A Big Win on Wheel of Fortune
Beth Barbee, a North Carolina native, claimed a massive victory on Wheel of Fortune during the Disney Princess Week special. Her win came thanks to an unexpected mistake by a fellow contestant.
The Contestants
Barbee, a genealogy enthusiast from Durham, faced off against California’s Twyla Arbuckle and Wisconsin’s Bryan Babler. Arbuckle, a naval officer, and Babler, a former music venue owner, also competed for the grand prize.
Early Competition
Arbuckle kicked things off by winning the opening toss-up. Barbee quickly responded, winning the second toss-up, putting both women at $2,000 each.
Barbee’s Growing Lead
Barbee began to dominate. She solved the first full puzzle, “Snow White Chocolate,” and earned the Disney Princess wedge, which included a vacation prize. She continued her winning streak by solving back-to-back puzzles, including the Prize Puzzle, further boosting her lead.
Show hostess Vanna White in a ‘Wheel of Fortune’ episode, Photo Credit: Wheel of Fortune/Youtube
A Critical Mistake
The game took a dramatic turn during the round under the category “What Are You Doing?” Arbuckle had a chance to solve the puzzle, but made a critical error. The puzzle read “_ LLO_ING _ _ BL _ _,” and when she asked for a “B” — a letter already on the board — it cost her dearly.
“Just kidding. We already have a ‘B’,” Arbuckle admitted.
Host Ryan Seacrest reminded her of the show’s rules: “Sorry, we have to take what you called first.”
Barbee Takes Over
Arbuckle’s mistake opened the door for Barbee, who quickly solved the puzzle: “Following My Bliss.” This earned her a dream trip to the Bahamas aboard the Disney Wish cruise ship.
Final Scores
Despite her slip, Arbuckle rebounded, solving two of the Triple Toss-Ups and ending the game with $9,800. Babler solved one toss-up puzzle, leaving with $2,000. But Barbee dominated, finishing with $32,392 in cash and prizes.
The Bonus Round
In the Bonus Round, Barbee selected the category “What Are You Doing?” After receiving the standard letters (R, S, T, L, N, and E), she used her Wild Card to pick P, G, F, O, and C. The puzzle read: “P_C_ _ NG PRO_ _CE.”
Without hesitation, Barbee guessed “Picking Produce,” winning an additional $40,000.
Total Winnings
With a beaming smile, Barbee hugged host Ryan Seacrest and her husband. Her total winnings? A jaw-dropping $72,392 in cash and prizes.
