‘Wheel of Fortune’ Contestant Wins $1 Million With a Lightning-Fast Solve
Tuesday night delivered a moment that Wheel of Fortune fans won’t soon forget. Christina Derevjanik of Connecticut etched her name into the show’s history books by becoming just the fifth contestant ever to walk away with the game’s elusive $1 million prize — and she did it in breathtaking fashion.
A Perfect Setup for a Historic Win
Derevjanik’s journey to the bonus round was already impressive.
During regular play, she successfully claimed the coveted $1 Million Wedge, instantly putting herself within reach of a life-changing payout.
Moments before the final spin, she joked about possibly giving notice at her marketing job if everything went her way.
The Bonus Round That Changed Everything
The final puzzle category was “Living Things.” With the standard letters R, S, T, L, N, and E revealed, Derevjanik selected M, C, F, and A — a choice that proved decisive.
As the letters filled in, the answer became clear.
A Record-Setting Night
By the end of the episode, her total winnings reached $1,035,155, making it the largest single payout in the show’s history.
It also marked the first million-dollar win during Ryan Seacrest’s tenure as host.
For a program that has entertained audiences for decades, moments like this are rare.
With one quick solve and remarkable composure, Christina Derevjanik secured not just a fortune — but a permanent place in Wheel of Fortune history.
