A woman from Connecticut has made history on the iconic game show, Wheel of Fortune!
Christina Derevjanick claimed a staggering $1,035,155 during Tuesday’s episode, the highest prize ever won on the show, all in the presence of her boss.
“I have no words!” Derevjanick exclaimed in disbelief as she secured her win.
The marketing manager from Stamford, who landed a “$1 million” wedge earlier, accumulated $35,155 in cash, plus trips to both Montana and Japan before heading into the bonus round.
In a light-hearted moment, she joked about giving her two-week notice if she won. Host Ryan Seacrest then pointed out that her boss was in the audience.
Choosing the “living thing” category, she successfully solved the puzzle with the phrase “coyote pack,” and then Seacrest revealed the million-dollar envelope.
“You’ve won a million dollars,” he announced excitedly.
Derevjanick joyfully jumped up and down as confetti rained down around her.
“I’m so happy for you,” Seacrest said as he hugged her.
In a moment of emotion, Seacrest was brought to tears.
Derevjanick shared her excitement with Seacrest, mentioning how she plans to use the money to pay off her student loans.
When asked if she had a message for her supervisor, she humorously replied that they’d have a discussion about it “when he’s back in the office.”
With this win, she’s the first contestant to surpass $1 million since Seacrest took over as host in September 2024.
Derevjanick expressed her desire to buy a house and leave her one-bedroom apartment behind.
She also looks forward to enjoying her trips to Japan and Montana.
Since 2008, only four others have achieved wins over $1 million on this show, according to reports.
The first was Michel Lowenstein in October 2008, followed by others in the years since, including Elle Heard and Sarah Manchester. Melissa Joan Hart, known for her celebrity stint, also won in 2021.
There’s a disclaimer from an episode back in 2008 that explains winners can opt for either $50,000 installments over 20 years or a lump sum of $660,000.
