The Agonizing Near-Miss for Contestant Andrew Leachko

On the May 9, 2025 episode of Wheel of Fortune, fans witnessed a heart-stopping moment as contestant Andrew Leachko came inches away from winning the game show’s coveted $1 million prize. The Cleveland, Ohio native had an incredible opportunity to make history as the first man and fifth contestant overall to win the largest cash prize offered by Wheel of Fortune. However, a simple mistake and a ticking clock led to one of the most agonizing moments in recent Wheel of Fortune history.

Leachko had been playing against fellow contestants Natalya Batenman, a stay-at-home mom, and Audrey Cheatham, a former officer turned high school teacher. When Leachko landed on the Million Dollar wedge during the AARP Mystery Round, the excitement in the studio was palpable. The Million Dollar wedge is one of the most coveted spots on the game show, providing contestants with a rare opportunity to win the grand prize, provided they solve the final puzzle without hitting a bankrupt wedge.

Despite the intense pressure of the moment, Leachko remained poised and managed to solve his way into the bonus round with a respectable $30,228. He was then presented with the opportunity to solve the final puzzle for a chance to win $1 million. But, as the 10-second timer ran out, a small error cost him the life-changing prize.

The High Stakes Bonus Round

In the bonus round, Leachko spun the bonus wheel and landed on the “S” wedge, setting up the opportunity to solve a puzzle in the “Event” category. As is customary, Leachko was given the letters R, S, T, L, N, and E, followed by the opportunity to choose additional letters. With the puzzle reading “_ _ R / _ E A R L _ / _ A S _,” Leachko immediately solved the first two words as “Our yearly,” but got stuck on the last word.

His first guesses were “Our yearly fast? Our yearly past? Our yearly case?” but time was running out, and he was unable to lock in the correct answer. As the timer ran out, Seacrest and Vanna White revealed the final puzzle answer: “Our yearly bash.” Leachko, although close, had lost the chance to win the grand prize.

The $40,000 Consolation Prize

While many viewers at home were holding their breath in anticipation, Seacrest didn’t waste time in revealing the outcome of Leachko’s bonus round. “Close!” Seacrest said, before opening the prize envelope to reveal a consolation prize of $40,000—still a considerable sum, but nowhere near the $1 million Leachko had hoped for.

The moment was bittersweet as Leachko received a standing ovation from the crowd and the encouragement of Seacrest, who led him back to the bonus wheel. The host remarked that the $1 million prize envelope was “just inches away” from the wedge Leachko had landed on, increasing the tension and making the loss even more painful.

The show’s audience, along with fans watching at home, reacted with a mix of disappointment and empathy, as Leachko came so close to claiming the biggest cash prize on Wheel of Fortune, only to miss it by a fraction. His performance throughout the game was impressive, but the bonus round proved to be a cruel reminder of how unpredictable Wheel of Fortune can be.

Social Media Erupts: Fans React to the ‘Million Dollar Heartbreaker’

After the show aired, fans flooded social media with comments expressing their shock and disappointment at Leachko’s near-miss. The term “million-dollar heartbreaker” quickly trended, as people sympathized with Leachko’s painful loss. One fan wrote on YouTube, “OMG!!! Andrew almost landed on the 1 million dollars envelope on Wheel of Fortune!!! Now that’s another 1 million dollar heartbreaker.” Another comment read, “One space away from what would have been a million-dollar heartbreaker. That’s painful!”

While many were heartbroken for Leachko, some fans found themselves oddly satisfied that he hadn’t won, due to the drama it created. “I’m happy he didn’t land on the million-dollar card since he didn’t get the puzzle,” one commenter admitted, reflecting the complex nature of the show’s fan base.

The emotional reaction from viewers underscored the impact that the Wheel of Fortune format has on its audience. It is not just a game show—it’s a source of excitement, tension, and shared experience for viewers who become emotionally invested in the contestants’ journeys. Leachko’s near-win became a moment that fans would discuss long after the episode aired.

A Long Road to $1 Million: Wheel of Fortune Contestants’ Rare Achievement

Winning the $1 million prize on Wheel of Fortune is an incredibly rare accomplishment. Over the course of the show’s history, only a select few contestants have been fortunate enough to walk away with the grand prize. Among them are Michelle Loewenstein (2008), Autumn Erhard (2013), Sarah Manchester (2014), and actress Melissa Joan Hart, who won on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune in 2021.

The rarity of the $1 million win is part of what makes the prize so thrilling to watch. It creates an intense atmosphere, especially when contestants like Leachko come so close to achieving it. The Million Dollar wedge, while offering a life-changing prize, also adds a layer of suspense that is unmatched in any other game show. The heartache and triumph that come with attempting to win the grand prize is something that fans deeply resonate with, which is why Leachko’s near-miss has become a memorable moment in the show’s history.

Leachko’s Performance: A Victory in Itself

Though Leachko did not walk away with the million-dollar prize, his performance on the show was an achievement in itself. Winning $40,000 is still a significant accomplishment, and Leachko played the game with skill, making it to the bonus round in the first place. His journey on Wheel of Fortune was a testament to his ability to think quickly and solve puzzles under pressure.

Leachko’s ability to remain calm despite the high stakes was commendable, and it’s likely that his experience on the show will lead to even greater opportunities for him in the future. In many ways, the biggest loss of the night was not just the $1 million but the missed chance to join the elite group of contestants who have won the prize. However, for Leachko, the $40,000 prize was still a major success and a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Wheel of Fortune.

Conclusion: A Lesson in the Unpredictability of Game Shows

Andrew Leachko’s Wheel of Fortune experience serves as a reminder of how unpredictable and thrilling game shows can be. His near-miss for the $1 million prize will go down as one of the most memorable moments of Wheel of Fortune history. Fans will remember the drama, the excitement, and the heartbreak of Leachko’s journey, and it will serve as an example of how close contestants can come to achieving greatness, only to fall just short.

For Leachko, the loss of the $1 million will likely be a source of reflection for years to come. But in the grand scheme of Wheel of Fortune, the journey is just as important as the prize. His performance was remarkable, and the fans who supported him throughout his journey will remember his moment on the show as one of near-victory.