North Carolina Teacher Makes Wheel of Fortune History

A sixth-grade teacher from North Carolina just made Wheel of Fortune history. Cory Earp became the first $100,000 winner of the show’s 43rd season. By the end of the night, he walked away with a stunning $126,450.

Earp teaches language arts in Taylorsville. Known at school for his tropical shirts every Tuesday, he traded the classroom for the game show stage—and delivered a performance viewers won’t forget.

A Strong Start Under the Bright Lights

Earp faced fellow teachers Alesha Davis of Chicago and BB Fisher of Tempe. From the start, his confidence showed.

First, he swept both Toss-Ups. That gave him an early $3,000 lead. Although a Bankrupt briefly slowed him down, he quickly rebounded. He solved “Gorgeous Gown and Golden Crown” and added $4,150 to his total.

Momentum Swings—Then Shifts Again

Next, Davis took control. The middle school math and science teacher dominated the Mystery Round. She solved “Wandering Eye of the Tiger,” winning school supplies and a trip to Mexico. Soon after, she claimed the Prize Puzzle, “Cobblestone Streets,” earning a vacation to France.

At that point, Davis led with $25,682.

However, Earp wasn’t finished.

A Big Comeback Seals the Bonus Round

Earp stormed back by sweeping all three Triple Toss-Ups. That alone earned him $10,000. He then solved the final puzzle, adding $9,500 more.

By the end of regular play, his total hit $26,450—just enough to secure a spot in the Bonus Round.

Meanwhile, Fisher’s night ended quietly. Although she didn’t win cash during play, the show awarded her the standard $1,000 consolation prize.

The Puzzle That Changed Everything

For the Bonus Round, Earp chose the category What Are You Wearing? With his mom and best friend cheering nearby, he selected B, F, K, and A.

The board revealed: FAN_ _ BLA_ER.

Without hesitation, Earp blurted out the answer.

“Fancy Blazer.”

Ryan Seacrest reacted instantly. “You got it—and you got it fast!”

A $100,000 Surprise

Then came the reveal. Inside the envelope sat the $100,000 card.

Earp froze. His jaw dropped. His total winnings soared to $126,450. He hugged his mom and best friend and shouted, “That’s crazy!”

Later, still stunned, he admitted the moment hadn’t sunk in. “I’m speechless. I probably won’t believe it until I see it air.”

Fans and Host Celebrate the Win

Seacrest praised the performance. “You’re a great player. So happy for you.”

Fans agreed. Social media lit up with reactions. “Finally! A $100K winner,” one viewer wrote. Others kept it simple: “Way to go, Cory!”

For one North Carolina teacher, a quick solve turned into a life-changing night—and a new place in Wheel of Fortune history.