first Toss-Up for $2,000 was won by Santio - a drag queen who went by Landa Plenty.
But Karen quickly swooped and took the lead after solving the first puzzle for $3,600.
She also chose the Million Dollar Wedge during that round.
The contestant quickly flew through challenges including the Before and After Mystery Round Puzzle - which gave her $17,450.
Karen had already amassed $30,450 and a trip to Iceland when she encountered the bonus round - choosing the topic of Living Things.
Wheel of Fortune gave the teacher the letters R, S, T, L, N, and E, and she chose G, P, H, and O.
With all the letters in place, the puzzle appeared as '_ _ _ _ _/GRE_HO_N_.'
As the 10-second clock clicked down, Karen guessed 'Greyhound' as the longer word.
'Uh "Friendly Greyhound," "Grey Greyhound,"' she raced to say as the timer buzzed.
But host Ryan Seacrest revealed that the answer was really 'Quick Greyhound.'
He also shared that Karen would have won $40,000, but instead she was going home with her $30,450.
The One Million Dollar envelope was at a different spot on the wheel.
Dozens of fans ran to the comments after a clip of the difficult puzzle was posted to YouTube.
'Back to budget mode for another reason,' someone wrote.
'I would have never [have] guessed "quick greyhound,"' another penned.
'Another borderline impossible puzzle. This budget mode has to go,' a user said.
'Tough solve,' a person shared.
'Quite a tough puzzle,' another observed.
'Nice! That was hassling though,' someone else said.
'That was difficult even for $40,000. They are definitely out of budget. Only one week to go... then their budget resets in September,' a person explained.
