ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / NEWS

'Wheel of Fortune' contestant breaks down in tears after solving a tough puzzle worth $40,000

Emotions got the best of Amy Nardin every single time she solved puzzles on the show.
PUBLISHED AUG 10, 2025
Screenshot showing Amy Nardin breaking down while attempting her Bonus Round puzzle (Cover image source: YouTube/Wheel of Fortune)
Screenshot showing Amy Nardin breaking down while attempting her Bonus Round puzzle (Cover image source: YouTube/Wheel of Fortune)

"Wheel of Fortune" contestants are known to leave the host and fans stunned by their performances at times. But sometimes they're themselves overwhelmed after putting up a stellar performance. One such contestant, Amy Nardin, broke down in tears after a big Bonus Round win. She took the game by storm with her impressive puzzle-solving skills, and emotions got the best of her as she carried a handkerchief around to wipe off her tears of joy. In the end, she went out with more tears and a bigger prize after bagging $40,000 in the Bonus Round. 

Screenshot showing the winning moment (Image source: YouTube/Wheel of Fortune)
Screenshot showing the winning moment (Image source: YouTube/Wheel of Fortune)

Nardin started the game strong, but unfortunately landed on a Bankrupt wedge that took away all her winnings. However, she made a strong comeback, smashing through puzzles to take control of the game. 

With each correct solve, her excitement grew, and with almost tears dripping down her cheeks, Seacrest handed her his handkerchief like a gentleman. “She’s in tears,” Seacrest remarked after Nardin pulled off a stunning solve. Going into the Express Round, Nardin had already picked up a Wild Card and won $12,500 in cash, along with a trip to Curaçao. In the end, she emerged victorious with a total of $14,500 in cash and the trip to advance to the Bonus Round. 

Screenshot showing Nardin alongside Seacrest at the wheel (Image source: YouTube/Wheel of Fortune)
Screenshot showing Nardin alongside Seacrest at the wheel (Image source: YouTube/Wheel of Fortune)

Nardin chose the category "People" for her final puzzle and was joined by her daughter, Maddie, and her best friend, Char, on stage for support. After spinning the wheel with the host, she picked out her Golden Envelope and was faced with a two-word puzzle. With the show's standard letters, "R, S, T, L, N, E," filled in, she went on to choose the letters, "B, H, W, O," and using her Wild Card, she picked the extra letter, "D." With everything on the board, the puzzle read,  “H _ _ H _ _ H _ E _ E R S.”

Screenshot showing Nardin choking up while solving the puzzle (Image source: YouTube/Wheel of Fortune)
Screenshot showing Nardin choking up while solving the puzzle (Image source: YouTube/Wheel of Fortune)

Even before Seacrest could kick off the timer, Nardin started to get choked as she had figured out the answer already. “I want you to win this so badly,” Seacrest said before setting off the clock. Within a second, Nardin yelled out the correct answer, “High achievers!” and broke down into tears before the host could reveal her prize. Seacrest then went on to add to her delight by telling her that she had won an extra $40,000.

Nardin's daughter and best friend ran across the stage to celebrate, and they made the host join in as well. Seacrest then shared that Nardin had won a total of $54,500 from the show. Even the fans were delighted as one viewer wrote, "Way to go, Amy! That was great!" in the comments of the show's YouTube clip. In another episode, Seacrest got candid again with two players after hearing them whispering their strategy.

More on Market Realist:

'Wheel of Fortune' contestant gets Ryan Seacrest to reveal personal stories before winning $63,700

'Wheel Of Fortune' player says he had 'no shot' after failing to solve tough puzzle and fans agree

'Wheel of Fortune' players share what really happens behind the scenes after you win a trip

RELATED TOPICS WHEEL OF FORTUNE
MORE ON MARKET REALIST
It wasn't an ordinary ring but the 2004 Patriots Super Bowl Ring, which Harrison refused to let go.
3 hours ago
Harvey was in disbelief after he misheard what Ming-Na Wen's teammate said.
4 hours ago
Harvey could feel the pain as he collected the answers from the contestants.
5 hours ago
The owner of Harry Karstens' First Ascent Denali Ice Axe was shocked to learn how valuable it was.
1 day ago
As model Rachel Reynolds slammed on the brakes, fellow presenter Alexis Gaube nearly fell over.
1 day ago
Harvey couldn't believe his eyes when an answer did not show up on the board.
1 day ago
The winner, Trish yelled "This cannot be happening!" as she sat in her new car.
1 day ago
The seemingly tough puzzle cost contestant, Kelly Amodio a brand new Mini Cooper.
1 day ago
The contestant, Jodi Hope took home $75,000, using her puzzle solving skills.
2 days ago
The guest had to promise on camera to share the profits with her friend who gifted the item.
2 days ago
Harvey just couldn't seem to understand what Giuliana Rancic's mother was saying.
2 days ago
Harvey had to take a moment to school the contestant on how the game is played.
2 days ago
It seemed like Veronica forgot she was holding the host's hand after the win.
2 days ago
The owner of the Jean-Michel Basquiat Oil Stick Painting made it clear that it wasn't going anywhere
2 days ago
The player, Jason Warren missed out on taking home more than $86,000.
3 days ago
The TikTok creator @thebiteo87 stirred a debate on social media by exposing the new tactic.
3 days ago
Harvey couldn't believe what the NFLPA stars would choose for their wives to wear
3 days ago
Harvey barely held on to the podium after hearing the answers that shook him.
4 days ago