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‘Wheel of Fortune’ player cracks a bonus puzzle that left fans baffled

Blog K · May 23, 2025 · 0 Comment

Big Win for North Carolina Woman on Wheel of Fortune

Beth Barbee from Durham, North Carolina, scored a massive victory on Wheel of Fortune Monday night—all thanks to a key mistake by a competitor.

Disney Princess Week Takes Off

Barbee, a genealogy enthusiast, competed during the show’s Disney Princess Week. She faced off against Twyla Arbuckle, a naval officer from California, and Bryan Babler, a retired venue owner from Wisconsin.

Arbuckle grabbed the first toss-up. Barbee responded by winning the second, tying both women at $2,000.

Barbee Builds Momentum

Barbee quickly took control. She solved the first full puzzle—“Snow White Chocolate”—earning a vacation prize thanks to the Disney Princess wedge. Then she won back-to-back puzzles, including the Prize Puzzle, which gave her a commanding lead.

Arbuckle’s Critical Mistake

Then came the turning point. During a round under the category What Are You Doing?, the puzzle read “_ LLO_ING _ _ BL _ _.” Arbuckle guessed “B”—a letter already on the board.

“Just kidding. We already have a ‘B’,” she admitted.

Host Ryan Seacrest gently replied, “Uh huh.”

Trying to recover, she quickly guessed “Y,” but Seacrest reminded her, “Sorry, we have to take what you called first.”

“It’s fine. I messed up,” Arbuckle said.

Show hostess Vanna White in a 'Wheel of Fortune' episode, Photo Credit: Wheel of Fortune/Youtube — Show hostess Vanna White in a ‘Wheel of Fortune’ episode, Photo Credit: Wheel of Fortune/Youtube

Barbee Seizes the Opportunity

Barbee took her chance. She solved the puzzle: “Following My Bliss,” and won a dream Disney Wish cruise to the Bahamas.

Final Tallies

Despite her blunder, Arbuckle made a comeback. She solved two of the Triple Toss-Ups and ended the game with $9,800. Babler left with $2,000. But Barbee dominated with $32,392 in cash and prizes.

Bonus Round Brilliance

Barbee wasn’t finished yet. In the Bonus Round, she chose What Are You Doing? again. Using her Wild Card, she added P, G, F, O, and C to the standard letters.

The puzzle appeared as “P_C_ _ NG PRO_ _CE.”

Without hesitation, Barbee answered, “Picking Produce.”

She won another $40,000.

A Night to Remember

With a hug for Seacrest and her husband, Barbee celebrated total winnings of $72,392.