Mark N.

Amazing, surreal, awesome, cool, incredible, fantastic, astounding and shocking! Those are the words that come to mind when I think of my once-in-a-lifetime experience on Wheel of Fortune, and I’m beyond grateful to have had the chance to be part of my favorite game show on television. I started watching Wheel when I was nine years old, and I've been watching for 40 years since. I feel like Pat and Vanna are family!! 

When I got the email that I was on the show, I got goosebumps. I jumped up and down, and started calling those close to me that knew I was in the running. It felt as though I’d just received the most amazing gift ever — better than Christmas morning. Solving word puzzles has always been a strength of mine, and since I’ve been watching the show for years, I opted not to practice too much. I didn’t want to over stress my mind by overthinking and over preparing. It certainly paid off for me!

If I was surprised by anything in the show, it was the weight of the wheel. The wheel is heavy! It takes a lot more strength to spin than I would have thought. It’s impossible to even try to spin and get the spot you want. I was also surprised by one of the toss-up puzzles; I knew it, but when I buzzed in, I doubted myself and opted not to say anything. Well, it was exactly what I thought it was, and I by opting to no respond, I passed up the opportunity for $2,000. The lesson? Follow your gut. Not saying anything at all cost me.

When my episode airs, I plan on having a watch party so I can share the joy of the experience with all my friends and family. I can’t wait to witness their reactions when they see how my experience turned out. The wheel has been part of my life for 40 years. I feel like I personally know Pat and Vanna. I am beyond grateful that I got to be part of this amazing show. What a gift!!!!