“Wheel of Fortune” has always been known for its twists, surprises, and nail-biting finales. But on Monday night’s episode, fans witnessed a particularly heartbreaking moment when contestant Clint Ingalls came painfully close to driving home in a brand-new 2025 Ford Explorer—only to miss the mark in the Bonus Round with a puzzle that had viewers buzzing online.

Clint Ingalls was off to a stellar start. From the beginning of the episode, he showed sharp instincts and a quick mind, racking up over $26,000 in cash and prizes, plus a trip to Chicago. His momentum had the audience cheering, and for much of the night, it seemed like he might dominate the game from start to finish.

Of course, Wheel of Fortune is never short on competition. Ingalls’ rival, Walker, gave him a serious run for his money by pulling in $20,480 and snagging a European getaway. The tension rose even higher during the Triple Toss Up round when Walker solved the puzzle “Well-Balanced Meal” without hitting his buzzer. Host Ryan Seacrest quickly corrected him, reminding contestants and viewers alike: “You gotta use the little device.” The ruling stirred up heated discussion on social media, with fans debating whether the call was fair or overly strict.

But as dramatic as that moment was, it was the Bonus Round that stole the show—and broke hearts. Ingalls chose “Phrase” as his category, facing a puzzle that looked nearly impossible: T _ _ N _ _ _ G. After carefully selecting his letters—G, A, M, and Y—he studied the board and made his best guess: “Thank You.”

It wasn’t the right answer. The correct solution? “Think Big.”

When the board revealed what could have been, Ryan Seacrest opened the prize envelope to show what Ingalls had just missed—a brand-new Ford Explorer. The camera captured Ingalls taking the disappointment in stride, managing a laugh and even poking fun at himself by saying, “That’s what I didn’t do.” It was the kind of lighthearted reaction that endeared him to fans, but the sting of losing such a massive prize was undeniable.

Almost instantly, viewers took to social media to share their reactions. Many described the puzzle as “one of the toughest yet,” arguing that Ingalls’ guess of “Thank You” was reasonable given the letters revealed. Others pointed out that Bonus Round puzzles are designed to be especially tricky, with little room for error. Some longtime fans noted that it’s rare for the puzzle solution to use words that feel less common, and “Think Big” certainly fit that bill.

Still, what stood out was how graciously Ingalls handled the loss. Contestants often face overwhelming pressure in the Bonus Round, with just seconds to make life-changing guesses. His calm reaction highlighted the unpredictable nature of the game and why so many viewers remain hooked after decades on the air.

The episode also marked another lively outing for Ryan Seacrest, who took over hosting duties from Pat Sajak earlier this year. Fans continue to scrutinize his every move, especially rulings like the one during the Triple Toss Up round. Some praised his fairness and quick thinking, while others felt he was being too rigid with the buzzer rule. Either way, it added another layer of intensity to an already dramatic night.

For Ingalls, the episode will likely be remembered less for the prizes he lost and more for the way he won over the audience with humor and composure. Walking away with over $26,000 and a trip to Chicago is no small feat, even if the SUV slipped through his fingers. And for viewers, the Bonus Round provided yet another reminder of why Wheel of Fortune has stayed a television staple: the thrill of near-misses, the excitement of big wins, and the shared emotions that ripple through living rooms across America.

As one fan summed it up online: “That was brutal, but he handled it like a champ.”