A contestant from Minnesota left both the audience and Wheel of Fortune host Ryan Seacrest in awe after she completed the Bonus Round almost instantly, taking home a staggering $65,650 in total winnings.
A Rocky Start Turns Into an Unforgettable Performance
Delinda Rood, from Rosemount, Minnesota, appeared on the November 4 episode alongside Justin Zamora from Palo Alto, California, and Shateria Smith from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Rood, who described herself as an “ambivert,” had a slow start in the game, struggling during the early toss-ups. However, she quickly found her rhythm and went on to deliver one of the fastest puzzle solves in the episode.
The game began with the first toss-up, “My Game Face,” remaining unsolved by any contestant. Rood regained momentum on the second toss-up, “Practical Joker,” buzzing in correctly and adding $2,000 to her score.
Competitors Score Notable Wins
Zamora had his moment in the spotlight as well, solving “Candy Girl You Are My World,” which earned him $12,549 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Norway.
Meanwhile, Smith — an author and entrepreneur — hit the One Million Dollar Wedge by correctly answering “Summer & Boot Camp,” adding $1,900 to her total.
Rood Takes Command
When Smith stumbled on the next puzzle, Rood seized the opportunity. She quickly solved “Spoil Yourself At The Spa” with only a few letters revealed, winning a trip to Scottsdale, Arizona, and boosting her total to $10,950.
Rood continued her dominance in the triple toss-up round, solving two of the three puzzles. Smith captured the remaining puzzle, but Rood’s momentum was unstoppable.
In the final round before the Bonus Round, Rood correctly answered “A Tough Nut To Crack,” securing her spot in the Bonus Round with a total of $20,650. Zamora concluded with $12,549, and Smith finished with $3,900.
A Bonus Round to Remember
For the Bonus Round, Rood chose the category “Around the House.” Her husband, Mark, and daughter, Molly, joined her on stage as the board revealed the letters R, S, T, L, N, and E. She selected M, V, K, and A, revealing the puzzle: ARM _ _LT.
Barely seconds into the clock, Rood confidently declared, “For my mother-in-law, Warm Quilt!”
Seacrest looked visibly stunned. “Yeah! Did you know it? Did you know it?” he asked as the audience erupted in cheers.
He then opened the prize envelope to reveal that she had won an additional $45,000, bringing her grand total to an astonishing $65,650.
A Finish Fans Will Never Forget
“You didn’t even have to think about it!” Seacrest said with a grin.
Rood smiled back proudly. “I knew it!”
Her rapid and confident solve thrilled longtime fans and proved that quick thinking, sharp instincts, and a touch of family inspiration can turn a Bonus Round into a spectacular, unforgettable victory.
