A “Wheel of Fortune” contestant, Geoffrey Smith, stole the show and won over the internet. He aced a tough bonus puzzle, earning him the title of “best contestant”.
On the January 13, 2025 episode of “Wheel of Fortune”, Smith wowed everyone with his lightning – fast puzzle – solving skills. He won a whopping $66,000, leaving social media users impressed.
In the bonus round’s “Phrase” category, with $26,000 already in his pocket, Smith spun the bonus wheel and landed on a prize marked “A”. After co – host Vanna White revealed the standard letters “R,” “S,” “T,” “L,” “N,” and “E,” the puzzle read ” _ _ S T / _ L _ R T / I T / _ _ T.”
Host Ryan Seacrest told Smith to stay calm, “Take a good look, it’s a phrase. You got ten seconds.” But Smith solved it in seconds, confidently declaring, “Just Blurt It Out.” His correct answer netted him an extra $40,000.
Seacrest announced, “Geoffrey, you’re rolling in $40,000!” Vanna White rushed over, hugged him, and said, “That was awesome!” Seacrest added, “Your total winnings are $66,000. Congratulations, Geoffrey.”
Seacrest joked with Smith, “You were looking at me like ‘I don’t need you to talk, Ryan, I just want to blurt it out.’”
Viewers were quick to praise Smith. One fan wrote, “Great job, Geoffrey! That was a tough one, but you nailed it!” Another gushed, “He was really good!! The best contestant in ages! And such a gentleman too!”
The moment Vanna White hugged Smith also caught people’s attention. A fan noted, “Vanna never gets this close to congratulate a contestant for a $40K win. She usually just claps from the puzzle board.” Another said, “Vanna doesn’t usually come out with the winner and Ryan unless it’s a $100K win.”
Viewers enjoyed watching Smith. One said, “He was so much fun to watch! Loved his story and seeing his dream come true.” Others hoped he’d return. “I really liked this show and Mr Geoffrey! He should come back for an all – star contest! He deserves an MVP or Most Valuable Solver award!”