A Wheel of Fortune contestant left viewers groaning after a painful near-win. She came close to driving home a brand-new Mercedes-Benz during the Bonus Round. Instead, she missed the puzzle by inches. Still, she didn’t leave empty-handed. She secured a large cash prize and an unforgettable vacation.

The episode first aired on May 16 and re-aired on August 29. It also closed out the show’s special Bragging Rights Week, where friends compete against each other rather than strangers.

The Big Winner of the Night
Chicago native Wanda Ruff battled Joyce Underwood of Broadview and Terri Houston from North Riverside. The competition stayed tight. However, Ruff pulled ahead in the end.

She won $21,398 in cash and a dream trip to Portugal. Houston finished with $7,700. Underwood ended the night with $2,000.