How Many People Have Won a Million on Wheel of Fortune
Wheel of Fortune is one of the longest-running game shows in television history, captivating audiences with its iconic spinning wheel and word-solving puzzles. Over the years, numerous contestants have walked away with impressive cash prizes, but how many have actually won a million dollars? Let’s delve into the history of Wheel of Fortune million-dollar winners.
Since its inception in 1975, Wheel of Fortune has awarded million-dollar prizes to a select few lucky contestants. The show introduced the million-dollar wedge in 2008, which provides players with the opportunity to win a million dollars if they land on it, solve the puzzle, and go on to win the game. This addition significantly increased the chances of participants winning the coveted prize.
As of 2021, a total of eight contestants have won a million dollars on Wheel of Fortune. Here is a breakdown of each winner and the year they achieved this remarkable feat:
1. Michelle Lowenstein (2008): Michelle became the first ever million-dollar winner on Wheel of Fortune, securing her victory during the show’s Million Dollar Bonus Round.
2. Sarah Manchester (2014): Sarah’s fortune changed when she solved the final puzzle and won a million dollars, making her the second millionaire in Wheel of Fortune history.
3. Autumn Erhard (2013): Autumn’s incredible puzzle-solving skills led her to become a million-dollar winner during the show’s 30th anniversary season.
4. Emil De Leon (2014): Emil’s astonishing guess of “New Baby Buggy” with only two letters on the board earned him a million-dollar victory.
5. Autumn Erhard (2014): Autumn returned to Wheel of Fortune and won another million dollars, becoming the show’s first two-time million-dollar winner.
6. Michelle Loewenstein (2014): Michelle, the first-ever million-dollar winner, returned for the Tournament of Champions and secured her second million-dollar victory.
7. Scott Kolbrenner (2021): Scott’s extraordinary puzzle-solving abilities earned him a million-dollar win on the show during his second appearance.
8. Matt McMahan (2021): Matt became the latest addition to the million-dollar winners’ club after an impressive performance on Wheel of Fortune.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How many people have won a million dollars on Wheel of Fortune?
Eight contestants have won a million dollars on Wheel of Fortune as of 2021.
2. Who was the first million-dollar winner on Wheel of Fortune?
Michelle Lowenstein was the first million-dollar winner in 2008.
3. Has anyone won a million dollars more than once on Wheel of Fortune?
Yes, Autumn Erhard and Michelle Lowenstein have each won a million dollars twice on Wheel of Fortune.
4. Are the million-dollar winners chosen randomly?
No, the million-dollar winners are determined by the contestants’ abilities to land on the million-dollar wedge, solve the final puzzle, and win the game.
5. How much in taxes do Wheel of Fortune winners have to pay on their million-dollar prizes?
Contestants are responsible for paying federal and state income taxes on their winnings, which can vary depending on the contestant’s income and location.
6. Can international contestants win a million dollars on Wheel of Fortune?
Yes, international contestants are eligible to win a million dollars on Wheel of Fortune.
7. How long has the million-dollar wedge been a part of Wheel of Fortune?
The million-dollar wedge was introduced in 2008.
8. Is the million-dollar wedge always on the wheel?
No, the million-dollar wedge is randomly placed on the wheel for each game.
9. Can you win a million dollars without landing on the million-dollar wedge?
No, contestants must land on the million-dollar wedge, solve the final puzzle, and win the game to claim the million-dollar prize.
10. Has anyone ever lost the million-dollar prize after winning it on Wheel of Fortune?
No, once a contestant wins the million-dollar prize, it is theirs to keep.
11. Are there any strategies to increase your chances of winning a million dollars on Wheel of Fortune?
While luck plays a significant role, practicing puzzle-solving skills and familiarizing oneself with common phrases and categories can help increase the chances of winning.
12. How often does Wheel of Fortune have million-dollar winners?
Million-dollar winners are relatively rare, with an average of one or two winners per year since the introduction of the million-dollar wedge.
Wheel of Fortune has brought joy and life-changing winnings to many contestants over the years. While winning a million dollars remains a rare achievement, the opportunity to spin the wheel and solve puzzles continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
