There's nothing quite like watching Wheel of Fortune from the comfort of your couch, calling out answers before the contestants can get them, and wondering how anyone could miss a puzzle that seems so obvious. But when the clock is ticking, the cameras are rolling, and thousands of dollars are on the line, solving even a familiar phrase can become surprisingly difficult.
That's exactly what happened when contestant Stephen Sporer reached the Bonus Round of Wheel of Fortune after an impressive performance in the main game. Despite building a substantial lead and finishing with $35,000 in winnings, Sporer couldn't solve the final puzzle in time to claim an additional $40,000.
The answer? "ON OUR WAY."
The missed opportunity quickly became a talking point among viewers, with some wondering how the familiar expression could prove so difficult while others pointed to the intense pressure contestants face during the show's final seconds. The episode also featured an earlier puzzle that left viewers confused, giving fans more than one reason to discuss the game afterward.
So, what happened during the episode, why did the final puzzle generate such strong reactions, and was it really as easy as it looked from home? Let's take a closer look.
Stephen Sporer Makes an Impressive Run on Wheel of Fortune
Before the Bonus Round disappointment, Stephen Sporer had plenty to celebrate.
During the March 28, 2025, episode, Sporer competed against Christina White and Megan Russell. The game featured several changes in momentum before Sporer made a strong push toward the finish.
One of his biggest moments came during the Triple Toss-Up rounds, where he solved all three puzzles and added $10,000 to his winnings. He also solved the final puzzle of the regular game, securing his place in the Bonus Round.
By the end of the main competition, Sporer had accumulated $35,000. That was already a substantial prize, but the possibility of winning even more made the final challenge especially exciting.
As the Bonus Round began, the atmosphere changed. Sporer now had one last puzzle to solve, a limited amount of time to find the answer, and the chance to add another $40,000 to his total.
It was the kind of television moment that gets viewers leaning toward the screen, trying to solve the puzzle alongside the contestant.
Unfortunately, the final answer never came together before time ran out.
The Bonus Round Puzzle That Cost Him Another $40,000
For the Bonus Round, Sporer selected the category "Phrase."
As usual, the board displayed the standard letters R, S, T, L, N, and E. He then selected C, M, G, and O as his additional letters.
The partially revealed puzzle offered clues to a short, familiar expression, but Sporer struggled to identify the missing word.
The correct answer was "ON OUR WAY."
